Kincardine CAO Murray Clarke to retire in June, 2017

Kincardine chief administrative officer (CAO) Murray Clarke (above, left, with Kincardine mayor Anne Eadie) has announced he will be retiring in June, 2017.

Eadie made the announcement in a press release, issued Thursday.

For the past 36 years, Clarke has fully committed himself to his career in local government, which includes his posting with the Municipality of Kincardine since 2012.

“While I have thoroughly enjoyed my role at the most senior level of local government in each of my six postings, I say with sincerity that my time in Kincardine has offered me new challenges, fresh opportunity and exceptional staff support, to make this the highlight of my career," said Clarke. "I know the friendships I’ve developed here will sustain for the very long-term.”

“On behalf of council and staff, I would like to thank Murray (Clarke) for his exceptional leadership,” said Eadie. “We wish him all the best when he heads into retirement and the next chapter in his life.”

Clarke just received his 35-year service pin from the Canadian Association of Municipal Administrators in May, with a presentation made at the council meeting last week.

Originally from Fergus, Clarke's first job was working for the City of Toronto part-time while he was going to school. He then spent two years in a municipal administrative apprenticeship at the Township of Georgian Bay, sponsored by the Ontario Ministry of Municipal Affairs, and was then hired by the township as assistant clerk.

Two years later, he became clerk-administrator at Erin Township, and following a reorganization there, he became CAO. He held that job for 12 years before becoming the CAO of Bracebridge in the District of Muskoka.

Eleven years later, he became CAO of Sidney, British Columbia, where he worked until February, 2012, when he came to Kincardine.