NOTL still looking for CAO replacement

It seems the Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake still has plenty of work to do when it comes to hiring a new, full-time head staffer. 

A committee was formed in March to lead the process in select a new chief administrative officer, and Toronto-based Phelps Group was retained as headhunting firm.

The committee has met seven times since forming. 

Last week, council went into closed session to discuss the matter but no details were shared about what occurred when councillors returned to open session. 

But the town has issued a news release providing an update; that the position continues to be vacant. 

Late last year, Marnie Cluckie departed to take a top position with the City of Hamilton. NOTL resident Bruce Zvaniga, a former staffer at Niagara Region and the City of Toronto, was recruited to fill in on an interim basis, starting in January.

The town said in its news release that following a national search to fill the position, council has “not yet identified a suitable candidate,” and that given the “highly competitive market,” the town remains committed to finding a qualified individual to serve as the next CAO. 

"The role of CAO is critical to supporting our vision and strategic objectives," said Lord Mayor Gary Zalepa in the town’s release. "While the search continues, we are determined to secure the right candidate who can lead our organization effectively and contribute to the ongoing success of Niagara-on-the-Lake." 

Town council extends its appreciation to the community for their support and patience as the search continues, he said, and “remains committed to selecting a candidate who embodies the values and vision of Niagara-on-the-Lake.”

The town also appreciates the continued dedication of Interim CAO Bruce Zvaniga, who has agreed to remain in his acting role until a permanent CAO is appointed, the news release said. He has publicly stated that he is not interested in taking the role permanently. 

“This continuity ensures that town operations will continue smoothly during the recruitment process,” the town said in its statement. 

Town spokesperson Marah Minor said in an email the recruitment committee has been working closely with the Phelps Group to consider candidates for the role. 

To date, the town “has considered many applicants but has not found a suitable candidate that fulfills the selection criteria.”

“There have been and continue to be many municipalities recruiting for similar positions,” she added, when asked for further details about the delay in finding a replacement.