Suzanne Gammon
Tribune
The Municipality of West Nipissing has been working for months to recruit a replacement for Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) Jay Barbeau, who announced his upcoming retirement in February, and after a lengthy selection process, the town revealed on October 1 that Mike Pilon will be taking on the top role.
Pilon is no stranger to West Nipissing, where he resides since 2018, having helped to set up the OPP’s Nipissing West detachment in Cache Bay. In fact, he is coming off a 31-year career with the Ontario Provincial Police, most recently serving as Chief Superintendent and Regional Commander for the Northeast Region. In that role, he oversaw 775 officers, 130 civilian staff, 35 detachments, and managed an annual budget of more than $105 million.
“Fluent in French and English, Pilon excels at leading large teams and navigating complex, high-pressure situations with integrity. His background includes extensive experience in strategic planning, budget administration, human resources, emergency management and public engagement. Throughout his career, he has built strong partnerships, fostered innovation and delivered results that strengthen both organizations and the communities they serve,” reads a West Nipissing release announcing the appointment.
Mayor Kathleen Thorne Rochon, who sat on the recruitment committee along with Councillors Daniel Gagné, Georges Pharand and Roch St-Louis, believes they found the ideal candidate among 32 applicants. A recruitment firm long-listed 16 candidates, then selected six for an interview. The final three met with council in a closed session on September 17, when all members of council interviewed them and then unanimously voted to hire Mike Pilon.
“Our search prioritized an executive leader with experience managing organizations of similar scope and complexity. We were looking for someone with people-centred leadership, a strategic and innovative mindset, and a renewed focus on collaboration, community engagement and service excellence. We are thrilled to have selected someone who not only meets every qualification we were looking for, but who is also part of our community,” beams Thorne Rochon.
With Barbeau set to exit at the end of the year, there should be a period of overlap, however Pilon’s official start date has not yet been announced. Thorne Rochon indicates she will “work with municipal staff in the coming weeks to guide and support the leadership transition, ensuring continuity in municipal operations,” adding that the first few months will be a “period of transition and collaboration.”
“Mr. Pilon will be very busy familiarizing himself with Council priorities, detailed operations, major projects and getting to know staff. We will also be preparing, deliberating and approving the municipal budget, alongside our regular business. By late winter, we expect Mr. Pilon to present Council with his vision and strategic direction moving forward,” states the mayor.
As for the man in question, he’s ready to roll up his sleeves. “I am honoured to step into the role of CAO for the Municipality of West Nipissing,” he expresses. “After more than three decades of public service with the OPP, I am excited to bring my leadership experience to the municipal level. Together, we will continue to strengthen our operations, enhance public engagement and pursue strategic development that reflects the needs and aspirations of West Nipissing. I am grateful for the opportunity to serve and eager to begin this new chapter.”
