Thomas R. Webster - C.A.O

East Gwillimbury Council appointed Thomas R. Webster as the Town’s Chief Administrative Officer in 2005. Since then he has successfully led the administration and is proactive in working with Council, residents, businesses, community stakeholders, and Town employees.

Tom was instrumental in the development of East Gwillimbury’s Strategic Plan. The Plan, based on five strategic pillars, guides the vision and direction of Town programs and services.

A Corporate Organization Assessment was undertaken in 2006 to prepare the administration for growth. One of the key components was recognizing the importance of a quality workplace by establishing a dedicated Human Resources and Organizational Development Branch reporting directly to the Chief Administrative Officer.

In line with the Strategic Plan, Tom continues to lead an organization focused on excellence. With the Communication Strategy area, the CAO's office develops and implements enhanced internal/external communications and supporting strategies to ensure that all residents, employees and the Mayor and Council are apprised of initiatives and their progress. Mr. Webster also liaises regularly with the Mayor and Council regarding economic development and the retention and development of employment facilities in East Gwillimbury.

Tom has been actively involved as a positive influence in East Gwillimbury’s leading environmental initiatives. Working closely with Council and other Town departments, the CAO’s office has been an integral component of these policies, including the Town-wide Energy Star® standards, recognized by the Federation of Canadian Municipalities in 2007, and L.E.E.D. standards also recognized this year by Canada’s Clean Air Council.

Before coming to East Gwillimbury, Tom held several key management positions in York Region, and assisted in guiding York through a significant period of growth throughout the 1990’s. He was responsible for administering and obtaining Council approval of the $1.8 billion annual budget and was the lead in obtaining approval for the Region’s Human Services Strategy which involved extensive consultation with stakeholder groups. During this period he had direct responsibility for communications, strategy and emergency management.

In addition to the extensive responsibilities in leading the administration for the Town, Tom is greatly involved in community initiatives and devotes many hours each week to local sports groups through coaching and youth leadership, and is involved in assisting non-profit agencies. Tom obtained an M.B.A. from McMaster University while working full-time at the City of Etobicoke and holds a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Toronto and a Professional Land Economist designation.

Mission Statement

The Chief Administrative Officer is accountable to the Mayor and Council. In liaison with Council, the CAO provides strategic administrative leadership to the corporation and works with Council to ensure key initiatives in the Strategic Plan are implemented. With Council, the CAO represents Municipality interests with other levels of government and external agencies, including intergovernmental agencies. Ensuring that adequate reporting and updates on the organization's key initiatives are being provided to Council and various stakeholders is an integral component of the Chief Administrative Officer's mandate.