National honours for Pickering CAO

Pickering’s top administrator has been honoured by Municipal World magazine as its inaugural CAO of the year.

Marisa Carpino, who has worked for the city for nearly 30 years, was named the city’s Chief Administrative Officer in early 2021 and led Pickering through the “challenging times” brought on by the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Carpino joined Pickering as a fitness supervisor in 1995 and by 2011 was Director Community Services. After a year as Deputy CAO and Action CAO, she was appointed to the top administrative position at the city in February of 2021 – the first woman to hold that post.

Carpino promised then to “foster a collaborative and inclusive environment and has continued to bring that energy in the nearly five years since.

“We are thrilled, though not at all surprised, that Marisa Carpino has been recognized as CAO of the Year – a tremendous honour that underscores her outstanding leadership and strategic vision,” said Pickering Mayor Kevin Ashe. “Her contributions have been pivotal in helping to shape Pickering’s transformation into a more vibrant, innovative, and livable community.”

“This recognition as the top CAO in Canada reaffirms the extraordinary impact of her work on our city’s bright and prosperous future.”

Carpino told Municipal World she was “tremendously honoured” to be receiving the award with Ashe saying her tenure has been marked by “visionary leadership,” transformative initiatives and collaboration among municipal staff, residents, and stakeholders.

Pickering has experienced significant residential and business growth – while maintaining its livability and sense of community – during that time, with recent achievements including securing $5.2 million from Ontario’s Building Faster Fund for exceeding provincial housing targets and Pickering being named one of the Most Livable Cities in Canada by The Globe and Mail.

Major community projects, such as the $44.7 million Pickering Heritage & Community Centre and the Seaton Recreation Complex & Library – the largest capital project in the city’s history – are also taking shape.

Ashe said Carpino’s “hands-on” style have earned her a reputation as a leader with the “uncanny ability to translate bold visions into concrete actions,” ensuring Pickering’s future success.

Municipal World has been one of the leading voices in the Canadian municipal landscape for 143 years, providing governmental and business insights and recognizing excellence in the sector through a magazine and other platforms, since 1981.

Municipal World’s inaugural CAO of the Year award celebrates the municipal leader who inspires confidence, promotes collaboration, and leaves an indelible mark on their respective community.