CAMA LAUNCHES “CHARTING YOUR COURSE: A LEADERSHIP TOOLKIT FOR MUNICIPAL CAOS
Practical, first-of-its-kind resource equips municipal leaders with practical tools and proven strategies to succeed at every stage of the CAO journey.
The Canadian Association of Municipal Administrators (CAMA) is proud to announce the release of Charting Your Course: A Leadership Toolkit for Municipal Chief Administrative Officers (CAOs)—a practical and comprehensive resource designed for current CAOs, those newly appointed, and aspiring leaders. This guide offers support at every stage of the CAO journey—whether stepping into the role for the first time or seeking fresh approaches to today’s challenges.
Recognizing that no two municipalities—or CAO experiences—are alike, the Toolkit provides adaptable strategies and tools to strengthen leadership, deepen political acumen, and enhance impact. It includes guidance on managing Council relationships, building high-performing teams, leading with integrity, and aligning operations with strategic goals.
Inside, CAOs will discover:
- Role clarity, governance essentials, and local government dynamics to establish a strong foundation in municipal leadership.
- Practical tools for onboarding, strategic planning, and crisis leadership. Cornerstone feature is the First 100 Days framework, providing a phased roadmap to build trust, momentum, and long-term impact.
- Guidance on professional boundaries, resilience, and political navigation for managing Council dynamics, incivility, and public scrutiny with professionalism.
- Tips for interviewing, employment contracts, and career sustainability to prepare aspiring CAOs and support seasoned leaders planning their next steps.
- Inclusive leadership approaches that support reconciliation and equity, helping municipalities foster diverse, resilient, and future-ready organizations.
“CAOs are the strategic link between Council’s vision, staff execution, and community impact,” said Brenda Orchard, CAMA President and CAO of Lennox and Addington County, ON. “This toolkit reflects the lived realities of our profession. It equips CAOs with the tools to succeed—and reminds them they never lead alone. CAMA and our municipal network are here to support them every step of the way.”
Authored by Jennifer Goodine, CAMA’s Executive Director and a 30-year municipal government professional, the Toolkit is tailored for CAOs across Canada, regardless of municipality size, and is available as a public resource for the broader municipal community.
CAMA extends its sincere thanks to the many members who contributed their time, expertise, and feedback during the review process. Their lived experiences ensured the toolkit reflects the realities of municipal leadership in communities of all sizes across Canada.
The full toolkit can be found on the CAMA website.
