The Town of Peace River’s search for a permanent Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) is complete with the appointment of the Peace Region’s Kayla Parsons.
“Kayla represents home-grown leadership. She brings the skills and experience to lead our organization, and a deep understanding of this region. That local connection, combined with her knowledge of our organization and commitment to moving Peace River forward, gives council tremendous confidence in Kayla as our CAO,” said Peace River Mayor Shannon.
The appointment was made at a Special Council Meeting on August 31, 2026. Mayor Shannon, Deputy Mayor Carr, Councillor Ford, Councillor Dous, and Councillor Babalola carried the motion with a unanimous vote.
“Kayla has built a strong relationship with council while helping foster strong morale and teamwork throughout the administration. She genuinely cares about the future of Peace River and the people working behind the scenes to move the community forward,” said Peace River Councillor Forsythe.
As the primary interface between council and town administration, the CAO role requires a deep commitment to aligning day-to-day decisions with the strategic direction set by council. This includes economic development, financial management, and ensuring compliance with all applicable legislation and regulations.
"As someone who is local to the area, CAO Parsons has a deep understanding of what it's like to live in the Peace Region. Her strength in communications between administration and council, as well as her willingness to attack a problem from all angles, makes her the right fit to lead Peace River into the future," said Peace River Councillor Dous.
Parsons, a Certified Local Government Manager (CGLM), began her career in municipal administration in 2015 and has been an integral part of the Town of Peace River’s administration since July 2022. She has been serving as Interim CAO in addition to her role as Legislative Services Manager since April 2026. During this time, she supported the town’s emergency management response to the river break-up and began working with neighbouring municipalities on a regional intermunicipal collaboration framework.
About the Town of Peace River
Within the traditional territory of Treaty 8, the Town of Peace River is a vibrant regional service centre and economic hub serving northern Alberta and the surrounding rural communities. Home to approximately 7,000 residents, Peace River offers the unique combination of small-town values, regional influence, and significant opportunities for growth. Stay up to date with Town of Peace River news on our website, peaceriver.ca.
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