Acting CAO announces retirement

Robert McAuley

Prince Edward County Acting Chief Administrative Officer Robert McAuley announced earlier this week that he will retire at the end of 2019.

“I have enjoyed my 30 years in local government. In particular, I have welcomed the opportunity over the past 10 years to serve the County and my community,” he said. “The time has come, however, for me to focus on other areas of importance in my life.”

McAuley joined the County in 2009. He oversaw The County’s Engineering, Development and Works Department for nearly 10 years before becoming the Executive Director of Infrastructure, Capital and Development Initiatives last year. In April 2019, he accepted council’s invitation to serve as the acting CAO.

“I thank Robert for his outstanding service to the Prince Edward County community, and for the many contributions he has made to it over the years,” Mayor Steve Ferguson said. “Further, speaking on behalf of council and staff, I extend best wishes to Robert, his wife Margaret, and his family during his retirement years.”

The search for a permanent CAO has been under way for several months. The CAO recruitment committee comprised of Mayor Ferguson and councillors Stewart Bailey, Janice Maynard, Brad Nieman, and Bill Roberts – with the assistance of executive search firm Feldman Daxon Partners – has identified a short list of candidates. Interviews with these individuals are to begin next week with the objective of hiring a new CAO before McAuley’s retirement.