The Municipality of West Nipissing is pleased to announce that Mike Pilon has been selected as its new Chief Administrative Officer (CAO), following a comprehensive recruitment process.
A seasoned public service leader, Pilon brings more than 31 years of experience with the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), most recently serving as Chief Superintendent and Regional Commander for the Northeast Region. In that role, he oversaw 775 officers, 130 civilian staff, 35 detachments, and managed an annual budget of more than $105 million. His career has emphasized strategic operations, organizational transformation and community engagement, ensuring accountable and effective service delivery across Northern Ontario.
Fluent in French and English, Pilon excels at leading large teams and navigating complex, high-pressure situations with integrity. His background includes extensive experience in strategic planning, budget administration, human resources, emergency management and public engagement. Throughout his career, he has built strong partnerships, fostered innovation and delivered results that strengthen both organizations and the communities they serve.
A resident of Sturgeon Falls since 2018 and deeply connected to Northern Ontario, Pilon is committed to being a visible, engaged leader invested in the well-being of the community. His transition from a distinguished provincial public safety career to municipal administration reflects his dedication to public service and passion for local governance.
Mr. Pilon’s official start date is yet to be determined. Mayor Kathleen Thorne Rochon will work with municipal staff in the coming weeks to guide and support the leadership transition, ensuring continuity in municipal operations.
“I am honoured to step into the role of CAO for the Municipality of West Nipissing,” said Pilon. “After more than three decades of public service with the OPP, I am excited to bring my leadership experience to the municipal level. Together, we will continue to strengthen our operations, enhance public engagement and pursue strategic development that reflects the needs and aspirations of West Nipissing. I am grateful for the opportunity to serve and eager to begin this new chapter.”
Mayor Thorne Rochon added: “Our search prioritized an executive leader with experience managing organizations of similar scope and complexity. We were looking for someone with people-centred leadership, a strategic and innovative mindset, and a renewed focus on collaboration, community engagement and service excellence. We are thrilled to have selected someone who not only meets every qualification we were looking for, but who is also part of our community.”
The Mayor noted that the first few months will be a period of transition and collaboration.
“Mr. Pilon will be very busy familiarizing himself with Council priorities, detailed operations, major projects and getting to know staff. We will also be preparing, deliberating and approving the municipal budget, alongside our regular business. By late winter, we expect Mr. Pilon to present Council with his vision and strategic direction moving forward.”
About the Recruitment Process
Council was aware that a CAO transition was likely to occur during this term. Preparations for the change included a CAO compensation review to ensure competitive employment terms; updates to the job description to reflect current responsibilities and required competencies; and the development of a performance evaluation framework to support effective reviews and goal-setting.
In February 2025, West Nipissing’s long-time CAO formally announced his intention to retire at the end of the year, prompting Council to initiate the recruitment process. An ad hoc hiring committee was formed, consisting of Mayor Kathleen Thorne Rochon and Councillors Daniel Gagné, Georges Pharand and Roch St-Louis. Council also retained Waterhouse Executive Search Ltd., a professional recruitment firm.
A total of 32 applications were received. Of these, 16 candidates were long-listed. In August, the hiring committee shortlisted 6 individuals for first-round interviews, then narrowed the list to 3 candidates. The final stage of the selection process took place on September 17, 2025 in closed session. All members of Council interviewed the final candidates, followed by a unanimous vote to select Mike Pilon as West Nipissing’s next Chief Administrative Officer.
Media inquiries
communications@westnipissing.ca