Scugog names Ken Nix new CAO

DAN CEARNS, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, for The Standard

SCUGOG: The Township of Scugog has found their new Chief Administrative Officer (CAO). On Thursday, September 10th, Scugog council announced they’ve hired Kenneth Nix to fill the role as of Monday, October 5th. Mr. Nix previously worked for the Town of Whitby as their Commissioner of Corporate Services. “Ken had a leadership role in the development of a long term financial plan, incorporating the challenges from growth, inflation, asset management requirements and key strategic objectives to ensure the municipality remains financially sustainable in the long term. He is well known for his ability to engage and empower staff in a goal-oriented environment to achieve exceptional results,” read a Scugog township press release. The press release also explained Mr. Nix is a “seasoned executive with over 25 years of experience in a senior management capacity within municipal government.” Scugog began their search for a new CAO in late June after current CAO Paul Allore announced he would be retiring this year. “As you might imagine, the decision is bittersweet. On the one hand, there are exciting projects in the works and many opportunities on the horizon that I would thoroughly enjoy being part of, while on the other hand I am drawn by an overwhelming desire to provide more support for my family and new grandson, who fortunately live close by in Durham Region,” a letter from Mr. Allore to the Scugog community read. In a statement, Mr. Nix said he is looking forward to this opportunity in Scugog. “I am excited by the opportunity to work with Council and staff to safely deliver services to the community as we move to a ‘new normal’, and advance the strategic initiatives that prepare our community for the future,” Mr. Nix stated. Mayor Bobbie Drew was pleased with Mr. Nix’s appointment to the job. “We look forward to Ken’s leadership, along with his collaborative work ethic and belief in empowering staff. The Township continues to deal with the responsibilities of the COVID-19 pandemic [and] as well we are continuing to have a period of significant growth and development in the community,” read Mayor Drew’s statement. When he first takes the job, the Township states Mr. Nix will be focused on “reviewing COVID-19 action plans and preparing a full service recovery and contingency plan.”