The City of Pickering yesterday announced that Marisa Carpino, Chief Administrative Officer (CAO), has been named by Municipal World as its inaugural CAO of the Year.
It said this national award recognizes Marisa’s exemplary leadership, innovation, and unwavering commitment to building a vibrant, inclusive, connected, and sustainable city.
Since 1891, Municipal World has been one of the leading voices in the Canadian municipal landscape, providing broad and diverse governmental and business insights, and recognizing excellence in the sector. Municipal World’s inaugural CAO of the Year award celebrates the municipal leader who inspires confidence, promotes collaboration, and leaves an indelible mark on their respective community. Marisa’s exceptional contributions make her a deserving recipient of this first-ever Canada-wide honour. The Municipal World story can be viewed on their website.
Since joining the City of Pickering in 1995, Marisa has steadily risen through the management ranks, earning recognition for her exceptional work ethic, integrity, and strategic mindset. In 2021, she was appointed CAO, becoming the first woman to hold this position. Her tenure has been marked by visionary leadership, driving transformative initiatives, and fostering collaboration among municipal staff, residents, and stakeholders, said a city statement.
Recent achievements include securing $5.2 million from Ontario’s Building Faster Fund for exceeding provincial housing targets, and Pickering being named one of the Most Livable Cities in Canada by The Globe and Mail. Further, the $44.7 million Pickering Heritage & Community Centre is currently under construction, and plans are underway for the Seaton Recreation Complex & Library, which represents the largest capital project in the city’s history.
“We are thrilled, though not at all surprised, that Marisa Carpino has been recognized as CAO of the Year – a tremendous honour that underscores her outstanding leadership and strategic vision. Her contributions have been pivotal in helping to shape Pickering’s transformation into a more vibrant, innovative, and livable community; and this recognition as the top CAO in Canada reaffirms the extraordinary impact of her work on our city’s bright and prosperous future,” said Pickering Mayor Kevin Ashe.
Ajax CAO wins Western University’s Award of Excellence
Ajax Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) Shane Baker has been recognized with the “Award of Excellence” from Western University’s Local Government Program Alumni Society.
This award recognizes individuals who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, innovation and dedication to public service excellence.
Shane was recognized for the following notable leadership achievements and qualities:
- Three decades of respected municipal leadership, driving transformational change across many organizations and departments.
- Advocating for innovation, flexibility and continuous improvement in municipal operations.
- Forging partnerships with other levels of government, higher education institutions and community organizations to advance strategic goals.
- Overseeing the development and implementation of key organizational plans and strategies to create clear roadmaps for areas including Information Technology, Fire, Recreation, Arts & Culture, GIS and Data, Fleet, Corporate Security and more.
- Developing new non-tax revenue streams, such as annual user fee indexing and stormwater fees.
- Championing a comprehensive corporate compensation review, improving talent retention and Ajax’s competitive edge.
- Promoting professional development, supporting staff in pursuing higher education and career growth.
“This year’s nominations were highly competitive, which makes this achievement for Shane even more significant. Shane continues to motivate his staff to rise to challenges and exceed expectations in all that they do, while supporting their learnings and growth along the way. With over 25 years of respected municipal leadership experience, I am honoured to have worked alongside you through my time on council and thank you for your ongoing support and dedication to all that we do. Please join me in congratulating Shane on this well-deserved accomplishment,” said Ajax Mayor Shaun Collier.
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