Region of Queens Municipality Hires New Chief Administrative Officer

May 6, 2025; Liverpool, NS: Region of Queens Municipality’s Council has hired a new Chief Administrative Officer (CAO). At the Special Council meeting held on Tuesday, May 6, 2025, Council unanimously approved the appointment of Willa Thorpe as its new CAO, effective June 16, 2025.

“Willa rose to the top of a highly competitive field of candidates due to her specialized expertise in leading a high functioning organization. She is well equipped to be our CAO, with progressive accumulated experience as a leader in various organizations, and in the volunteer and public sectors, much of which is in Municipal government,” said Scott Christian, Mayor of the Region of Queens Municipality. “The obvious next step in her career is to be a CAO; our Council is confident Willa is the staff leader we need to guide the Municipality to be a progressive community that Council, staff, and the whole community can be proud of. She will support our organization to provide the level of service to our residents that they deserve.”

Highlights of Thorpe’s related experience include 20 years of senior leadership experience, over 10 of those years in local government, most recently as the Director of Parks, Recreation and Culture at the City of Port Alberni, BC. She has a PhD in Industrial/Organizational Psychology, as well as a Masters in Leadership, a Bachelor of Kinesiology and Health Studies degree, and a Board Certified Coach designation. 

“I’m thrilled to be joining the Region of Queens Municipality and can’t wait to get started working alongside staff and Council to progress the municipality’s strategic goals and objectives,” said Thorpe. “As a long-time resident of small waterfront cities, I’m excited to settle into Queens County and immerse myself in the community.”

Mayor Christian and Region of Queens Municipality’s Council members are excited to welcome their new CAO, with Christian saying that, “Willa demonstrated throughout the selection process that she will not only be a strong leader for the staff, and a valuable support for Council, but she is also committed to being “in” the community by getting involved, engaged, and living here in Queens.  Willa is an active volunteer, a coach, an engaged community member, and values giving back to her community.  Council is proud to have her join Region of Queens Municipality.”

Since January 2025, the CAO position has been held by Interim CAO Dan MacDougall, who was contracted to assist Region of Queens Municipality’s Council with the operations of the municipality as well as to assist in the search for a new CAO.  

“While we are excited to have Willa joining the team, I would be remiss to not take this opportunity to also note Council’s gratitude to Interim CAO Dan McDougall.  Dan’s experience, breadth of municipal knowledge and strong leadership skills have moved Council’s goals forward, he has been a positive support for municipal staff over the past few months.  The best interests of the Municipality and our residents have been his priority. Thank you, Dan,” said Mayor Christian.

Thorpe will serve as Region of Queens Municipality’s sixth permanent CAO since amalgamation 29 years ago.