Dufferin County announces that after 15 years of dedicated service as the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO), Sonya Pritchard is retiring from the organization at the end of 2026.

“During her time with the County of Dufferin, Sonya exemplified a true dedication to public service, Dufferin residents and County staff,” says Lisa Post, Warden, Dufferin County. “Under her leadership, the County has managed significant change and growth while honouring its rural and agricultural roots, and provided quality services to foster a thriving, equitable and resilient community for all. We are grateful for her guidance, vision and commitment for the more than two decades she held leadership roles here. On behalf of County Council and staff, I wish her all the best in her retirement.”

Sonya first joined Dufferin County in 2001 as County Treasurer for five years. She then moved on to the Town of Orangeville as Director Parks and Recreations before returning to Dufferin County as CAO in 2011. Sonya has spent almost 27 years in municipal service. Some of her key achievements include building strong community partnerships with numerous organizations including Headwaters Communities in Action, Services and Housing in the Province, Headwaters Health Care Centre and many others, developing community housing, leading the organization through the challenges of the COVID pandemic, the initial development and current renewal of the Edelbrock Centre as a Health and Human Services Hub, and implementation of hundreds of strategic plan initiatives. Sonya also acted as Treasurer for the Western Ontario Wardens’ Caucus, a not-for-profit organization representing 15 upper and single tier municipalities in approximately 300 communities, and is currently a Director with the Ontario Municipal Administrators Association.

“I want to express my sincere gratitude to County staff for their dedication, passion, and the integrity they have brought to their work, and to County Council for their support and collaboration over the years,” says Sonya. “I am immensely proud of everything we have accomplished together for our community. We have strengthened services and built an organization rooted in collaboration, accountability, innovation, compassion, and courage. It has been a privilege to serve as your CAO.”

Dufferin County will immediately begin recruitment for the CAO position and has retained Waterhouse Executive Search to lead the recruitment process. The position is expected to be posted online on Monday, March 9. Sonya will continue through the recruitment and the transition phase to a new CAO.

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MEDIA CONTACT:
Megan Ball, Manager of Communications
mball@dufferincounty.ca