After more than 36 years of distinguished service to Halton Region, including 11 years as Chief Administrative Officer (CAO), Jane MacCaskill has announced her retirement, effective December 31, 2024.
Jane MacCaskill joined Halton Region in 1988 as an Internal Auditor and has since held a series of progressively senior roles, including Director of Technology Services, Commissioner of Corporate Services, and Regional Treasurer. Appointed CAO in 2013, Jane has led the Region through significant growth, operational transformation, and unexpected challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Jane’s leadership has been nothing short of exceptional,” said Halton Regional Chair Gary Carr. “Over her decades of service, she has consistently demonstrated a steadfast commitment to our residents, financial stewardship, and fostering collaboration across the region. Her ability to balance strategic priorities with the needs of a growing population has strengthened Halton’s reputation as a fiscally responsible and community-focused region.”
During her tenure, Jane successfully guided the development of 24 Budgets and Business Plans, ensuring the Region’s financial sustainability while maintaining essential services. Her leadership in this area has helped position Halton as a model for fiscal responsibility and long-term planning.
Beyond her financial acumen, Jane was instrumental in building strong partnerships with key stakeholders, including the City of Burlington, the Towns of Oakville, Milton, Halton Hills, Halton Regional Police, conservation authorities, and healthcare institutions such as Halton Healthcare and Joseph Brant Hospital. Notably, she has served as Chair of the Halton Community Safety and Well-being Leadership Group since its founding in 2017, leading initiatives that address the region’s most pressing community needs. Jane also played a key role in representing Halton on the Connected Care Halton Ontario Health Team and the Burlington Ontario Health Team.
“Jane’s legacy is deeply rooted in collaboration,” added Chair Carr. “Her ability to bring together diverse partners from across the region has created new opportunities for enhanced service delivery and strengthened our community’s resilience.”
Jane’s leadership has been particularly impactful during periods of crisis. From navigating the complexities of the COVID-19 pandemic to ensuring the continuity of essential services during emergencies, Jane has demonstrated resilience, compassion, and unwavering dedication to the well-being of Halton’s residents and staff.
“I am profoundly grateful for the opportunity to have served this remarkable community for over 36 years,” said Jane MacCaskill. “The collaboration between our staff, community partners, and regional leadership has been pivotal in achieving the successes we see today. I am confident that the Region is in excellent hands, with a strong leadership team ready to guide Halton into the future.”
Throughout her career, Jane has been a passionate advocate for creating an inclusive, equitable, and engaging workplace. Through her leadership, the Region has launched initiatives that foster leadership development and employee engagement. Her strong focus on modernization and continuous improvement, exemplified by the Region's Digital Strategy, has driven innovation and enhanced service delivery.
Looking forward
Upon Jane’s retirement, Bob Gray, Commissioner of Corporate Services, will act as interim CAO until a permanent successor is named. Halton Regional Council will immediately begin the search for Jane’s successor. Her legacy of financial stewardship, collaboration, and commitment to innovation has laid a strong foundation for Halton Region’s continued success.
About Halton
The Regional Municipality of Halton serves more than 650,000 residents in the City of Burlington, the Town of Halton Hills, the Town of Milton, and the Town of Oakville. Halton Region is committed to meeting the needs of its residents through the delivery of cost-effective, quality programs and services, including water and wastewater; Regional roads and infrastructure planning; paramedic services; waste management; public health; social assistance; children’s and seniors’ services; housing services; heritage programs; emergency management and economic development. For more information, call 311 or visit Halton Region’s website at halton.ca.