Rob Axiak appointed City of Welland’s next CAO

Mayor Frank Campion and the City of Welland are pleased to announce Rob Axiak as the City's new Chief Administrative Officer (CAO), effective immediately.

"As the City enters a critical period where each decision can have a lasting impact on its future, no one is better suited to take the helm than Rob," said Mayor Frank Campion. "With his unparalleled professionalism, exceptional leadership skills, and extensive experience, he is the perfect guide to navigate the City through this exciting time. Rob has demonstrated tremendous leadership in the municipality over the past two years in his role as Director of Community Services, and I am confident he will rise to this occasion, delivering results that exceed even the highest expectations."

Axiak, a Brock University graduate, with more than 25 years of municipal experience in senior leadership roles in the GTA and Niagara, has worked with the City for the past two-plus years as the director of community services, one of the City’s most extensive portfolios, encompassing recreation, sport and culture, parks and forestry, and facilities. As a member of the Corporate Leadership Team, Axiak is well-versed in the administrative operations of the City and has proven himself to be an outstanding leader.

"I am deeply honoured and humbled to be entrusted with the opportunity to serve as Welland's next CAO, and I am grateful to Mayor Campion for placing his unwavering trust in me," said Axiak. "I am eager to collaborate with Welland's Corporate Leadership Team and a committed City Council as we accomplish our goals and aspirations outlined in our Strategic Plan. Together, we share a tenacious determination for municipal excellence, and I am eager to get started."

Earlier this year, Axiak led the City in developing its most comprehensive strategic plan, one of the municipality’s most powerful and useful tools. The plan is a bold, innovative, and trailblazing commitment focusing on economic growth, environmental stewardship, health and well-being, and livability, and will be the focus of Axiak's administrative direction.

Appointing a CAO is Mayor Campion's first use of the Strong Mayor Powers, permitted under section 284.5 of the Municipal Act, 2001.

More information about Strong Mayor Powers can be found at Council/StrongMayorPowers.asp.

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For media inquiries, please contact:
Marc MacDonald
City of Welland
Corporate Communications Manager
905-735-1700 x2337
marc.macdonald@welland.ca