Calgary: Calgary is entering a planned leadership transition as City Council prepares to recruit a new Chief Administrative Officer (CAO), marking a significant shift in the city’s senior administration.
CAO David Duckworth to step down
Current CAO David Duckworth will leave his role on December 1, 2026, following a mutual agreement with City Council. If a successor is appointed earlier, Duckworth will remain in an advisory role to ensure a smooth transition.
Mayor Jeromy Farkas acknowledged Duckworth’s contributions, noting his leadership during a period of significant operational change and growth.
COO retirement adds to transition
Chief Operating Officer Stuart Dalgleish has also announced his retirement, with his final day set for June 12, 2026. Dalgleish’s departure concludes a nearly four-decade career in public service with the city.
City officials say both transitions are part of a structured and forward-looking leadership plan.
City prepares for next phase of growth
The leadership changes come as Calgary approaches a population milestone of two million residents and enters a new Council term. Officials say aligning leadership with future priorities is critical as the city continues to expand and manage complex infrastructure and service demands.
Key focus areas include:
- Managing rapid population growth
- Delivering major infrastructure projects
- Maintaining high-quality public services
- Addressing evolving operational challenges
Recruitment process underway
The City will conduct a comprehensive search for its next CAO, focusing on candidates with experience in:
- Large-scale municipal leadership
- Infrastructure delivery
- Organizational performance and governance
Officials confirmed that a clear interim leadership structure is already in place to ensure continuity of services during the transition period.
No disruption to city services
City leaders emphasized that day-to-day operations and public services will continue without interruption. The transition is being managed to maintain stability while positioning the organization for long-term
Courtesy: The City of Calgary Newsroom
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