On Thursday, November 21, 2024, Municipality of Port Hope Council announced that Tonia Bennett has been appointed Interim Chief Administrative Officer (CAO). Ms. Bennett will serve as Interim CAO throughout the recruitment process to fill the permanent position, which is now underway and is expected to be finalized by Spring 2025.
“I am pleased that Tonia has accepted the position of Interim CAO and look forward to getting to know and working with her in this leadership role,” states Mayor Olena Hankivsky. “Tonia’s breadth of municipal experience and previous CAO experience will serve our community well during this transition period.”
Ms. Bennett most recently served as CAO for the Municipality of Marmora and Lake, located in Hastings County.
Reporting directly to Council, the Chief Administrative Officer is the most senior member of staff for the Municipality of Port Hope and works to implement Council’s direction and all organizational and operational services for the Municipality.
To facilitate a smooth transition during the permanent CAO recruitment process, Ms. Bennett will serve as Interim CAO, effective November 25, and she will be formally appointed by Council through a by-law presented at the November 26 regular Council Meeting. Further information about the CAO recruitment process will continue to be shared with the community as it is available.