BATTLEFORD – The Town of Battleford was joined by its new CAO at its recent council meeting.
Todd Francis officially started with the Town after leaving his prior post in B.C.
Prior to Francis moving into the CAO role, Shawn Sylvester, the finance officer for the town, served as interim CAO, following the departure of the town's previous CAO, Landon Chambers.
Francis' last position was in Port Edward, B.C., where he served as CAO. Prior to that he served in Stewart, B.C.
Francis says he is excited to join the Town of Battleford.
"Location-wise, I like it," he said. "The main reason for the move was I was looking for a little bit bigger of a municipality. I think Battleford offers that. It gives you that flexibility."
Francis has been working as a CAO for just over three years now, so he knows he is right for the position.
Prior to working in B.C., he was what's called an SAO, which is a type of CAO, in the Northwest Territories.
"It was great experience to work in a small, predominantly Indigenous community," Francis said. "They had two bands – a First Nation and a Métis band."
He said working in a smaller community offers a CAO a chance to be involved in many levels of municipal business. It was an informative experience.
"You're dealing with administrative [issues] but also involved in the operational components."
Francis said he has strong leadership qualities that he also brings to his new position with the Town of Battleford.
As he is getting adapted to the new community, he plans to tour the town's various facilities to get himself familiarized with them.
"One of my philosophies has always been team based," Francis added. "I come from a hockey-playing, hockey-coaching background, so I will try and implement those strategies here. I'm a big believer in a team-based environment."
He describes this strategy is part of his day-to-day management style.
"I think I have enough experience and knowledge at the municipal level," … and, with that skill-set," I'm able to bring my previous leadership qualities here, and see what we can do," Francis said.
For his first few months with the town, Francis wants to focus on a few starting priorities.
"What I typically like to do, and I had this discussion with council, what I like to do is come in and develop a work plan," he said. "That work plan is going to be based on a couple different things."
His first priority in the plan will be to get some of the background details from council on current activities in the town.
The town has an official community plan as well as strategic initiatives that they update every year.
"Especially now that the budget is coming up for approval, I need to make sure that the strategic initiatives are being addressed either through the capital budget, the operating budget, and then I need to incorporate those things into my work plan," Francis said. "My work plan will focus on those areas, and the official community plan."
Mayor Ames Leslie said Francis accepted the position as the new CAO around September, so he is glad to have the position now filled.
"Already you can feel the excitement and confidence, and relief in the office…," he said. "The staff in this office in Town Hall and our management staff are looking for some continuity, and Todd is committed here for the long term. His contract is a five-year contract; that was by his asking as well… He requested that he wants to commit to be here for a long time. So, that's a relief to council. Right across the industry of CAOs and city managers, and town managers, there seems to be short-tenured stays. So, we're excited to have somebody who is ready to get down to work."
