Elana Arthurs will take the reins as Brighton's new CAO effective April 8, 2024.
The Municipality of Brighton will welcome a new veteran CAO with more than 15 years of municipal experience this April.
Elana Arthurs will take the reins from outgoing CAO Bob Casselman effective April 8, the Municipality of Brighton announced Wednesday, Feb. 28, as staff confirmed recruitment efforts had wrapped.
“We’re very excited to have (this) kind of leadership here in Brighton,” said Mayor Brian Ostrander, of Arthurs’ appointment.
Arthurs should be a natural fit for the community and has a wealth of experience and expertise to share with Brighton, explained Ostrander.
Arthurs’ most recent experience includes serving in the top post as CAO in the Township of Douro-Dummer the last three years. She also holds certified municipal officer (CMO) and accredited Ontario municipal clerk (AOMC) designations and is a recognized leader with the Association of Municipal Managers, Clerks and Treasurers of Ontario (AMCTO), noted the municipality, in its announcement on Arthurs’ recruitment.
Arthurs is also completing her final year on the board of directors in the role of immediate past president, noted officials.
With her exemplary leadership skills, wealth of knowledge in change management and strategic initiative implementation, Arthurs has a proven ability to develop a strong corporate culture and lead productive, dedicated teams, added the municipality.
For Arthurs, she’s looking forward to her new post saying she’s deeply honoured and excited to have been selected as the community’s new CAO.
“I am committed to working collaboratively with council, staff and residents to promote transparency and enhance service delivery,” said Arthurs, in a recent release. “I look forward to serving this vibrant community with integrity, dedication and enthusiasm to address current challenges, seize new opportunities and ensure the continued prosperity of Brighton.”
“Thank you for entrusting me with this responsibility as together we strategically shape this community towards sustainable growth (and) innovation, ensuring everyone is involved and valued.”
Casselman will stay on as CAO until April 5 – he was set to retire at the end of February.
Brighton is grateful Casselman has agreed to stay on through to April to help ensure good continuity of leadership and a seamless transition, said Ostrander. The community is also incredibly fortunate and thankful for the outgoing CAO’s work the last five years here, added Ostrander.
And Brighton’s leadership team is in solid shape thanks to Casselman, added Ostrander.
Ostrander described Arthurs as an ideal candidate to lead the municipality forward and help tackle current challenges.
“I am confident that her strategic vision and collaborative approach will be invaluable assets to Brighton. I look forward to working with CAO Arthurs as we navigate the opportunities and challenges facing our community.
“I am certain that under her leadership, Brighton will continue to thrive as a vibrant and prosperous place to live and work.”
(Written by: Sarah Hyatt)
