Statement from Mayor Paterson – Kingston Chief Administrative Officer Gerard Hunt Steps Down

For Immediate Release
July 9, 2019

Statement from Mayor Paterson – Kingston Chief Administrative Officer Gerard Hunt Steps Down

Today I am saddened to announce that Gerard Hunt has stepped down as Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) of the City of Kingston, effective July 1, 2019. He remains employed with the City of Kingston but has decided to step down from his position as CAO due to medical reasons. Given his decision, City Council has initiated an internal/external search process for a new Chief Administrative Officer. Council has also appointed Lanie Hurdle as Interim CAO until the new Chief Administrative Officer is in place.

Gerard Hunt served as the City’s Chief Administrative Officer for the last 10 years. It’s been a great pleasure working with Gerard for many of those years. He is without doubt a man of great character and integrity, someone who cares about results and about people, and a person who is deeply passionate about our community.

Over his tenure as CAO he has provided excellent leadership to the Corporation of the City of Kingston and he is deeply respected by City staff. He has also provided valuable support and guidance to four different Councils, building trust with members of council from all sides of the political spectrum. The City of Kingston has come a long way in the last 10 years, from the construction of the Leon’s Centre, to the expansion of Kingston Transit service, and a whole host of other infrastructure and community development initiatives. Gerard worked steadily throughout this period of growth and change to manage City finances, build teams that can manage and deliver projects and respond to City Council’s direction.

We thank Gerard for his steady leadership at a staff level, his support and responsiveness to Members of Council and his work to build partnerships and community across our city. Our sincere best wishes to him for a speedy recovery.

-30-