Marnie Cluckie, the current city manager of Hamilton, Ontario, has been selected as the new chief administrative officer for the Halifax Regional Municipality. The announcement was made on July 3, 2026, by Halifax officials.
Appointment Details
Cluckie, who has served as Hamilton's top administrative official since 2021, will assume her new role in Halifax later this year. The exact start date has not been disclosed. She replaces former CAO Jacques Dubé, who retired in early 2026.
Halifax Mayor Mike Savage praised Cluckie's extensive experience in municipal governance. “Marnie brings a wealth of knowledge and a proven track record of leadership in large urban centers,” Savage said in a statement. “We are confident she will help guide Halifax through its continued growth and development.”
Background and Experience
Before her tenure in Hamilton, Cluckie held senior positions in several Ontario municipalities, including Mississauga and Toronto. She has been recognized for her work in affordable housing, transit expansion, and fiscal management. Under her leadership, Hamilton implemented a five-year strategic plan focused on economic recovery and community well-being.
Cluckie expressed enthusiasm about the move. “I am honored to join the Halifax Regional Municipality and look forward to working with council, staff, and the community to build on the region's successes,” she said.
Transition Process
Hamilton city council will begin the search for an interim city manager in the coming weeks. Mayor Andrea Horwath thanked Cluckie for her service, noting her contributions to the city's infrastructure and social programs.
The Halifax Regional Municipality serves over 500,000 residents and is one of Canada's fastest-growing urban areas. The CAO role involves overseeing a $1.2 billion annual budget and managing approximately 8,000 employees.
