Oxford County CAO Resigns

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Thursday, 9 June 2022 at 11:10

The County of Oxford will have to hire a new CAO, after Michael Duben handed in his letter of resignation yesterday.

OXFORD COUNTY - The Chief Administrative Officer for Oxford County has handed in his letter of resignation.

Michael Duben's last day with the County will be September 8th. He's taking on a new job as the CAO for Chatham-Kent.

"I'm excited about it. I think Chatham is an interesting place, I spent a lot of time there when I was a young man so this gives me a chance to head back there and do a few different things."

He says he's looking forward to serving a single-tier municipality again. He used to work for the City of Windsor back in the day, so he got to work alongside departments such as parks and recreation, fire, and culture.

Duben started with the County back in September 2020. He wasn't expecting to leave after only two years of service.

"It was my intent to be here longer but things happen and opportunities come up. Sometimes you sit down with your family, make decisions, and plans that you had get changed. We think this is a really great opportunity for me and my family."

Duben says Oxford County will always hold a special place in his heart.

"I'm very proud of what has been accomplished here and I know that at the end of the day that Oxford County will continue to do the great work that they do whether I am here or not. So I think the public is still in great hands, regardless of who is sitting in the CAO chair."

Duben will continue his duties as our CAO over the next few months and he has also offered to help Council find his replacement.

Warden Larry Martin says County Council will likely have a meeting next week to determine their next steps. He has also released the following statement regarding Duben's resignation:

“It is with mixed emotion that Oxford County Council accepts the resignation of Michael Duben, Chief Administrative Offer, effective September 8, 2022.

Michael has made a strong impact in his 21 months here. He led the organization through the COVID-19 pandemic response, enabling the exceptional work of Woodingford Lodge and Paramedic Services during this time. He initiated a management restructuring of Woodingford Lodge that positioned the long-term care home to better manage the time and resource demands of those providing medical services. He recently established a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Office to respond to Oxford’s recent population growth and shifting demographics. He placed particular emphasis on support and recognition for employees, which I know made a tremendous difference over the challenges of the past two years. In many ways, big and small, Michael supported the County in adapting to current circumstances and seizing opportunities.

Michael brought an enthusiastic and collaborative disposition that will be missed, but we are supportive of the new opportunity he is pursuing with the Municipality of Chatham-Kent, and we understand the positive personal impacts this role presents for him and his family.

Over the coming weeks, County Council will determine interim arrangements and recruitment for the Chief Administrative Officer role. In the meantime, we extend our thanks and congratulations to Michael.”