- Organization: City of Winnipeg
- Posted: July 22nd, 2021
The City of Winnipeg has announced Michael Jack as its new Chief Administrative Officer (CAO), effective July 23.
“After a pause due to the multi-year balanced budget process in 2019, and the onset of a global pandemic shortly after, it has been a long and winding road to today but I’d like to thank the members of the CAO recruitment committee for their perseverance through this process,” said Mayor Brian Bowman. “Michael Jack has over 20 years of experience volunteering, serving on boards, and working at a senior level in the City of Winnipeg’s public service. He [is] well-positioned to draw upon his experience to lead our public service today and into the future.”
Over his time in city’s public service, Jack has been an integral part of the city’s efforts on reconciliation, supporting unsheltered Winnipeggers, human rights, the Illicit Drug Task Force, Downtown Public Safety Strategy, and the Rapid Housing Initiative.
The recruitment committee includes Mayor Brian Bowman, Councillor Ross Eadie (Mynarski), Councillor Sherri Rollins (Fort Rouge-East Fort Garry), and Councillor Matt Allard (St. Boniface).
“Given our diverse, highly qualified short list, consensus on the winning candidate was quite difficult. But, in the end, we decided on the candidate we believe can best carry council and Winnipeg forward into the future,” said Coun. Eadie.
“Michael Jack has been a dedicated public servant who has demonstrated his commitment to providing Winnipeg a high caliber of leadership and service,” said Coun. Rollins. “His years of experience have seen him manage countless major files facing the City. This combination of accumulated skill and passion for the city he loves makes him an excellent choice to navigate the important challenges.”
Coun. Allard agreed, adding, “I have every confidence that Michael Jack will rise to the occasion to lead the City of Winnipeg administration in the challenging times ahead. After a pan-Canadian search, Mr. Jack clearly distinguished himself as the best candidate in a unanimous decision made by the recruitment committee.”
In March of 2019, the recruitment committee was formed and tasked with recruiting, and recommending, the City of Winnipeg’s next CAO. The Executive Policy Committee is mandated by provincial legislation through The City of Winnipeg Charter to recommend appointments of statutory officers, including the CAO, to council for their consideration.
“I’d like to thank our Interim CAO, Mike Ruta, who has provided outstanding leadership through a number of challenges, including the unprecedented weather event in October 2019, the city’s first ever multi-year balanced budget process, and the global pandemic,” said Mayor Bowman. “I’d also like to thank the external consultants and all of the candidates who put their names forward for consideration.”
