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County lands new CAO

Westlock County’s search for a new CAO is over. Following a special meeting on Wednesday, Aug. 31, council announced the hiring of Leo Ludwig as the municipality’s newest CAO — the county’s sixth in the past three years.
Leo Ludwig, formerly with Vulcan County, will become Westlock County’s next CAO on Sept. 19.
Leo Ludwig, formerly with Vulcan County, will become Westlock County’s next CAO on Sept. 19.

Westlock County’s search for a new CAO is over.

Following a special meeting on Wednesday, Aug. 31, council announced the hiring of Leo Ludwig as the municipality’s newest CAO — the county’s sixth in the past three years.

Ludwig, who was terminated without cause from his last job as Vulcan County CAO in July, starts with the county Sept. 19.

Reeve Don Savage said that council is confident they’ve found the right man.

“It was the choice of all of county council, we’re all in agreement. That’s our choice and we’re going to move ahead,” Savage said.

“Nobody knows, we won’t know until we have a few months with Leo, but I’m sure he’ll work out fine.”

When asked about his July 19 termination from Vulcan County, Ludwig didn’t specifically comment, but said it’s the nature of the business.

“It’s one of those things that happens in our industry. It’s becoming more commonplace, unfortunately,” he said.

“It’s a reality we have to live with.”

Ludwig takes over from interim CAO Pat Vincent, who was appointed in mid-July to bridge the gap after CAO Duane Coleman left for Leduc County in June after three months on the job.

Savage explained council is relieved to have the search over.

“Hopefully it’s lasting. We can’t read into the future, but we’re hoping that it’s lasting,” Savage said.

Ludwig said he’s pleased to join the county.

“I really enjoy working in rural Alberta and Westlock is a great area, lots of opportunity and challenges as well and challenges are always good things to keep you on your game,” Ludwig said.

The new CAO said he’s aware of the past issues with the county and the potential Municipal Affairs inquiry, but said it didn’t deter him from applying.

“It was prompted by circumstances that occurred, obviously, before my involvement,” he said.

“Whatever comes out of that review, I’m not too worried about it.”

As of Sept. 2, details of Ludwig’s contract were not yet available.

Vincent says that with more than 23 years experience as CAO, and many of which in rural municipalities, Ludwig will be a good fit.

“He’s got a number of years experience with a rural municipality, that was one of the priorities council had,” Vincent said.

“He certainly is familiar and has that background and will be able to come in here and hit the ground running.

“I’m optimistic and hopeful that he’s going to be able to established himself quickly to lead the organization make sure council’s top priorities are being satisfied.”

Ludwig most recently served as CAO of Vulcan County for over five years, but was fired without cause July 19.

Previous to that, Ludwig spent five years as CAO of the Town of Coaldale and his contract with that municipality was also terminated, the Sunny South News reported.

As for what he brings to the table, Vincent said leadership and communication skills.

“Certainly he’ll be empowering the staff to do the jobs that they need to get done to provide the level of service that county residents would expect, and that council provides the resources to make sure they’re provided,” he said.

Council used the headhunting firm James R Craven and Associates, the same firm used to hire former CAO Peter Kelly and Coleman.

Vincent said the received 57 applications which were shortlisted down to four “strong candidates” before narrowing it down to two.

“It’s a positive sign that there was interest,” Vincent said.

Ludwig becomes the sixth CAO to serve the current council, which took office in October 2013.

CAO Ed LeBlanc resigned after 29 years with the county in April 2014, while Rick McDonald took over as interim manager until Peter Kelly was hired in September 2014. He was followed by Coleman, whose three-month tenure ended in June 2016.

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