Paul Fitzpatrick, long-standing chief administrative officer (CAO) of the City of Cornwall, is retiring.
Fitzpatrick has served with the city for 28 years and as CAO since 2006. He has a total of 35 years of service in the government sector. His retirement is effective Jan. 31, 2013 and in the weeks ahead he will be helping the city with transition.
"I have been fortunate to work with a great team who have shared a common vision of making Cornwall a better place to live. Together we have achieved a lot and I think there are even more exciting times ahead," said Fitzpatrick.
Fitzpatrick formerly led the city's economic cevelopment department for 15 years and also oversaw the city's parks and recreation department for five years prior to accepting the position of CAO. During his tenure with the city, he was integrally involved in a number of major projects that have shaped the city's future, including the sale of Cornwall Electric and the creation of the Progress Fund; the construction of the Benson Centre; the expansion of the Cornwall Business Park that has led to the presence of SCM, Shoppers Drug Mart and most recently Target; and the ongoing expansion of the waste water treatment facility.
"On behalf of council and the citizens of Cornwall, I want to thank him for his long and fruitful tenure of service," said Mayor Bob Kilger.
Fitzpatrick's community involvement has not been restricted to city hall. Over the years he has served on a number of community committees. He currently serves as chair of the board of governors of St. Lawrence College; is a member of the board of directors of the St. Joseph Continuing Care Centre and serves as the chair of the comprehensive planning, finance and personnel relations committee with the SJCCC.
In 2001, Fitzpatrick was named 'Economic Developer of the Year' by the Ontario East Economic Development Commission. Prior to joining the city of Cornwall, Fitzpatrick worked as a special assistant to a federal cabinet minister in Ottawa.
