Innisfail CAO Todd Becker Announces Retirement After Nine Years

Key facts

• Todd Becker informed Innisfail town council of his retirement on Monday, April 27, 2026.
• Becker has served as CAO since August 2017, a tenure of nearly nine years.
• He has 35 years of municipal experience in Saskatchewan and Alberta.
• Becker previously served as CAO of Rocky Mountain House from 2009 to 2017.
• Under Becker, Deep Sky chose Innisfail for the world’s first cross-technology carbon removal centre.
• The refurbished Innisfail Aquatic Centre opened this month, a project that evolved during Becker’s tenure.
• Mayor Jean Barclay expressed gratitude for Becker's leadership and vision.

A Leadership Change in Innisfail

The Town of Innisfail will soon begin the search for a new chief administrative officer after current CAO Todd Becker announced his intention to retire later this year. Becker informed town council on Monday, April 27, 2026, of his decision, marking the end of a nearly nine-year tenure that began in August 2017. Becker described the transition as “both stressful and exciting,” noting that it presents “an exciting opportunity for the organization and community.” His departure will trigger a formal hiring process in the coming weeks, as council moves to find a replacement.

A Career Spanning Three Decades in Municipal Service

Becker brings 35 years of experience in municipal administration across Saskatchewan and Alberta. Before joining Innisfail, he served as the CAO of Rocky Mountain House from 2009 to 2017. His extensive background in local government has shaped his approach to leadership, according to colleagues. “We are grateful for Todd’s leadership and vision over the past nine years,” said Mayor Jean Barclay. “We are sad that he is leaving at the end of this year, but we know he has positioned Innisfail well to continue on a path of continued success.”

Key Achievements During Becker’s Tenure

Under Becker’s leadership, Innisfail secured a landmark project: Deep Sky selected the town as the site for the world’s first cross-technology carbon removal centre. The facility, which aims to test and deploy multiple carbon removal technologies, represents a significant economic and environmental milestone for the community. This month, the town also celebrated the opening of the refurbished Innisfail Aquatic Centre, a project that evolved over the course of Becker’s time with the town. The facility’s renovation was a key priority, reflecting broader investments in local infrastructure and quality of life.

The Transition Process Ahead

In the upcoming weeks, the town council will formally initiate the process to hire Becker’s successor. The search will aim to find a candidate who can build on the momentum of recent developments, including the carbon removal centre and aquatic centre projects. Becker’s retirement is set to take effect later this year, providing time for a smooth handover. The council has not yet specified a timeline for the recruitment or whether an interim CAO will be appointed.

Implications for Innisfail’s Future

The departure of a long-serving CAO comes at a pivotal moment for Innisfail, which has seen significant change under Becker’s watch. The town’s ability to attract innovative projects like Deep Sky’s carbon removal centre has raised its profile, and the new CAO will be tasked with sustaining that trajectory. Mayor Barclay’s confidence that Becker has “positioned Innisfail well” suggests the foundation is solid, but leadership transitions always carry uncertainty. The council’s choice will shape the town’s direction for years to come.

The bottom line

• Todd Becker, Innisfail’s CAO since August 2017, will retire later this year after 35 years in municipal service.
• Becker oversaw major projects including Deep Sky’s world-first cross-technology carbon removal centre and the refurbished Innisfail Aquatic Centre.
• Mayor Jean Barclay praised Becker’s leadership and said he has positioned the town for continued success.
• The town council will begin the formal hiring process for a new CAO in the coming weeks.
• Becker’s retirement marks a leadership transition at a time when Innisfail is gaining attention for its innovative projects.