After a recruitment process that examined both internal and external candidates for the role of Chief Administrative Officer (CAO), the Town of Hanover decided to promote from within.
Andrew Wilken was named the town's next CAO on Tuesday. He has been employed by Hanover since 2021, serving as director of development and infrastructure and chief building official. Wilken will replace current CAO Sherri Walden, who will retire from the role at the end of the year.
"We are confident in the future ahead and the continued strength of our organization with Andrew Wilken as our next CAO," Mayor Sue Paterson said in a statement. “He brings a solid understanding of the pressures facing our town, including growth, infrastructure needs, service expectations, fiscal responsibility, organizational capacity, and the importance of strong relationships with council, staff, Grey County, local municipalities, community partners, and residents.”
During his time with Hanover, Wilken has led and advanced community building, planning and growth initiatives. His "many transferable skills" from prior senior leadership and management work in the private development industry were cited as assets in his promotion to CAO.
Wilken's first day in his new position will be October 5.
