Chief Administrative Officer (CAO)
The CAO provides leadership and direction to the 300 part-time and seasonal staff that support Cochrane.
The CAO’s role is to be a bridge between Administration and Council. They ensure Council is well-informed to make policy decisions and ensure the work is carried out in accordance to approved policy. This is an apolitical position that oversees municipal operations and ensures priorities and strategic directions are effectively achieved.
Mike Derricott, CAO
Mike Derricott joined the Town of Cochrane as the Chief Administrative Officer in January 2021.
Mike has worked in municipal government for over 10 years. He got his start through the Municipal Affairs Municipal Internship Program with the Town of Ponoka. Following that program, Mike went on to hold several CAO positions. Beyond his professional experience, he has a Masters of Business Administration from Royal Roads University. Mike is an active learner, completing additional courses through the University of Alberta.
Mike is the past president of the Local Government Authorities Association of Alberta, a not-for-profit association aimed at providing networking and professional learning opportunities to support Alberta municipal administrative professionals. He has sat on numerous provincial advisory committees including reviews of the Local Authority Elections Act, Municipal Government Act Review Committee, and various other regulatory review panels.
Mike is active in the community with his family and is especially passionate about youth sports, often volunteering as a coach. He and his family feel fortunate to call Cochrane home.
Executive leadership
Supporting the CAO is the executive leadership team. This team advises and assists the CAO:
- Executive Director of Corporate Services
- Executive Director of Development & Infrastructure Services
- Executive Director of Protective & Community Services