Durham Region appoints new Commissioner of Finance

Whitby, Ontario – Durham Regional Council has confirmed the appointment of Nicole Pincombe to the position of Commissioner of Finance/Treasurer for The Regional Municipality of Durham, effective December 1, 2025.

“We are pleased to appoint Nicole Pincombe to this strategic senior position—a role responsible for financial management and overall fiscal accountability,” said Elaine Baxter-Trahair, Chief Administrative Officer (CAO). “Nicole has a proven record of being progressive. Her leadership helped our Finance team develop more resilient and future-ready financial processes and systems.” 

In 2015, Nicole joined the Region as Director of Business Planning and Budgets—a role that involves overseeing long-term financial forecasts, annual business plans and budgets, and the Region’s corporate asset management program. Prior to joining the Region, Nicole was the Executive Director of Finance/Treasurer for the City of Oshawa. Her more than 20 years of municipal experience is complemented by her designation as a Certified Professional Accountant and a Master of Public Administration from Queen’s University. 

“Durham Region has a long-standing reputation for fiscal responsibility and integrity—the result of a robust and accountable financial framework,” said Pincombe. “I am honoured to take on this new role, working collaboratively with the Finance team, senior leadership, and Regional Council, to continue to ensure that Regional tax dollars are managed effectively.”

About the role of Commissioner of Finance 

The Commissioner of Finance is the chief financial officer for the Region, Durham Region Transit, and Housing Durham. This role ensures the safekeeping of all Regional assets and long-term financial obligations, while providing sound and timely advice—to Durham Regional Council and the CAO—related to financial management and fiscal responsibility.

This individual also establishes strategic plans and provides effective leadership for the Finance Department’s five main divisions: 

• Risk Management, Economic Studies, and Procurement
• Business Planning and Budgeting 
• Financial Solutions, Utility Finance (meter reading, billing and collections related to the Region's water and sewer systems) and Investment Portfolio Management
• Financial Services (Accounting, payroll, financial reporting, expenditure management etc.)
• Internal Audit

To learn more about the Finance Department, please visit durham.ca.

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