Newmarket appoints new CAO who will help make town 'even better'       

The town's community services commissioner, Ian McDougall, will take over vacant position in wake of current CAO's resignation

Newmarkettoday.ca
July 19, 2021
Joseph Quigley

The Town of Newmarket has found the person it will entrust to help lead the municipality into the future.

The municipality announced July 16 that current community services commissioner Ian McDougall will take over the role of chief administrative officer as of July 19. The move comes as current CAO Jag Sharma takes on a position as CEO of the Toronto Community Housing Corporation, announced June 23.

Mayor John Taylor said he has worked closely with McDougall over the years, and he is an “exceptional leader.”

“McDougall’s previous experience leading our community services commission, and many key corporate initiatives, combined with his passion for public service and continued commitment to our community, make him a great fit to help the town plan for a future that will continue to make Newmarket even better,” Taylor said in a news release.

McDougall has worked at the town since 2003 in various roles, including recreation and culture director. The municipality highlighted several of his recent accomplishments, including leading a staff team to develop council’s strategic priorities, the town’s economic development strategy, a service delivery review, and first cultural master plan.

“For the past 17 years, I’ve been fortunate to have the opportunity to work with extraordinary council members, senior management, and our incredible staff to bring innovative and creative strategies to life that have made Newmarket a community like no other,” McDougall said in a news release. “One of my first priorities is to support council’s goal in helping Newmarket get back to business as we work toward economic recovery.”

The Newmarket Chamber of Commerce welcomed the news.

"Ian has always been a strong leader and collaborator for our community," the organization said on social media.

Before working for the town, he worked for 11 years in senior roles at Special Olympics Ontario, the Ontario Sport Alliance and the successful Pan American Games Bid Committee.
The municipality said recruitment for a new commissioner of community services will begin shortly.

“I look forward to the future, and I am excited and honoured to be able to continue to lead Newmarket with staff and council,” McDougall said.