The Leduc city manager recently received the prestigious Dedicated Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) Award.
Paul Benedetto was initially nominated by Leduc mayor and city council before being named as this year’s recipient by the Alberta Urban Municipalities Association and the Society of Local Government Managers of Alberta.
“I’m certainly humbled, being this year’s recipient and I’m also very pleased the mayor and city council were kind enough to nominate me,” said Benedetto.
Benedetto added the award felt extra special as the nomination did come from his peers.
“For the past nine years Paul has tirelessly served this council and the community, sharing a vision and passion for Leduc despite the challenges we’ve faced with extreme growth rate of 72 per cent since 2006,” said Mayor Greg Krischke in a press statement.
“He is a catalyst for public engagement and collaboration, whether it’s on a local or international stage,” he added.
As a successful employee of municipal governments for more than 30 years, with several other service awards in his name, Benedetto says there are several key responsibilities of a prosperous city manager.
“One of the primary responsibilities is working closely with the council, community members and the stakeholders to develop a vision the community can support and rally around,” said Benedetto.
Benedetto says the other important role, once council has established a vision, is to work with senior administration and city businesses to implement the initiatives. In a thriving community, wide spread support and quality customer service are key, says Benedetto.
“By sharing council’s overall vision we’ve been very successful … having everybody focused on developing that vision,” said Benedetto.
The Dedicated CAO Award is awarded annually to recognize excellence and dedication in municipal governance and management.
“This is equally an organizational award. We have to work very closely together,” said Benedetto.
“I’m most appreciative of all the efforts of everybody here,” he added.