Message from Byron W. Brooks, A.I.C.P.
Chief Administrative Officer

Welcome to the City of Orlando’s website and specifically to this section on the Office of the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO). The primary purpose of this office, like every function in City government, is to assist with the delivery of quality services to the citizens of the City of Orlando. We are committed to our mission, which is to enhance the quality of life in the City by delivering public services in a knowledgeable, responsive and financially responsible manner.

Pursuant to the City Charter, adopted on February 4, 1885, the City of Orlando operates under a Mayor/Council form of government. The Mayor, Buddy Dyer, serves as the chief executive officer. Historically, City Mayors have appointed a Chief Administrative Officer to assist with the day-to-day administration of city operations and ensure effective implementation of policies adopted by City Council. The current Chief Administrative Officer is Byron W. Brooks, who was appointed to the position by Mayor Dyer in December 2005. Mr. Brooks has more than 23 years of experience in government, previously serving in senior level executive positions with area organizations.

The city-wide organizational chart shows the departments that report through the CAO. The CAO’s Office also includes the Human Resources Division and the Minority and Women Business Development Division. The chart also shows the three other functional areas that report directly to the Mayor (Chief of Staff, City Attorney and Chief Financial Officer) and forms the mayor’s executive team. The CAO’s immediate office includes two Deputy Chief Administrative Officers, Kevin Edmonds and Deborah D. Girard; Assistant to the CAO Jonathan Ippel; CAO Administrative Specialist Karolyn Washington and DCAO Executive Assistants Janice Owens-Cannady and Claribel Ruiz.

As previously noted, the primary responsibility of the CAO is to ensure the operating departments are delivering the required services in a consistent, efficient and responsible manner, and providing commendable customer service. This office is involved with every service, activity and initiative this City provides, and our role is to provide appropriate guidance, direction, coordination and leadership. We measure performance and establish accountability. We are fortunate to have an outstanding team of professional and dedicated employees throughout the City of Orlando, and we welcome your constructive feedback on how we can improve as well as your comments on what is working.