Earlier this fall, Hastings received the 2025 Dedicated Chief Administrative Officer Award—an Alberta Municipalities and Society of Local Government Managers sponsored honour.
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Coaldale Town Council has approved an extension of Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) Kalen Hastings’ employment agreement, retaining Hastings in the Town’s top administrative role. The renewed agreement is effective December 16th, 2025, and continues Hastings’ employment as CAO until the end of 2031, replacing the prior contract that was set to expire January 1st, 2026.
Hastings has served the Town of Coaldale for 15 continuous years, and his tenure as CAO has coincided with a significant period of capital investment, organizational growth, and community development. During this time, Coaldale has advanced major recreation, downtown, and infrastructure initiatives that require careful planning, disciplined procurement, and strong coordination across staff, contractors, partners, and Council. Under Hastings’ leadership, these initiatives have been delivered with a consistent focus on fiscal accountability, transparent decision-making, and long-term value, helping ensure that public dollars are managed responsibly while the community continues to grow and modernize.
“Kalen is a strong and capable CAO who provides steady leadership and sound judgment,” said Town of Coaldale Mayor Jack Van Rijn. “He brings clarity to complex issues, offers balanced and evidence-based advice, and works collaboratively with Council and staff. Over the past several years, his transparent and professional approach has strengthened Council–administration relationships and sustained a focus on long-term planning and effective service delivery. Council is pleased to extend his contract and continue the work underway in Coaldale under his administrative leadership.”
Council’s decision to extend Hastings’ employment agreement also follows his recent selection as the 2025 recipient of the Dedicated Chief Administrative Officer Award—an Alberta Municipalities and Society of Local Government Managers (SLGM) sponsored honour. The annual award recognizes individuals who have served more than 10 years as a CAO and who are respected for demonstrating a high level of integrity and outstanding contributions in various areas including policy development, Council relations, human resources, financial management, long-term strategic planning, project planning and implementation, community relations, and professional development. Hastings was selected by the Alberta Municipalities Board of Directors and was recognized during Alberta Municipalities’ President’s Dinner at the Fairmont Palliser in Calgary on November 11, 2025.
“Kalen’s recent recognition as the recipient of the Dedicated Chief Administrative Officer Award is a well-earned reflection of the professionalism, integrity, and long-term excellence he brings to municipal leadership,” said Mayor Van Rijn. “For Council, it reinforces what we see every day: a steady, principled leader who keeps the organization focused on results. That recognition gives us even more confidence moving forward as we continue delivering on community priorities and building for Coaldale’s future."