At the February 10, 2026 Council Meeting, the CAO Cynthia Davis offered these remarks regarding her time working with the Town.

“I appreciated the opportunity that I was given when I took this position to return home and work in this capacity. By the first council, when I was appointed as Chief Administrative Officer, or actually Town Clerk/Administrator in 1998. Mayor Slade was on council at the time and still refers to me as Miss Town Administrator.

I’ve worked under many councils since I started working with the Town and I would like to thank them, including the current council for their support over the years. I must say councils have been really good and I really appreciated that support.

I would also like to thank the citizens of the town for their patience and understanding. As you know, as administrator you are required to follow many provincial acts, regulations, municipal regulations, policies and you can’t always give the residents the answers that they want to hear and hope to get. But, in most situations, I’ve always felt I’ve been shown respect and most understood those situations.

In addition, I want to thank my staff. It’s their knowledge and work effort that has helped me to fulfill my duties and responsibilities to the best of my ability. You see your work family on a daily basis and I’ll certainly miss them….I’ll miss everybody for sure. I have to say, our staff have been good. Our staff from what I see – they do their best. They do put the Town first.

I want to thank my family as well for their support. As this position can have its challenges, and there are times when you sometimes can’t help but bring your work home with you. My family has always been there for me.

Despite the challenges, it has been a very rewarding and fulfilling career. I can only hope that I helped make a difference in my home town.

Again, I want to thank everyone. I will certainly miss working with the Town of Carbonear. But, I’m looking forward to the next chapter of my life. I’m planning on spending more time with family, including our young granddaughter. I’m looking forward to that and doing some travelling. Thank you”

Mayor Sam Slade expressed his appreciation for Cynthia’s leadership as well at the meeting:

“After nearly 28 years of dedicated service to the Town of Carbonear. Just to let you know, the Town Administrator actually has 32 years she completed 4 years in another community. It is a lifetime of service.

Our Chief Administrator Officer has earned a well-deserved retirement. This is no small milestone- nearly 3 decades of commitment, leadership, and care for this community has left a lasting mark on this town and all of us who had a privilege to work with her.

Throughout her career, she has been a steady and trusted presence, guiding council, supporting staff and always keeping the best interests of Carbonear at heart with every decision. Her professionalism, integrity and deep institutional knowledge have been very valuable, especially during times of change and challenge. Carbonear is a flourishing community because of her work.

On behalf of myself, my colleagues on council, department heads, office staff, public works and recreation staff, fire department and residents of Carbonear I want to sincerely thank her for her many years of service and leadership. We wish her every happiness in this next chapter. One filled with good health, new adventures with Brent and time to enjoy her children and granddaughter.

Congratulations on your retirement and thank you for everything you have given to the Town of Carbonear. “

To support a smooth leadership transition, the Town’s current Director of Financial Operations/Town Clerk Cathy Somers, will serve as Acting CAO, effective February 19, 2026 until a permanent appointment is made in accordance with the Towns and Local Service Districts Act.

Throughout her tenure, Cynthia has a proven history of effective leadership, dedication to legislation and policies, and a strong commitment to building a prosperous and resilient Town.

We wish her all the best