The Chief Administrative Officer is charged with the responsibility of co-ordinating the work of all municipal departments and ensuring that those departments carry out the policies and directions given by City Council. 

The CAO oversees the day-to-day operations of the City through nine Department Heads and co-ordinates the administrative interaction with various operating agencies such as Police Services, the Public Library, the EDC and the Sault Ste. Marie Region Conservation Authority.

Recommending current and capital budgets, approving items for Council Agendas (both open and caucus) and personnel matters are the responsibility of the CAO.

The City's Strategic Plan is also under the direction of the CAO.

Joseph M. (Joe) Fratesi, B.A.LL.B.
Chief Administrative Officer

Level IV, Civic Centre
99 Foster Drive, P.O. Box 580
Sault Ste. Marie, ON  P6A 5N1

Telephone:   (705) 759-5347
Fax:   (705) 759-5952
e-mail: j.fratesi@cityssm.on.ca

Bianca  Berlingieri, CMM
Assistant to the Chief Administrative Officer

Telephone:  (705) 759-5347
Fax:  (705) 759-5952
e-mail:  b.berlingieri@cityssm.on.ca

The Chief Administrative Officer has an Administrative Assistant who is responsible to co-ordinate and schedule day-to-day activities and provide administrative assistance and all necessary support services to the Chief Administrative Officer. The CAO's Administrative Assistant acts as a liaison to provide confidential and other support to the Senior Management Team and members of City Council.  In addition, the Assistant ensures that matters and requests referred to the CAO’s attention from citizens, agencies and government receive a timely response for approval and follow-up as necessary.