Mayor Ames Leslie shares a laugh with new CAO Todd Francis during Monday's council meeting. (Julia Lovett-Squires/battlefordsNOW Staff)

By Julia Lovett-Squires

New CAO

Todd Francis named as Battleford CAO

Oct 23, 2024 | 11:20 AM

The Town of Battleford welcomed a new face to the chamber earlier this week.

Todd Francis officially took over the role of chief administrative officer and said he looks forward to serving in a bigger municipality. Francis explained he served as the CAO in smaller communities in British Columbia prior to coming to the Battlefords and is ready to get to work in his new community.

“I think Battleford offers that; it gives you that flexibility, because my plan for when I retire is to stay involved in municipal government,” he said.

Originally from the Waterloo Region in Ontario, he spent much of his professional life in Oakville, ON before taking on a role in the Northwest Territories to make a change.

That move to NWT was just over three years ago after the senior administrative officer encouraged him to apply.

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“A lot of challenges but you know it was great experience to work in a small, predominantly Indigenous community,” he said.

“Typically, those Northwest Territory smaller communities, there’s a lot of challenges, a lot of social challenges that come into play, but I think it just affords you the opportunity to get involved in all levels.”

According to Mayor Ames Leslie, there’s excitement and relief in the office.

“It’s been a tough, call it, two years,” he said referring to the short tenure of the previous CAO following the firing of his predecessor.

“The staff, especially in this office here in town hall and then our management staff are looking for some continuity and Todd is committed here for the long term,” Leslie added of the five-year contract that Francis requested.

Francis said with this role, he wanted to focus on his leadership qualities – skills he picked up while he was a hockey player and later as a coach.

“I’m going to go out with the mayor, and I’ll meet with as many people as I can. One of the philosophies and my approach to work has always been team-based,” he said.

While Francis acknowledged some people see that as a cliche, he said it truly does describe his style.

“It’s a part of my day-to-day management routine.”

Meanwhile, Leslie said the new CAO brings both wisdom and maturity to the role.

“He’s bringing a level of professionalism and knowledge that I think our employees and our residents are going to embrace,” he said.

“[It will] quickly get us back up to speed on some of the shortfalls that council doesn’t have the authority to take care of in the absence of a CAO so, we’re very, very excited.”

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julia.lovettsquires@pattisonmedia.com

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