New CAO now in place at Conservation Halton - Board is eager to see a more responsive organization.

News 100 redBy Pepper Parr

June 27th, 2016

BURLINGTON, ON

There is now a new direction in place at Conservation Halton.

The Board of Directors have announced the appointment of Hassaan Basit as Chief Administrative Officer. He has, up until the appointment, served as the General Manager.

Haasaam Basit Conservation HaltonDuring the past six months, Basit has worked to develop a new strategic plan (Metamorphosis 2020), rebuild Conservation Halton’s image and brand, realign budgets, refine communication with stakeholders, and contributed to the Provincial Government’s Conservation Authority Act Review.

Conservation Halton Board Chair John Vice commented, “We are all delighted and impressed by Hassaan’s accomplishments in his six months as General Manager. His commitment to staff and to the Board has been exemplary. His perseverance, optimism, integrity, compassion, discipline and executive leadership have been recognized by the CAO Review Committee and the Board of Directors.”

“I would like to thank members of the Board of Directors for this opportunity, and for their support of my vision for the organization. I’ve been humbled by the encouragement I’ve received from so many people, not just from within the organization, but also from our partners and stakeholders” said Hassaan Basit, Chief Administrative Officer. “Above all, I would like to thank my staff for their support. They have shown a renewed drive to deliver exceptional services and embrace change.”

Hassaan Basit was a biologist at the University of Toronto early in his career. He has been with Conservation Halton for 12 years, starting out as Communications Specialist, before moving to Community Engagement and then Director of Communications. His role as Director of Strategic Planning has demonstrated his commitment and skill in engaging staff, asking tough questions, building consensus and moving forward in a focused, strategic direction.

Conservation Halton sign - angleHe also served as acting Director of Lands, which has allowed him a thorough understanding of Conservation Halton from a conservation, regulation, and operations perspective.

In addition to his experience at a senior leadership level, his academic qualifications include a B.Sc in Biology from the University of Toronto, and M.Sc from Queen’s University of Belfast.

The Halton Conservation had earned the reputation of having a very intimate relationship with paperwork and a tin ear when it came to hearing what residents wanted to say.

Basit was always very strong as a communicator – his task was made difficult given the senior management he had to work with.

Now that the reigns are in his hands along with strong support from the board – there are great expectations. Let’s see how well Basit does.  There is a lot of work tio get done – the Board is eager to see a more responsive organization.

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2 comments to New CAO now in place at Conservation Halton – Board is eager to see a more responsive organization.

  • James

    As the saying goes if you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything at all. Therefore on the subject of Conservation Halton, I will do just that.

  • Hans

    Most of this article doesn’t seem very credible to me. It’s as if the writer doesn’t have any actual facts to report and provided the new CAO’s resume instead.
    In addition, the comments regarding the former CAO are very unkind at the least and they may sabotage his chances of finding a new job. Was that really necessary?