Blake Ellis/The Independent

Ron Van Horne is coming out of retirement.

The former Chief Administrative Officer of Lambton County who retired in February 2023 is taking on the acting CAO reigns at Warwick Township. Warwick Township council approved the appointment at its July 8 meeting.

“Ron is no stranger to the people of Lambton County,” said Warwick Township Mayor Todd Case. “I have had the privilege to work with Ron during my three terms as warden of Lambton County and I have always enjoyed my working relationship with him.”

Van Horne had been in the CAO position at the County of Lambton first as acting CAO in 1999, before he was given the role permanently in 2000.

The move comes after Amanda Gubbels resigned in her role as Warwick CAO and clerk July 4. Gubbels has been hired as the Southwest Middlesex CAO.

Council also appointed Heather Willemse as acting clerk, who moves up from deputy clerk. Both appointments were backdated to July 5.

Case said the municipality is lucky to have Van Horne in this role.

Van Horne will be in this role in as many months as Van Horne deems to be necessary to assist the township before a permanent person is found, said Case.