Halifax Regional Council has appointed a new acting Chief Administrative Officer for HRM.
Brad Anguish will start September 8.
In a release from the city Wednesday morning, Mayor Andy Fillmore says we are at a pivotal point for the future of the municipality.
“Mr. Anguish’s long history of public service, including at the executive level of many of our operational business units will ensure the delivery of many major projects and initiatives under his leadership,” says Fillmore.
Anguish led several major projects for the city such as the Harbour Clean Up and Cogswell District project.
“I want to thank Mayor Fillmore and Regional Council for this opportunity,” says Anguish. “I’m looking forward to working together with council and senior leadership to advance our priorities and deliver excellent municipal services for our residents.”
He is certified as a Professional Engineer with a Diploma in Engineering Sciences from CEGEP St-Jean, PQ, a Bachelor of Engineering from the Royal Military College of Canada and a Master of Business Administration from St. Mary’s University.
During the transition period, Anguish will become CAO, while delegating duties to former CAO, Cathie O’Toole.
O’Toole announced her retirement in July after over 25 years in public service; she has served as CAO since January 2023.
Her last day with the city will be Friday, October 17.
The process for a permanent replacement will not begin until there is more clarity from the province on “possible legislative changes” that will affect the role.
There has been recent chatter over the possibility of the province appointing strong mayor powers to Mayor Fillmore.
The CAO oversees a municipal budget of over $1 billion and a team of about 5,000 employees.
