Photo: Kneehill County’s social media feed announced its CAO’s resignation Nov. 25 as a regular council meeting was scheduled to take place. Rural Alberta Report/Screenshot

Kneehill County’s chief administrative officer (CAO) resigned after a private discussion during a regular council meeting. The municipality’s social media feed stated councillors accepted the resignation Nov. 25.

The social media feed statement about CAO Mike Haugen was quite brief, only a few sentences long. It noted that Haugen resigned after a private discussion in “closed session,” which is a “behind closed doors” part of the meeting where usually only the reeve, council, CAO and invited guests attend.

Typically, councils are required on their regular meeting agenda to note whether or not a closed session is planned and if so what topics under the proper legislation will be discussed. The Nov. 25 agenda mentioned two topics: advice from officials and intergovernmental relations.

The Rural Alberta Report has reached out to Kneehill reeve and council for comment on Haugen’s resignation and this story will be updated if a response is received.

In a late Oct. regular council meeting only a few days after the municipal election Reeve Lonny McCook stated his belief Kneehill County’s entire structure should at the least be examined if not changed, with agreement from Coun. Merle Anderson.

“Everyone got voted in here not to continue on with the way the structure is as it stands,” said McCook. “One of the things that we got to look at is how we want this county structured right away,” said McCook at the Oct. 28 regular council meeting as councillors were being introduced to the municipality's strategic plan. “That’s the discussion we’ll be having. Then we can get into (the strategic plan).

“One of the things that came up...is that the municipal plan and stuff that you guys have worked on isn’t necessarily what we need or what we’re here to represent right now.

“I believe we need to get control of what’s happening in this county right now.

“I’m talking everything from the top down,” said the reeve. “As an elected official I don’t think there’s room for another four years continuing on with the direction that we’re on right now or the direction that’s been going on for the last 20 years.”

UPDATE: Nov 28 @ 4:11pm

The Rural Alberta Report received a response from Kneehill County regarding the resignation of CAO Haugen Nov. 25. It reads: "Kneehill County confirms that Chief Administrative Officer Mike Haugen has resigned from his position, effective November 25, 2025. Council thanks Mr. Haugen for his dedication and contributions during his time at Kneehill County. Theresa Cochran has been appointed Interim CAO, effective immediately, to ensure continuity of Kneehill County operations."