Chief Administrative Officer

The position of Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) is established by bylaw, and responsibilities are outlined in Sections 207 and 208 of the Municipal Government Act.   

The Chief Administrative Officer is Council’s only employee. He/she is responsible for all aspects of administration, and is the primary communication link between Council/Councillors/Reeve and County administration/staff.  He/she is accountable to Council for implementation of policy and the effective and efficient delivery of services to residents. Council has the authority to direct the CAO only, and is to do so collectively, rather than individually

The CAO must ensure that Council is kept informed about the operation of the municipality and issues affecting it locally, provincially, and federally. It is important that the Chief Administrative Officer remain politically neutral, advise Council of pertinent and appropriate information based on the facts of the issue, and support Council’s decisions to administration, staff, ratepayers, residents, and other affected parties.

Beaver County CAO Kay Spiess holds a Business Administration (Finance) degree and certification as a local government manager. With over 12 years of experience in rural municipalities, Kay has served as a Chief Administrative Officer and led initiatives in organizational restructuring, strategic planning, intermunicipal cooperation, budgeting and financial analysis, and project management.

When she’s not working on County initiatives, Kay can often be found bringing smiles to local events dressed as Benny the Beaver!

Kay can be reached via our contact form or by calling 780-663-3730.