BARRHEAD - The Town of Barrhead is looking for a new chief administrative officer (CAO).
Councillors approved two resolutions following an in-camera session during the April 22 council meeting.
The first resolution was to extend LeBlanc's contract, which expires in mid-May until they find his replacement and the new CAO is in a position to take up their new duties, while the second resolution was that the municipality engage the services of James Davies of DCG Executive Search Services to assist the municipality in finding a new CAO.
Following the meeting, LeBlanc said his departure was because he was planning to retire.
In a separate interview, mayor Dave McKenzie said council would be sad to see LeBlanc leave.
"Ed's done an exceptional job for us," he said.
When asked when council knew that LeBlanc was considering potential retirement, McKenzie said they were aware of when his contract would be ending. So, I and council have had some conversations about that in the last few weeks to confirm his thoughts and whether he would like to continue in the role, but he said he was looking to retire.
"From council's perspective, it is always better to look for a new CAO because of retirement than a resignation or a dismissal," he said. Thanks to [LeBlanc] deciding to stay in place until his replacement is found, we have time to find a replacement to make sure we find the right person and fit for our organization."
LeBlanc came to Barrhead in May 2019, replacing Martin Taylor, who left the role after seven and a half years to take the CAO position for the Town of Hinton.
Before coming to Barrhead, LeBlanc was the CAO of Westlock County, a position he held for 29 years.
Barry Kerton, TownandCountryToday.com
