CAO stands for Chief Administrative Officer. It is an executive position responsible for managing the daily administrative functions of an organization. The CAO is usually appointed by the CEO and reports directly to them. In a municipal context, the title is usually used as an alternative for city manager, county administrator, or county executive, particularly in cases where the position does not include powers such as the authority to appoint or dismiss department heads. The CAO is responsible for administrative management of private, public or governmental organizations and is the de facto head of the organization. In the United States House of Representatives, the Office of the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) serves as an essential resource.