Howick Township names Caitlin Gillis first Chief Administrative Officer (CAO).

GORRIE, ON (January 23, 2025) - Caitlin Gillis has been named the Township of Howick's first Chief Administrative Officer (CAO).

In 2024, the Township of Howick underwent an organizational review that recommended transitioning to a staff CAO management structure. Howick Council previously fulfilled the role of CAO. Gillis assumed the responsibilities of Chief Administrative Officer/Clerk on December 17, 2024.

"On behalf of Township Council, I am very pleased to congratulate Caitlin Gillis on her appointment as Howick's first Chief Administrative Officer," said Reeve Doug Harding. ""Her positive leadership style, team building skills and wealth of experience in municipal government are positive benefits to the organization and our community. Council members are confident in her abilities as she takes on this new role and leads the township forward."

Caitlin has over 12 years of experience working in local government and has held a variety of leadership and administrative roles in local governments across Southwestern Ontario. She holds a Diploma in Municipal Administration and a Bachelor's Degree in Political Science.

Caitlin had been the Clerk-Administrator with Howick Township since November 2022. Since joining Howick, Gillis has played an important role in the development of Howick Township's 2024-2027 Strategic Action Plan, fostering a culture of transparency and engagement amongst staff and council and various policy development initiatives.

Gillis is enjoying settling into her new role.

"From the outside, things won't look much different at the Township Office from my time spent as Clerk-Administrator, but internally, by transitioning to a staff Chief Administrative Officer management structure, Howick Township will establish a strong foundation for long-term organizational effectiveness, continuous improvement and enhanced efficiency," Gillis said. "We have worked hard to build our current team of dedicated, innovative and hardworking staff here at Howick Township. I look forward to continuing to work closely with council, township staff and the community to enhance our services and support Howick's progress now and into the future."

MEDIA CONTACT:  Doug Harding, Reeve
Email: dharding@howick.ca 
www.howick.ca