The most senior non-elected officer of the Corporation of the County of Middlesex is the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO). The CAO directs all administrative services, operations and programs of the County. All department heads within the County report to the CAO. In addition to his role as Chief Administrative Officer, Bill also serves as the Chief Executive Officer of Middlesex-London Paramedic Service (MLPS), one of the largest paramedic services in Ontario.
The CAO represents the County of Middlesex with other public and private agencies with whom the County does business. The CAO also represents the County of Middlesex, along with the Warden, in relations with other municipal governments, provincial officials, or as directed by Council.
Bill Rayburn
Born and raised in North Bay, Ontario, Bill Rayburn has dedicated his career to public administration, demonstrating exceptional leadership and expertise across various roles. With a solid educational foundation, Bill holds an undergraduate degree in Political Science from Queen’s University and a Master’s degree in Public Administration from the University of Western Ontario.
Bill's career began with a remarkable achievement as he became the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) of the Town of Cobalt, Ontario, at the age of 23, making him the youngest Municipal CAO in Ontario history. His journey in municipal government spans over three decades, during which he has been the guiding force behind the County of Middlesex as its CAO for over 27 years.
Beyond his work with municipalities, Bill has also played a pivotal role in managing one of the largest pension funds in North America. From 1998 to 2005, he was a member of the Executive Committee of OMERS, eventually becoming the Chair of the Board in 2003. Under his leadership, the $95 billion fund navigated through one of the most challenging periods in its history. Bill's governance expertise further extended to the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation, where he served on the Board and retired as the Governance Committee Chair in 2017.
Bill Rayburn's notable distinctions include:
- The youngest Municipal Chief Administrative Officer in Ontario history (23)
- The youngest County Chief Administrative Officer in Ontario history (27)
- The longest-serving Middlesex County Chief Administrative Officer (over 27 years)
- The youngest Board Member of a public pension fund in North American history (29 - OMERS)
- The youngest Chair of a public pension fund in North American history (33 - OMERS)
Bill Rayburn's career is a testament to his unwavering commitment to public service and his ability to lead through times of change and challenge. His contributions have left a lasting impact on municipal governance and public administration.