Planned transition at the top
The City of Calgary is beginning a structured leadership transition for its senior administrative team and launching a recruitment process for its next Chief Administrative Officer (CAO). City council and current CAO David Duckworth have mutually agreed to a planned transition, with his last day set for December 1, 2026. If a successor is identified earlier, Duckworth will stay on in an advisory role to support a smooth handover.
Chief Operating Officer (COO) Stuart Dalgleish has also announced his retirement. His final day with the city will be June 12, 2026, closing out a career at City Hall that spans nearly four decades.
Mayor thanks outgoing leaders
Mayor Jeromy Farkas thanked both Duckworth and Dalgleish for their work leading the organization through a period of significant change. He called the move a “steady and planned leadership transition,” saying Calgary is entering a new phase of growth and needs its leadership team aligned with the work ahead.
“This is a steady and planned leadership transition. Calgary is entering a new phase of growth, and we are taking this step to ensure our organization is well-positioned for the work ahead,” Farkas said in a statement.
Duckworth and Dalgleish reflect on public service
Duckworth said public service has been central to his career and described it as an honour to serve Calgarians and work with the city’s public servants. He framed the timing as a natural point for change as the organization moves into its next phase, and emphasized his focus on continuity, a smooth handover, and leaving the city well positioned for the future.
Dalgleish said his 37 years at the city have been “more than a career,” calling them a personal calling and a proud commitment to public service. He thanked colleagues, partners, and teams inside and outside the organization for the chance to work with them, saying those relationships helped him grow and become a better person. He also said he is confident the City team is well positioned to work toward “an always bright and better future for Calgary.”
Transition comes amid major projects
The leadership shift comes as Calgary works through major infrastructure and operational priorities. The city is advancing significant projects to strengthen its water system, maintain services, and manage complex operational challenges. Calgary is also approaching a population milestone of two million residents and entering a new four-year council term, adding urgency to getting the next CAO decision right.
City officials say services will continue without disruption during the transition. A clear interim leadership structure is already in place to maintain continuity while the recruitment process unfolds.
Next steps in CAO recruitment
The city will undertake a comprehensive search for its next CAO, focusing on candidates with experience managing growth, delivering major infrastructure, and leading a high-performing municipal organization. The recruitment process is designed to align senior leadership with Calgary’s long-term priorities and ensure the administration is prepared for the city’s next phase.
Further updates will be shared as the search progresses. For now, City Hall is signalling that this is a deliberate handover, not a sudden shake-up, with an emphasis on stability while new leadership is chosen.
