The Township of Douro-Dummer is gaining a new member of its executive team with the departure of Todd Davis from his current post at the Municipality of Port Hope.
Douro-Dummer, which is located in Peterborough County, announced September 24 that Davis will be joining the township in October as its chief administrative officer (CAO).
Davis, who currently serves as director of development services for Port Hope, will start his new role in Douro-Dummer on October 21.
“We are thrilled to welcome Todd Davis to the Township of Douro-Dummer as our new chief administrative officer,” said mayor Heather Watson in a media release.
“His extensive experience in municipal administration, particularly in economic and community development, makes him a perfect fit for our community. We are confident that Todd’s expertise will help guide our township through its next phase of growth and success.”
Douro-Dummer described Davis as “a well-seasoned municipal administrator,” whose career has spanned more than 15 years of serving in leadership capacities for a lower-tier municipality (Port Hope), upper-tier municipal government (Northumberland County), and single-tier government (Prince Edward County). Davis “has a wealth of municipal sector experience, focusing most of his civic career on economic, community, and business development.”
According to the release, Davis successfully managed several high-profile projects that required organizational co-ordination and industry, community, and governmental input and oversight. “Open and transparent administration are a priority and he has experience managing council and committee expectations, operations and outcomes.”
The Municipality of Port Hope accepted Davis’ resignation from the position he has held with the municipality since January 2022. His last day of work there is October 11.
“Our municipality has greatly benefited from Todd’s leadership and dedication,” said Candice White, CAO of Port Hope, in a media release.
“His vision and expertise have driven key initiatives that will have a lasting impact on Port Hope’s development. We are committed to ensuring a smooth transition as we search for a successor who can continue the important work that Todd has initiated. I know that Todd will be an excellent addition to the Township of Douro-Dummer and wish him the very best in his next endeavour.”
Davis lives in eastern Ontario. He and his wife, Alison, have a busy family life with two children.
“I am excited to join the team in Douro-Dummer to build on the great work that has been done to date in the community and to help council realize their strategic priorities,” Davis said about the new job.
Douro-Dummer expressed its appreciation for Mike Rutter, who stepped into the role of interim CAO during the recruitment process.
Meanwhile, in Port Hope, the municipality said Davis played a “pivotal” role in overseeing several key areas within the development services department, which encompasses the economic development, tourism, planning, and transit divisions.
“The opportunity to work close to home and make a real difference in my community has been a significant highlight to my career,” Davis said. “While my tenure has been shorter than expected, I am very proud of the team here in Port Hope and confident the municipality is moving in a positive direction and expect good things in the future.”
The Municipality of Port Hope said its preparing for the recruitment process to fill the director of development services position.
“The successful candidate will be responsible for building on the progress made by (Davis), continuing to advance the municipality’s strategic objectives, and guiding the development services team in delivering excellent service to residents and businesses.”
