Although Shari Lichterman was terminated “effective immediately” from her previous role as the City of Mississauga’s top boss last year, it doesn’t mean she did a bad job.
So described Ontario Municipal Administrators Association executive director Scott Vokey in conversation with Sudbury.com, describing Lichterman as “highly regarded” in the sector.
Last week, the City of Greater Sudbury announced that Lichterman was named CAO, effective March 19, spurring some of our readers to point out that she was terminated from her previous role.
“She has a very strong reputation and is very well respected,” Vokey said, both for her work prior to becoming City of Mississauga CAO and during her brief tenure.
The association aims to support the professional development of municipal CAOs throughout Ontario, and has members from approximately 400 of the province’s 444 municipalities.
“As the top administrative leaders, CAOs have to navigate complex political environments, manage shifting priorities and steer municipalities through unpredictable challenges, so it’s not unusual for CAOs to be replaced when political winds change,” Vokey said.
“Being fired or asked to step aside is actually a pretty common outcome, and not necessarily a reflection of poor performance, but more a sign of the ever-changing landscape of political administration.
“When their term comes to an end because of a decision by council, it is not a failure; it’s part of the profession.”
Lichterman was named the City of Mississauga’s city manager and CAO in May 2023 under then-Mayor Bonnie Crombie, who later resigned effective Jan. 12, 2024, to lead the Ontario Liberal Party.
Two days after newly elected Mayor Carolyn Parrish took her oath of office on June 24, 2024, she used her Strong Mayor powers to end Lichterman’s employment “effective immediately,” and replace her with Geoff Wright.
“The analogy I often tell people who are not familiar with this job is that it’s much like being the coach of a major sports team,” Vokey said. “Your tenure is often tied to the whims of the owner.”
Prior to Premier Doug Ford bestowing strong mayor powers upon certain Ontario mayors, the removal of CAOs always required a vote of city council. Now, a mayor with strong mayor powers can single-handedly make the decision, as Parrish did in dismissing Lichterman in June 2024.
Dismissing CAOs “was a little less common, but now that it’s one person who can do it by fiat, it’s becoming a bit more common than it used to be,” Vokey said.
The association advises members to request severance pay in their contracts to help them through such dismissals.
Although Vokey didn’t have numbers to immediately draw from, he noted that 11 of the association’s 400 members are in transition at the moment, after either stepping down or being dismissed by strong mayors or councils.
“A CAO’s ability to move forward after being let go shows they have been trusted with significant responsibilities, faced unique challenges head-on and have the courage to lead again in another municipality,” Vokey said.
“Just like seasoned coaches, experienced CAOs often come back stronger, equipped with even more insight and perspective to make a difference in their next role.”
With it becoming easier for municipalities to terminate the employment of CAOs, Vokey said he has begun hearing from prospective CAOs that they’re having second thoughts about stepping up into top roles due to job insecurity.
The fact that Greater Sudbury received 88 applicants is a “healthy response,” given this insecurity, Vokey said.
The City of Greater Sudbury CAO vacancy Lichterman is filling was previously served by Ed Archer, who held the position for eight years until a surprise closed-session vote of city council in October 2024 ended his tenure.
Similar to Lichterman’s dismissal from Mississauga, Archer’s termination appears to have been without cause, with Mayor Paul Lefebvre explaining it at the time as being a change in direction, to “bring us to our next level and next steps as a city.”
Although surprised by city council’s decision, Archer told Sudbury.com the day after his dismissal that it’s a reality for city CAOs.
“If you monitor the municipal sector, you know CAOs serve at the pleasure of council,” he said. “We’ll close out the relationship and move on wishing each other well, I suspect.”
Tyler Clarke covers city hall and political affairs for Sudbury.com.
