Administration

Chief Administrative Officer

Cochrane’s Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) provides leadership and direction to approximately 300 full-time, part-time and seasonal staff who work for the Town of Cochrane. See the organizational chart.  

The CAO has an important role as a bridge between Administration and Council: the CAO ensures Town Council has all the information it needs to make sound policy decisions, and as administrative leader, the CAO ensures the municipality’s work is carried out according to approved policy.

The CAO is apolitical, overseeing municipal operations and ensuring Council’s priorities and strategic directions are achieved in the most effective way.

Mike Derricott 26_ppMike Derricott, CAO

Mike Derricott joined the Town of Cochrane as CAO on January 4, 2021.

Mike started his career in municipal government as participant in the Municipal Affairs Municipal Internship Program with the Town of Ponoka. This was followed by over 10 years of experience as a municipal Chief Administrative Officer, including his recent tenure as CAO of the Town of Edson. His experience as a CAO is enhanced by his Masters of Business Administration from Royal Roads University and experience in the financial industry. Mike is an active and continual learner, having completed a number of executive courses through the University of Alberta (Certificate in Municipal Management & Leadership, the Executive Program).

Mike is currently the 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.


Senior Leadership Team

The CAO receives advice and assistance from the members of the Senior Leadership Team:

  • Executive Director of Corporate Services
  • Executive Director of Development & Infrastructure Services
  • Executive Director of Protective & Community Services

Contact a member of the Senior Leadership Team.