Retirement of CAO and Leadership Transition Plan

Town of Bradford West Gwillimbury Announces Retirement of Chief Administrative Officer and Leadership Transition Plan

The Town of Bradford West Gwillimbury is announcing the upcoming retirement of Geoff McKnight, Chief Administrative Officer (CAO), following more than 21 years of dedicated service. Mr. McKnight’s final day with the Town will be April 24, 2026, with a leadership transition plan taking effect on April 1 to ensure operational continuity.

Mr. McKnight began his career with the Town in July 2004 as Director of Planning and Development. In this role, he helped guide the Town through significant growth, shaping long-term planning strategies and supporting sustainable community development.

In January 2015, Mr. McKnight was appointed CAO. For over a decade, he provided steady and thoughtful leadership, supporting Council through multiple terms, and overseeing municipal operations during periods of rapid growth and change.

“It has been an honour to serve Bradford West Gwillimbury and to work alongside such a dedicated staff and Council,” said Mr. McKnight. “The professionalism, creativity, and commitment of our employees in serving the community have been truly inspiring. I am grateful for the opportunity to work with staff and Council and confident the organization is well positioned for the future.”

Mayor James Leduc expressed his appreciation for Mr. McKnight’s leadership:

“Geoff has demonstrated exceptional dedication to the Town, often going above and beyond, including evenings and weekends,” said Mayor Leduc. “His willingness to step in wherever needed reflects his deep commitment to both the organization and the community. We thank Geoff for his many years of service and wish him all the best in retirement.”

To support a smooth leadership transition, the Town’s current Deputy CAO, Mahesh Ramdeo, will serve as Acting CAO, effective April 1, 2026, for the remainder of the current Council term. During this period, Mr. Ramdeo will work closely with Mr. McKnight to facilitate knowledge transfer and ensure a seamless transition.

“I am grateful for the opportunity to step into this role and build on the strong foundation Geoff has established,” said Deputy CAO Mahesh Ramdeo. “I want to thank Geoff for his leadership, mentorship, and dedication to this organization and community. I am proud to work alongside such a talented team and will continue collaborating with staff and Council to deliver reliable, high-quality services to residents.”

Deputy Mayor Raj Sandhu highlighted the importance of a thoughtful transition:

“This reflects careful planning and strong governance. Geoff has built an exceptional organization, and Mahesh’s appointment will ensure stability and continuity for staff, Council, and the community as we continue serving residents.”

Throughout his tenure, Mr. McKnight has been recognized for his collaborative leadership, dedication to mentorship, and commitment to building a resilient, professional municipal organization. He has earned the respect and admiration of both staff and Council. The Town thanks Mr. McKnight for his years of service and wishes him all the best as he begins this next chapter with his family.