Meeting Of The Minds Produces Shared C.A.O.

By Todd Curran

After recently signing a Management Services Agreement with the MD of Foothills, councils of the Town of Turner Valley and Village of Longview are efficiently sharing the resources of newly appointed Chief Administration Officer Leslie Fitzgerald.

The Town of Turner Valley introduced Leslie as C.A.O. at the April 4th Committee of the Whole meeting. Leslie is taking over responsibilities for Interim C.A.O. Ray Reid, and says this isn't her first go round.

Alana Healy-Newton, Longview's C.A.O. has retired from her position and MD employee Leslie Fitzgerald will take over the job. Fitzgerald was the former C.A.O. of Longview and of Cayley before it dissolved and became a hamlet.
Fitzgerald comes over from the M.D. of Foothills as part of the shared services agreement, which provides for closer ties and joint use of resources. In addition to the C.A.O. position, MD staff will supplement existing personnel working in the towns' water and waste water systems, bylaw enforcement and planning departments to reduce costs.

“It's hectic, but this approach is going to work out fine,” Leslie says. “My goal is to spend three days per week in Turner Valley and two in Longview, but right now I'm just going where I'm most needed that day. My priorities are the towns. The staff are great and they've got dream management teams. I'm in a steep learning curve as to what's gone on, what's going on and what's coming in the near future, but I'm really enjoying it.”
Leslie's shared presence may also lead to stronger relationships between the Towns and MD for a better collective future.