Chris Leggett New CAO with Town of Vegreville

Chris Leggett New CAO with Town of Vegreville

Michelle Pinon - News Advertiser

Looking to further his career in municipal government, Chris Leggett began sending out some applications, and said he was fortunate enough to catch the attention of Vegreville town council.

Needless to say, he was “ecstatic” when he was chosen as the Town of Vegreville’s Chief Administrative Officer just before Christmas. His official duties began on January 31 and he said that, “Initially, I plan on working closely with Mayor MacPhee and Council to help them fulfill their strategic priorities. This is always the number one role of any administrator.”

Leggett said help would like to help the community grow and reduce the commercial and residential building vacancies. “Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, we’ve seen a remote worker metropolitan exodus and I believe Vegreville is perfectly positioned to capitalize on it.

The last two years have demonstrated that people can work from anywhere so long as they have access to reliable internet. Not only does Vegreville boast some of the best internet speeds in Western Canada, but we have a wealth of other amenities that people, be it growing families or retired individuals, are looking for in their potential new communities.

Chris Leggett, far right, with family members.

(Chris Leggett/Submitted Photo)

Add to that the fact that cities are becoming unaffordable, and Vegreville can make what may be an otherwise attainable dream of home ownership, a reality. My aim is to make Vegreville the destination for those with the freedom to work from anywhere and the dream of owning a home.”

As to what has impressed him the most since moving to Vegreville? Leggett said it’s the people. “As someone who has moved around a fair bit for work over the years, I am so pleased and impressed to hear so many residents and my new colleagues speak about their time and family history here.

It’s really nice to work with and to serve residents and members of Council that have been here for decades in some cases, and who are passionate about this community and want to see it thrive. The sense of commitment from the staff and the passion towards the community from the Mayor and Council is inspiring.”

Leggett comes to the Town of Vegreville with a resume that includes a rich mixture of experience and education. He has served in leadership roles for fifteen years, including as a former bank manager, Chief Financial Officer and, most recently, six years as a Chief Administrative Officer. He also has seven college diplomas, three with a focus on local government administration from Dalhousie University.

Leggett, who grew up on farm in eastern Ontario, moved to Vegreville with his wife and five children, and is currently enjoying everything the community has to offer.

“I am very thankful to Mayor MacPhee and Council for the opportunity to serve the Town and the residents of Vegreville, and I enthusiastically look forward to helping Council achieve their strategic priorities in the months and years ahead. I thank you for welcoming me and my family into your community and am excited to become an active member of it,” stated Leggett.