Deputy Chief Administrative Officer, Town of Whitby
Graduate Program in Public Policy, Administration & Law, Master of Public Policy, Administration and Law (MPPAL) 2025

Sarah Klein is the Deputy CAO for the Town of Whitby, where she has worked for 30 years helping guide the community’s growth and transformation. She oversees intergovernmental relations, corporate strategic planning, and key initiatives including economic development, sustainability, culture, tourism, and downtowns. Sarah has led major projects such as securing Whitby as the site of Lakeridge Health’s new hospital, developing the Town’s Community Strategic Plan, and obtaining more than $50M in grant funding. A York University MPPAL graduate, she is passionate about strategic leadership, community well-being, and supporting vulnerable residents. Sarah values family, the outdoors, and her faith.

York’s MPPAL program has been transformative in shaping how I approach leadership in the public sector. It helped me connect the dots between legal frameworks, governance practices, and policy outcomes, reinforcing that effective administration is not only about doing things right but also about doing the right things within the law and in the public interest. Gaining a deeper understanding of public law and the constitutional context of governance has strengthened my ability to navigate intergovernmental relationships, advocate for thoughtful reform, and maintain public trust. This knowledge continues to guide my leadership and decision-making as a municipal leader.