Tuesday, January 24, 2012
Chatham-Kent Council is pleased to announce the appointment of Don Shropshire as the Municipality of Chatham-Kent’s new Chief Administrative Officer (CAO). Shropshire has served with the Municipality of Chatham-Kent as the General Manager of Community Development since July 2009. In this capacity, he has provided leadership to Economic Development; Planning Services; Building, Enforcement and Licensing; Community Services; Youth Retention and Immigration; and the Chatham-Kent Public Library. In addition to his professional work, Shropshire is a member of the Chatham Rotary, and volunteers for the YMCA and the Canadian Red Cross. “Don Shropshire’s appointment reflects Council’s strong commitment to the economic development programs initiated over the past three years,” said Chatham-Kent Mayor Randy Hope. “Don will continue to strengthen programs and initiatives that engage citizens, businesses, community groups and volunteers in building a more economically vibrant CK that can compete in the global marketplace. We will become the fastest growing, sustainable community in southwestern Ontario.” “The municipality is focusing on economic development that results in new jobs,” said Shropshire. “We need to support our local businesses as they compete in the marketplace. Economic prosperity will provide the resources that will allow us to reinvest in our community. That in turn will provide a quality of life that encourages our youth to remain in CK and attracts new immigrants. Our municipal employees are committed to providing efficient and effective services that contribute to making Chatham-Kent an attractive place to live and work. We will be focusing in on the best ways to achieve that goal.” Shropshire points out that Chatham-Kent already has much to offer, including great real estate values, safe neighbourhoods, a world class shoreline, and lively cultural attractions. CK has recently added Ontario’s newest YMCA, Healthplex and movie theatre, a renovated Capital Theatre, a revitalized downtown core in Tilbury and Ridgetown, and the John D. Bradley Convention Centre in Chatham. Shropshire’s previous work experience includes more than 30 years in senior management positions with the Canadian Red Cross, Toronto YMCA and the City of Vaughan. His education includes an MBA from the University of Ottawa and an Honours Bachelor of Physical and Health Education from the University of Toronto. Council has extended sincere thanks to Ray Payne, former President and CEO of CK Energy, who served as the municipality’s Interim CAO over the past five months. Payne demonstrated his commitment to our community by coming out of retirement to provide strong leadership to administration while Council completed the recruitment for a new CAO.