Image: Discover Halifax

HRM has a new Chief Administrative Officer. Cathie O’Toole will take the role with more than three decades of leadership and public sector experience.

The was the Director of Corporate Service/CFO for the water utility from 2011-2019. However, prior to joining Halifax Water, she worked with the Halifax Regional Municipality for 10 years in a variety of roles including Director of Finance/CFO and Director of Infrastructure and Asset Management.

She holds a Master of Business Administration from Laurentian University and a Bachelor of Arts from Dalhousie University. Ms. O’Toole is also a Chartered Professional Accountant and has been recognized as a Fellow of the Chartered Professional Accountants (FCPA) of Nova Scotia.

“This is the right time and the right place for Cathie’s inspiring, collaborative leadership,” says Mayor Mike Savage. “Her dedication to public service, as well as a proven track record of effective financial and operational management and delivering results, will be invaluable to our amazing staff as we continue to embrace the many opportunities and challenges of our fast-growing municipality.”

“I want to thank Mayor Savage and the selection committee for the opportunity to take on this new challenge,” says Cathie O’Toole. “It’s a true privilege to work with the extraordinary team of dedicated professionals at the municipality. I look forward to building upon the progress that’s been achieved and collaborating with colleagues and partners in the shared commitment to provide exceptional service to all our residents.”

As CAO, O’Toole will oversee a Municiple budget of over $1 billion and a team of around 5,000 employees.

With a start date of January, 1 2023, her first day in office will be January 3, 2023.