Frank Coutney, CLGM

Frank's Story

Frank began his municipal career in 1981 as an intern with Barrhead County. In 1983, he joined the County of Wetaskiwin’s accounting department during a time when both school and municipal operations were managed under one roof—a period that left him with many memorable stories. (If you ask nicely, he might even share a tale or two that will make you laugh.)

In 1989, Frank was appointed Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) for the County of Wetaskiwin. He served in that role with dedication for 30 years, an exceptional tenure that stands as one of the longest, if not the longest, continuous CAO appointments for a single municipality in Alberta over the past 50 years. His leadership is a true testament to the consistency, professionalism, and political acumen he brings to every organization he supports.

After retiring from full-time municipal service, Frank continued contributing to the sector. From 2018 to 2023, he served as the Client Services Manager for Contract Services with Rural Municipalities of Alberta (RMA), supporting municipalities across the province. In 2022, he returned to interim leadership, serving as Interim CAO for Athabasca County while the County recruited for a permanent CAO.

Today, Frank remains active in the municipal community as a mentor through the CAO Mentoring Program with Government Frameworks, helping to guide and support the next generation of municipal leaders.

Frank has been a Certified Local Government Manager (CLGM) for over 25 years and is recognized as an Honorary Life Member of the Alberta Rural Municipal Administrators’ Association (ARMAA). In 2003, he received the prestigious R.W. Hay Award for Rural Administrative Excellence, further underscoring his longstanding commitment to excellence in local government.