New CAO appointed in Windsor

January 26, 2021 - Windsor, ON

Windsor City Council has successfully concluded the recruitment process for the next Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) of the Corporation of the City of Windsor to replace Onorio Colucci, who has decided to retire after nearly 37 years of continuous service to the City of Windsor.

Effective April 6, 2021, Jason Reynar will become the head of the professional public service, reporting to Council and responsible for leading the municipal corporation. Since 2015, Mr. Reynar has served as the Chief Administrative Officer to the Town of Innisfil, prior to which he held multiple roles including Town Solicitor and Town Clerk in the same community. Prior to joining the public sector, Mr. Reynar was a litigator in Toronto. Mr. Reynar holds a Bachelor of Arts (University of Guelph), Bachelor of Laws and Master of Laws (Osgoode Hall Law School) and a Master of Business Administration (Schulich School of Business). Mr. Reynar has led such innovations in the municipal sector as a public transit system powered by ride-sharing and the launch of one of the most unique developments in Ontario, The Orbit (www.innisfil.ca/orbit).

In seeking a new CAO, Windsor City Council was keen to seek the very best candidate and undertook a thorough process that initially began in October 2020. Led by Boyden Executive Search, over 175 public sector leaders were targeted as part of the initial recruitment effort; 23 applications were received; and 6 candidates were assessed and interviewed. The recommendation to advance Mr. Reynar was a unanimous decision of Windsor City Council.

Mr. Colucci has agreed to support the transition process by assuming the role of Senior Special Advisor from April 6 until April 30, 2021.

Quotes:

“Throughout the recruitment process, the Interview Committee was consistently impressed with Jason’s strategic thinking, creativity and understanding. It took a lot for us to consider candidates from outside of our region, but his passion, energy and intellect shone through. I look forward to welcoming him to the City of Windsor.” Mayor Drew Dilkens.

“Onorio Colucci was a fixture at City Hall when I was first elected in 2006. As Chief Financial Officer, he helped achieve an unprecedented string of fiscally responsible budgets that showed respect for Windsor taxpayers. As Chief Administrative Officer, he’s cemented Windsor’s place as a growing community and, most recently, helped lead the municipal response to COVID-19.” Mayor Drew Dilkens.

“Windsor welcomed me with open arms as a 12-year old immigrant kid from Italy in 1970, and it has been a wonderful community in which to live and raise my family. While it has become rare for someone to spend nearly their entire professional life at one organization, I always found satisfaction in the challenges at City Hall and felt that, in some small way, it allowed me to give back to my adopted home. I couldn’t be more grateful to our dedicated employees and to those who have inspired, mentored and supported me during my time with the City of Windsor.” Chief Administrative Officer, Onorio Colucci.

“I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to help lead the City of Windsor’s next chapter. From economic development to social service provision, I look forward to joining the City’s administration as we work with Mayor Dilkens and Council to continue to tangibly improve the lives of Windsorites and help businesses recover from the pandemic and prosper.” Chief Administrative Officer – Designate, Jason Reynar.

Orginal Source: City of Windsor Newsroom