PRESS RELEASE - TOWNSHIP OF SOUTHGATE’S NEW CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER (CAO)

It is with great honour that Mayor Brian Milne and the Township of Southgate Council announce and extend congratulatory sentiments to Jim Ellis, on his appointment of Southgate’s Chief Administrative Officer (CAO).

Jim Ellis – “I am humbled to be able to serve the community, staff and council of the Township of Southgate in this new capacity. I will continue to serve with the same enthusiasm, passion and dedication I have expended over the past twenty-four (24) years.”

Jim is a Certified Road Superintendent with Senior level designation and holds an Executive Diploma in Municipal Management. He started off as an attendant in the Transfer Station then quickly to Water Operator and his hard work saw him advancing in short order to Environmental Services Manager and then Public Works Manager. Since his assumption in the role of Interim CAO in December 2024, the Township has been diligently working on some major milestones including (but not limited to) our financial audit and FIR, finalizing the Roads Management Study, Finalizing the BMA report, the 2025 Budget and working to become compliant with Asset Management legislation. He also spearheaded two delegations at the 2025 ROMA Conference.

These milestones are either complete or well on their way with a positive path forward for other important initiatives.  Jim’s heart for this Township, leadership skills, innovation and collaborative approach have stood out in the past three months and highlights his strengths in the position of CAO.  Jim’s wealth of experience and expertise are evident in his informed decision-making and cooperative approach with Council.  Jim has demonstrated extensively his understanding of the Township’s strategic objectives along with his fiduciary capabilities in balancing the resources required to get there.

Jim Ellis has demonstrated that he is “a leader for all seasons” and definitely the person to lead the administrative team in moving the Township forward for future success.