Renfrew's Director of Development and Environment Eric Withers (Town of Renfrew photo, Youtube)
The Town of Renfrew has chosen to hire from within in their hunt for a chief administrative officer.
Acting CAO Eric Withers has been appointed to the role permanently by town council effective July 27. Withers has served in the role on several occasions and has held it continuously since November 2025, providing leadership and working with council, staff, and the community to oversee the town’s day-to-day administrative and operational functions.
“Eric has been an integral part of the leadership team since the town moved to a CAO model in 2022, serving in a director capacity and consistently demonstrating professionalism, dedication, and a strong commitment to our organization and community,” said Mayor Tom Sidney. “Since stepping into the role of acting chief administrative officer, he has provided steady leadership, earned the confidence of the council and staff, and ensured the continued delivery of quality municipal services.”
Withers, a Registered Professional Planner (RPP) and a Member of the Canadian Institute of Planners (MCIP), brings more than a decade of municipal experience to the position.
He served as town planner from 2019 to 2022 and as a director since 2022. He was later appointed as Deputy CAO in 2024, providing leadership within the organization and support for the CAO.
Sidney adds that “Council is pleased to welcome Eric to this role on a permanent basis, and we look forward to his continued contributions as we build on the important work underway in Renfrew.”
(written by Kasey Egan)
