The Municipality of Chatham-Kent has appointed Dave Taylor, Director of Legal Services, as the Municipality’s first Deputy Chief Administrative Officer.
Taylor will be assuming this role in the coming months to allow for a transition of work in his current portfolio, Municipal officials said on Tuesday, April 8, 2025.
“I am thrilled to continue my journey serving our amazing community in this new capacity,” Taylor said, in a press release.
“Throughout my career, I have been inspired by the passion and commitment of our Mayor, Council, and community groups to make Chatham-Kent a great place to live, work, and visit. I am committed to using my new role to continue the Municipality’s goal of delivering quality services and improving Chatham-Kent for all of our citizens.”
Municipal officials say the decision was made following a rigorous recruitment process, including a thorough pre-screening process and interviews with a panel made up of Mayor Darrin Canniff, Jim Hogan – President & CEO of Entegrus, Ben Addley – CAO of Oxford County, Peter Neufeld – CAO of Leamington, Michael Duben – CAO of Chatham-Kent, and Cathy Hoffman – General Manager of Corporate Services and Chief Human Resources Officer.
Taylor brings a wealth of knowledge to the role, Municipal officials added.
He has worked in the municipal field for 15 years and has worked for Chatham-Kent since 2012.
He holds a Bachelor of Social Sciences degree from the University of Ottawa, a Law degree and Master’s degree in Public Administration from Western University as well a certificate in Long Term Care Leadership.
Taylor is also an Instructor of Municipal Law in the Local Government Program at Western University.
The role of Deputy CAO will focus on a portfolio overseeing several divisions of the Municipality, but is also tasked with advancing the Municipality’s advocacy efforts with senior levels of government, Municipal officials say.
This advocacy work is vital to ensuring that the unique challenges and opportunities faced in Chatham-Kent are fully communicated to the Provincial and Federal government, particularly in areas that focus on ensuring ongoing financial sustainability of the Municipality.
The creation of this role follows the retirement of Cathy Hoffman, General Manager of Corporate Services, whose responsibilities will be redistributed throughout the portfolios of the Deputy CAO and other members of the executive management team.
Advocacy on behalf of the Municipality is already something Taylor is experienced in, Municipal officials added, as he led parts of the efforts to advocate with the Province for the community of Wheatley following the 2021 explosion, as well as leading advocacy efforts on behalf of the agricultural community in relation to railway drainage issues throughout Chatham-Kent.
Taylor has also engaged in extensive community volunteerism throughout the last 13 years, including his current seat on the Board for the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance, and former seats on the Boards for the Chatham-Kent Community Foundation, Restorative Justice Chatham-Kent, and the Chatham-Kent Women’s Centre.
