Amherstburg's new chief administrative officer is a familiar name in Windsor-Essex municipal circles.
Amherstburg Town Council named Valerie Critchley its new CAO during an in-camera session Monday afternoon. The appointment was announced soon after during the council's regular public meeting.
Critchley, who had been working as Amherstburg's clerk and director of legislative services, is the sixth person to be named as CAO since the departure of John Miceli in August 2021, either permanent or interim.
"From the start of her employment with the Town, Valerie's experience and professionalism have gained the respect of staff and council alike," said Mayor Aldo DiCarlo in a media release. "We are fortunate to have this exceptionally talented CAO on our team and convinced Valerie will successfully lead the way during these exciting times of growth and development."
Before joining the Town of Amherstburg, Critchley had served the City of Windsor for 20 years, 13 as City Clerk, serving under Mayors Eddie Francis and Drew Dilkens. Before that, Critchley had worked as Windsor's purchasing and risk management director and its director of legal services.
Critchley holds a bachelor's degree in political science from Western University, and a law degree from the University of British Columbia. After graduating, she worked as an associate for Cook Roberts LLP in Victoria, B.C. She is currently a member in good standing of the bars in Ontario and B.C.
The appointment was made necessary after the resignation of Peter Simmons, who was hired in February.
Simmons had taken over from Interim CAO Tony Haddad. Haddad filled that spot after Director of Engineering and Public Works Antoinetta Giofo held the post for a short period after Susan Hirota. Hirota left after four weeks to take over as the Director of Legal and Clerk Services in Kingsville. Before her, John Miceli was the CAO for seven years. He left in August 2021.
---with files from Adelle Loiselle