Elk Point hires new CAO Darrell Lessmeister

Council is pleased to announce that Mr. Darrell Lessmeister has been selected as the new Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) for the Town of Elk Point. He will be assuming his new role and responsibilities on June 23, 2025.

This is the key leadership position within the Town Administration and we are fortunate to have attracted strong candidates from Alberta and western Canada.

Bringing over 30 years of senior local government administration experience across three provinces (SK, BC, and AB), Mr. Lessmeister has spent most of his career serving small urban and rural communities mainly within their recreation, culture, and community services portfolios. 

His focus has always been on leadership, coaching and mentoring, and supporting those with whom he has worked.

In his most recent role in Lac La Biche County, Mr. Lessmeister was the Associate CAO of Recreation & Community Services, where he was instrumental in not only progressing his portfolio within the overall vision for the community, but also creating solid professional relationships.

In addition to a Diploma in Recreation Technology, a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Leisure Services Administration, and a Project Management Certificate, Mr. Lessmeister has been keeping up to speed on continual evolving local government trends by taking related and relevant courses and training throughout his career.

Council wishes to thank Mr. Ken Gwozdz for his positive contributions, his unwavering commitment to the Town, and for leading a solid administrative team over the past ten years. 

We extend our best wishes to him as he embarks on his retirement. 

Mr. Lessmeister is very much looking forward to working with Council, the administration team, our indigenous and municipal neighbours and partners, key stakeholders, and the residents and businesses in the Town of Elk Point. 

Please join us in welcoming Mr. Lessmeister to the Town.