Arran-Elderslie’s top municipal staff member, Chief Administrative Officer Sylvia Kirkwood is retiring.
After 30 years of municipal service and three years with Arran-Elderslie, Kirkwood announced this week she will be retiring from her role July 31st, 2024.
A release from the municipality, which includes the villages of Chesley, Tara and Paisley says, the past thirty years of municipal service have included a long tenure in land use planning where Kirkwood worked for the City of Mississauga for 12 years, the Town of Caledon for ten years and the City of Guelph for five years.
Before coming to Arran-Elderslie, She held the position of Chief Planner & Director of Planning Services for Caledon.
The release says, “Over the past three years, Arran-Elderslie was fortunate to have her at the helm in the role of CAO, ensuring the successful development of the Municipality’s first Strategic Plan, supporting economic development initiatives such as the creation of community branding for Tara and Chesley, and new Community Improvement Plan policies. She successfully recruited the first fire chief, established a consolidated fire department, Arran-Elderslie Emergency Services, while ensuring a balanced budget and overseeing all municipal functions and services.”
Mayor Steve Hammell says in a statement, “On behalf of Arran-Elderslie Council, I would like to thank Sylvia for her contribution to the community. Under her exceptional leadership, the Municipality has completed several outstanding projects that prioritize public engagement, community growth and modernization. She has been a strong advocate for the community through various opportunities and challenges. Her extensive knowledge, professionalism and dedication will be greatly missed.”
Kirkwood is planning to finish her Master’s Degree at Western University, enjoy farm life, and spend more time with family.
Arran-Elderslie has yet to announce its plans for hiring a new CAO.