DAN CEARNS, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, for The Standard
NORTH DURHAM/KAWARTHA: The Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority (LSRCA) has found their new Chief Administrative Officer (CAO). On Wednesday, November 18th, the local conservation authority announced they’ve appointed Rob Baldwin to take the CAO role, as of January 1st, 2021. “I’m incredibly humbled to have this opportunity to take on the role of Chief Administrative Officer,” Mr. Baldwin said, in a press release. “Over the past two decades, I’ve been proud and inspired to have played an active role in the growth and emergence of the Authority as a leading environmental agency in Ontario, with worldwide recognition. Certainly, these are challenging times, but challenges also represent opportunities, and I thank the board of directors for their confidence in me. I’m committed to working with staff and board members, to continue to protect and restore this watershed for the benefit of all its inhabitants.” Mr. Baldwin will replace Mike Walters, who is retiring at the end of this year. “Rob certainly has his work cut out for him, but I think a key success factor will be the fact he brings tremendous experience and stability, both of which are critically important during these unique and challenging times,” Mr. Walters said, in a statement. Mr. Walters has been working for the conservation authority for over 36 years, including six years as CAO. They announced his retirement at a board meeting in July. Mr. Baldwin had previously been serving as the conservation authority’s General Manager of Planning and Development and Watershed Restoration Services. “The field of competitors was of high calibre, and Rob rose to the top of the list with ease. We wish him every success in his new position, and we look forward to working with him and the entire LSRCA team in the coming years,” read a statement from LSRCA chair Wayne Emmerson.