EDWARDSBURGH CARDINAL – Today, the Township of Edwardsburgh Cardinal announced that current Treasurer, Sean Nicholson, will transition into the role of Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) by July 1, 2024.

The announcement comes as the municipality prepares for the retirement of several key staff members, including Dave Grant, current CAO. Grant has been with the municipality for more than 30 years.

As part of the municipality’s succession planning, Nicholson will transition slowly into the CAO role. He will become Deputy CAO/Treasurer on March 31, and Grant will transition into the role of CAO/Director of Operations. Current Director of Operations, Gord Shaw, retires late next month.

Once the 2024 Budget process and the Township’s year-end financials are complete, Nicholson will officially become the CAO in July. Grant will provide mentorship to Nicholson as he steps into a Deputy CAO/Director of Operations role until his retirement date, likely in 2026.

“Council has the utmost respect for Dave, who brought this proposed CAO succession plan to Council. He recognizes that Sean is the right person for the job, at the right time for our Township,” said Township Mayor Tory Deschamps. “It is rare for a small municipality to attract someone with Sean’s skills and expertise in finance, commodities and leadership. We are confident his fresh perspective will make Edwardsburgh Cardinal a leading municipality and ensure we remain financially strong for the long term.”

Nicholson has been the Treasurer at the Township of Edwardsburgh Cardinal since late 2022. He holds an Executive Master of Business Administration from the Smith School of Business at Queen’s University and brings experience from the private sector in oil and gas where he held senior leadership positions since 2002. Dave Grant has been Edwardsburgh Cardinal’s CAO since 2019. He previously held the role of Director of Operations for the Township from 2013 to 2019.

“Sean has the leadership skills we need. He quickly built trust with Council and across the organization. He has vision and will be an asset to the Township for many years to come,” said Grant. “I’ve had a successful municipal career because of the mentorship of many leaders I had the opportunity to work with. I’m honoured that I now have the opportunity to pay it forward and mentor Sean as he takes this next step in his career,”

In addition to today’s announcement, the Township is embarking on a fulsome succession planning review to ensure they continue to have the right people in the right roles to meet the needs of the community and prepare for the future.

Media contact:

Mayor Tory Deschamps
Township of Edwardsburgh Cardinal
mayor@twpec.ca
613.803.2505