Port Hope’s CAO is moving on to a new CEO position with Skilled Trades Ontario.
The province, and the Municipality of Port Hope, both made announcements confirming the change on Friday, Nov. 1, 2024.
“This next chapter comes sooner than anticipated, but I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to lead the municipality over the past year,” said outgoing Port Hope CAO Candice White. “Port Hope is a remarkable community, and it has been an honour to serve its residents and businesses alongside the dedicated staff and council.
“My time here will always hold a special place in my heart.”
White described her new role as an honour.
White joined the municipality in November 2023.
Her last day with Port Hope is set for Friday, Nov. 22, 2024, and her chief executive officer (CEO) appointment with Skilled Trades Ontario (STO) is effective Monday, Nov. 25, 2024.
“Ms. White will continue to deliver on STO’s mandate to grow Ontario’s skilled trades workforce, promote the trades as a career of choice, and modernize services to Ontario’s over 1.3 million skilled tradespeople and apprentices,” said the province, while announcing her appointment Friday and acknowledging her decade-plus of executive-level experience with municipalities and on boards of provincial agencies.
“I look forward to Candice leveraging her executive experience within public sector organizations to build upon STO’s successes as we continue to work together to grow our skilled trades workforce and develop world-class training and standards,” said Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development and local MPP David Piccini, while offering his congratulations.
On behalf of the province, Piccini also went on to thank outgoing CEO Melissa Young for her leadership.
STO board chair Michael Sherrard echoed those thanks.
“Thank you to Melissa for all her hard work and dedication that has grown STO to be the productive and change-making agency it is today,” said Sherrard. “We will all miss her and wish her all the best as she embarks on an exciting new journey.
“I also want to take this opportunity to congratulate everyone at STO for the accomplishments achieved to date, and welcome Candice to the team.”
The municipality credits White with implementing organizational structure changes aimed at boosting efficiency, improving accountability and making services easier to navigate for residents.
Among the changes the municipality said White helped spearhead included the addition of a director of environmental services and a Port Hope Area Initiative (PHAI) liaison. She also led the municipality through Phase 2 of the Walton Street reconstruction project and expanded budget engagement efforts, added municipal officials.
“Candice has made an impressive impact during her time with the municipality,” said Mayor Olena Hankivsky. “Her contributions have been significant, adding tremendous value to our organization and positively affecting the community at large.
“Her dedication and expertise have not only driven key initiatives forward but have also set a strong foundation for future growth. We are grateful for her hard work and commitment, and while we will miss her greatly, we wish her every success in her future endeavors.”
The recruitment process to appoint a new CAO is currently being developed, with further details to be communicated in the weeks ahead, noted the municipality.
(Written by: Sarah Hyatt)
