Adam Goheen appointed as County’s interim CAO

Adam Goheen

Council has appointed Adam Goheen as interim chief administrative officer (CAO) effective immediately, and following the announcement on April 17 that an agreement was reached for Marcia Wallace to end her contract.

Wallace resigned from the County of Prince Edward, effective April 30 after more than five years. The CAO role is the highest administrative position within the municipal structure and provides administrative oversight to the corporation.

“I have strong confidence that as interim CAO, Adam Goheen will oversee our organization with great dedication and will provide excellent leadership to County staff as we navigate through this transition period,” said Mayor Steve Ferguson. “Mr. Goheen’s knowledge and experience of Prince Edward County will be invaluable in ensuring the organization continues to effectively serve the community.”

Goheen joined the municipality in July 2020 as the Director of Operational Services, overseeing various municipal services including road maintenance, environmental sustainability initiatives, solid waste services, and winter control. In January 2024, he was appointed to the position of Director of Housing.

Council will undertake, in the coming weeks, an extensive search for a permanent CAO.

Mayor Ferguson has delegated to County council the power to appoint or dismiss the Chief Administrative Officer in accordance with section 284.13 (1) of the Municipal Act.

The Government of Ontario expanded strong mayor powers to 169 additional municipalities, including the County of Prince Edward, as of May 1. The provincial government has stated that the purpose of extending these powers is to help these municipalities deliver on provincial priorities, such as building more homes, transit, and other infrastructure across Ontario.