Oxford County Council has appointed Ben Addley, Interim Chief Administrative Officer, as the County’s permanent Chief Administrative Officer effective March 9, 2023.

Addley assumed the Chief Administrative Officer role on an interim basis in September 2022. Previously, Ben served as Oxford County’s Director/Chief of Paramedic Services, a role he held since 2016.

Addley brings to the Chief Administrative Officer role extensive and wide-ranging senior-level public sector experience. He has served on the board of directors for the Ontario Association of Paramedic Chiefs and a number of multi-sector committees and working groups; played an instrumental role in local initiatives such as the Oxford Ontario Health Team and Safe and Well Oxford; saw Canada’s first hybrid ambulances come into service at Oxford County; and launched Oxford’s community paramedicine program. Under Addley’s leadership, Paramedic Services played a fundamental role during the local COVID-19 pandemic response, contributing to vaccination, testing and other health care efforts while also participating at regional and provincial tables. Before joining Oxford County, Addley was Deputy Chief of Paramedic Operations at Peel Region and also served as the health services lead for the 2015 Pan/Parapan American Games in Toronto.

Addley assumes the Chief Administrative Officer role at a time County Council has identified a number of high-profile priorities. These include addressing homelessness and the affordable housing shortage, responding to local long-term care need, advocating for Ontario’s municipalities through challenges presented by recent provincial legislation, and revisiting the County’s strategic plan.

With Addley’s appointment as Chief Administrative Officer, recruitment begins for a permanent Director/Chief of Oxford County Paramedic Services.

Comment

Warden Marcus Ryan, Oxford County

“County Council has set an ambitious agenda for the next four years and we are confident in Ben’s ability to lead the County as an organization through this work. Council had an opportunity to work with Ben through the 2023 budget, a responsible and strategic planning process that afforded Council the flexibility to invest an additional $1.2 million in affordable housing. As the incumbent, his appointment allows us to move ahead quickly on our goals for 2023 and beyond. He has a track record of strong relationships with our local community and government partners, and he understands the organization’s strengths, services and people. We are excited to work with Ben towards a vision of Oxford County that supports quality of life for all.”

About Oxford County

Located in the heart of southwestern Ontario at the crossroads of Highways 401 and 403, Oxford County has a population of approximately 130,000 people across eight area municipalities that are “growing stronger together.” As a partnership-oriented, two-tier municipal government, Oxford County is emerging as a leader in sustainable growth through the Future Oxford Community Sustainability Plan and County Council’s commitment to achieving 100% renewable energy, becoming a zero waste community, and working towards zero poverty. Situated in one of Ontario’s richest areas for farmland, agriculture is a key industry that serves as a springboard for some of the sustainable industries that are steadily diversifying the local economy. Oxford County offers a thriving local arts, culture and culinary community, as well as conservation parks, natural areas and more than 100 kilometres of scenic trails. The Oxford County Administration Building is located in Woodstock, Ontario. Visit www.oxfordcounty.ca or follow our social media sites at www.oxfordcounty.ca/social. Oxford County’s Strategic Plan is at oxfordcounty.ca/strategicplan.