Education and Training

CAO Leadership Program

First of its kind, CAO-specific executive education certificate

OMAA is pleased to partner with the #1 business school in the country, the Schulich School of Business at York University, to offer an exciting new CAO Leadership Program.

This five-day program offers sought-after leadership skills in areas like political acuity, digital transformation, and data analysis to thrive in your role or move up the career ladder. The program is hosted in a convenient choice model of virtual or in-person and featuring top-rated Schlich instructors with guest appearances from practising CAOs.

This program is ideal for CAOs and Aspiring CAOs in municipalities of all tiers and sizes across Ontario. Professional managers and key decision makers will gain the vital leadership skills, strategies, and methods needed to better support elected officials and effectively implement Council policies, levelling up to more senior roles. 

After completing the CAO Leadership Program, you'll receive an authentic digital badge from the #1 business school in Canada that employers will recognize. Upon completion of additional programming through Schulich ExecEd, you will be eligible to receive a Master's Certificate in Municipal Leadership.

The CAO Profile

OMAA and Dr. Gordon McIntosh have produced the CAO Profile as a reference for CAOs and Aspiring CAOs as they progress through the different stages of their professional career. It contains five leadership capabilities with four key competencies in each as developed over a series of extensive interviews and workshops. Each of key competencies is further broken down into career stages: beginning, mid-career, and experienced/ mentoring others. This CAO Leader Profile may be used for Leadership Alignment, Self-Assessment, or as a Coaching Aid. We hope you use it as a workbook as you progress through the various stages of your municipal career.

Members can download the profile in the Library-CAO 101 while Non-Members can order a hard copy in our online store. 

You can view the six-part webinar series on the OMAA YouTube Channel.