David Denault didn't exactly start his new job with the Town of Midland at an optimum time.
When Denault joined the municipality as its new CAO, the country was in the middle of the first wave of the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. At the time, the municipal office was closed to walk-in service, offering only by-appointment services, with many staff working remotely.
But despite the challenge, the town noted in a release that Denault "hit the ground running and has not only led Town staff through a challenging time of change, but has also stepped in and helped make an impact in our region."
During that first wave, CAOs in Simcoe Muskoka formed a partnership that resulted in weekly meetings with the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit (SMDHU) for guidance and advice on facing the challenges posed by the public health crisis.
"This partnership has not only helped ensure Simcoe Muskoka municipalities are working from the same playbook on tackling the COVID-19 pandemic, but it has also opened regular lines of communication between CAOs, greatly assisting in these efforts and other initiatives," the town noted in the release.
Last month, Denault and the team of CAOs were recognized for their efforts at the Ontario Municipal Administrators’ Association (OMAA) Awards event with a special OMAA achievement award for their commitment to this partnership and to the SMDHU in responding to the challenges the region has faced during the pandemic.
“David, along with his Simcoe Muskoka team members, was nominated by a fellow CAO colleague and recognized in front of (OMAA) members," noted OMAA president Gayle Jackson, who serves as Orillia's CAO.
"The Association considers it a real honour for one member to take the time to nominate their peers. During the time of the pandemic, CAOs have demonstrated leadership in their communities and shown through professional management how they, their staff and colleagues are able to develop innovative approaches to new challenges while sustaining municipal service delivery.”
The OMAA works to enhance good government by promoting professional management in local government and leadership for Ontario municipalities.This year awards celebrated milestones, innovation, professionalism and exemplary leadership by CAO members.
Added Midland Mayor Stewart Strathearn: "It’s been a pleasure to work with David over the past year as his experience and leadership has helped guide both staff and Council through this challenging time.
"It’s a difficult task to step in and not only lead an organization through a pandemic, but also the day-to-day operations of a municipality, primarily through virtual means. David’s management style is focussed on the power of a team effort. This award is a great example of what that can accomplish.”
