Calgary’s CAO David Duckworth steps down

Calgary's CAO is leaving months before his contract ends while the city's COO retires. Some councillors say it's time for a shakeup.

The City of Calgary’s chief administrative officer David Duckworth is resigning his position, effective later this year.

Duckworth, joined by Mayor Jeromy Farkas, made the announcement on Wednesday.

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“Council and CAO Duckworth have mutually agreed that his last day as chief administrative officer will be Dec. 1, 2026,” Farkas said Wednesday.

“If a successor is identified earlier, David will support a smooth transition in an advisory capacity.

“On behalf of Calgary city council, I want to thank David for his service to Calgary during an important period for our city.”

Farkas called the decision to part ways with Duckworth “a steady and planned transition.”

“It comes at a time where there is a great deal of important work underway across the city, from advancing the new feeder main and strengthening our water system to managing complex challenges and continuing to deliver essential services.”

Calgary’s chief operating officer Stuart Dagleish’s retirement was announced at the same time as Duckworth’s resignation.

Duckworth said the move was “strategic”, “planned” and “mutual”, especially given Dagleish’s departure.

“After 37 incredible years, Stuart Dagleish is retiring. I felt it’s important for me (before I) exit this organization to provide leadership stability, get council through their budget process, to help with recruitment of a new chief administrative officer and until Dec. 1, when we expect to have the Bearspaw feeder main replacement in place.”

A temporary replacement for Calgary’s COO will be announced very soon, he said.

Duckworth helped manage the city’s response during not one but two major water main breaks as well as the COVID-19 pandemic.

He joined the City of Calgary in March 2018 first as general manager of utilities and environmental protection before taking the city manager job in August 2019.

Previous to his time in Calgary, he held various senior leadership roles in Vancouver and Kamloops.

Duckworth’s departure will come eight months ahead of when his contract is supposed to end, but he will received a severance of 16 months, Farkas confirmed on Wednesday.

The CAO is currently paid a $410,000 salary.

“It’s a natural time to take a look and see if we have the right leadership that we need moving forward. And so, by mutual decision of both council and and CAO Duckworth, we’re going to be moving in a new direction on December 1st,” said Ward 4 Coun. DJ Kelly.

Farkas said Duckworth’s replacement will be someone to lead Calgary’s development over the next several years.

“We’re looking for someone to help guide the city in growth, deliver on major priorities and support the people across the city of Calgary who make the city work everyday.”