Departments

Elaine Baxter-Trahair - Chief Administrative Officer

The Office of the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) oversees two program areas, Corporate Communications and Emergency Management, in addition to the corporate Department Head team.

Corporate Communications Office

Alison Burgess, Executive Director - Communications and Engagement

The Communications and Engagement Office (C&E) provides strategic communications services that keep the public and staff informed about the programs and services of the Region of Durham. C&E works closely with the media, the community, Regional employees, stakeholders and other levels of government.

Emergency Management

Jessica Eng, Director – Durham Emergency Management Office

Durham Emergency Management Office (DEMO) is responsible for the Regional Municipality of Durham emergency management program. The program helps keep residents safe and improves Durham's ability to recover from emergencies.

Barb Goodwin - Commissioner of Corporate Services

Corporate Services is comprised of four divisions: Human Resources, Information Technology, Legislative Services and Service Durham.

Human Resources

Jennifer Ankrett, Director - Human Resources

The Human Resources Division is a strategic partner dedicated to fostering an inclusive, engaged, and high-performing workforce. Guided by the Region's corporate values, the Division provides innovative and responsive services across the employee lifecycle, including talent acquisition, labour relations, compensation and benefits, organizational development, workforce planning, human resources policy, and health, safety and wellness.

Human Resources is committed to creating a workplace where employees feel valued, supported, and empowered to do their best work. By attracting, developing, and retaining talented people, the Division helps build a resilient organization that is prepared to meet evolving community needs and deliver exceptional public service.

Information Technology

Chi-Cheng Chu, Director - Information Technology

As Chief Information Officer (CIO) and Chief Information Security Officer (CISO), Chi-Cheng is responsible for the Regional Municipality of Durham’s information and digital technology needs.

Legislative Services

Alexander Harras, Regional Clerk

The Legislative Services Division provides Council and Committee Support ensuring Statutory and Legislative Compliance to meet the requirements of the Municipal Act, the Municipal Elections Act, Corporate Policy and the Municipal Conflict of Interest Act. In addition, this division is also responsible for the Information Management Program ensuring that official records are managed from creation to final disposition, and includes responding to requests for access to records and addressing privacy concerns.

Service Durham

Junaid Sarwar, Director – Service Durham

Service Durham is the customer experience management division of the Region of Durham’s Corporate Services Department, dedicated to delivering exceptional, modernized service experiences through myDurham 311—the Region’s centralized, non-emergency point of contact. Leveraging digital platforms and innovative service models, Service Durham focuses on providing inclusive, accessible, and integrated services that meet the evolving needs of our customers (residents, businesses, and visitors).

By driving service excellence and enhancing public access through multiple channels including online, by phone, and in person, Service Durham ensures quick, convenient, and consistent customer experience. This customer-centric and collaborative approach streamlines service requests, delivers timely information, and fosters personalized experiences that reinforce the Region’s commitment to service innovation and accessibility.

Connect with us by calling 311, emailing 311@durham.ca, or using our self-service portal at myDurham311.ca.

Nicole Pincombe - Commissioner of Finance

The Finance Department handles the financial side of the organization. The department works to promote and maintain financial strength, stability and accountability. The Commissioner of Finance and Treasurer gives advice on financial decisions at the Region of Durham.

The role of the Finance Department includes the fulfillment of the legislated duties of the Treasurer to receive and safely keep all money of the corporation, to keep all books of account and to prepare and publish financial statements, as required by the province. The activities of the divisions include the following:

Risk Management, Economic Studies & Procurement

Mary Simpson, Director - Risk Management, Economic Studies & Procurement

The Director of Risk Management, Economic Studies & Procurement is responsible for long term strategic, risk and economic analysis for the Regional corporation and its agencies as well as centralized procurement and office services. This division’s functions include fiscal impact analysis and strategies, business case development, development charges, credit rating reviews and performance measurement; overseeing and coordinating the Enterprise Risk Management process and framework as well as risk management and mitigation for the Region and members of the Durham Municipal Insurance Pool; centralized procurement for all Regional services; and, the provision of mail, postage, courier, inventory, disposal of assets, centralized high speed print services and shipping/receiving at Regional Headquarters.

Financial Services

Joanne Cermak, Director - Financial Services

The Director of Financial Services is responsible for the centralized financial accounting and reporting for all Regional activities, including Durham Region Transit and the Durham Regional Local Housing Corporation. This includes the collection and securing monies, the payment of liabilities and the preparation and publishing of the financial statements for the Regional Corporation.

Business Planning & Budgeting

Director - Business Planning and Budgeting

The Director of Business Planning & Budgeting is responsible for leading the Region’s Business Planning and Budget process; Operating and Capital forecasts, corporate-wide asset management, preparing the Annual Property Tax Study, including the setting of property tax policy and rates, and setting of water supply and sanitary sewer user rates.

Financial Solutions, Utility Finance & Investment Portfolio Management

Chanel Chai - Financial Solutions, Utility Finance & Investment Portfolio Management

The Director of Financial Solutions, Utility Finance & Investment Portfolio Management is responsible for the corporation’s Financial Information Management and Human Capital Management systems, including Durham Regional Police Service and Durham Region Transit; water meter reading, billing and customer service activities of the Utility Finance Division; managing the Region’s investments; and managing the Region’s and local Municipalities debt instruments.

Dr. Robert Kyle - Medical Officer of Health

The Health Department is responsible for the delivery of public health programs and services.

Business Affairs

Zahra Jaffer, Director - Business Affairs

Business Affairs is responsible for the financial management, facilities and privacy and security within the department as well as the administrative staff that support all divisions within the department.

Health Protection

Anthony Di Pietro, Director - Health Protection

The division protects the public's health through inspection, investigation and enforcement of various Acts and regulations governing food safety, safe water, infectious diseases, health hazards and control of smoking and vaping in public places and the workplace.

Oral Health

Dr. Maryam Pezeshki, Director - Oral Health

Responsible for school dental screening, oral health promotion and education, and oral health clinical programs to assist low income families and seniors in Durham Region access dental care.

Paramedic Services

Troy Cheseboro, Chief - Region of Durham Paramedic Services

The Chief provides divisional oversight and planning for all areas of Paramedic Services.

Population Health

Kavine Thangaraj, Director - Population Health and Chief Nursing Officer

Population Health Division is responsible for the delivery of the following programs: Healthy Living, Healthy Families, Infant and Child Development, Infectious Disease Prevention and Control, Immunization and Durham Health Connection Line.

Sandra Austin - Commissioner of Community Growth and Economic Development

The Community Growth and Economic Development Department is responsible for managing growth and development in Durham Region.

Community Growth Division

Colleen Goodchild, Director - Community Growth

Overall responsibility for the Community Growth Division including oversight of Durham Region’s Official Plan, providing guidance and direction for a variety of strategic long-range planning initiatives, development planning approvals, transportation policy, transit oriented development, the Region’s Official Plan Review and various projects under the Region’s Transportation Master Plan.

Economic Development and Tourism Division

Simon Gill, Director - Economic Development

Economic Development and Tourism is responsible for supporting the growth of our Regional economy through marketing, providing business services to attract new investment, enabling a vibrant tourism industry, as well as providing agricultural and rural programming in the northern townships.

Strategic Initiatives Division

Lesley-Ann Foulds, Director - Strategic Initiatives

The Strategic Initiatives Division leads the development and delivery of a number of Regional initiatives, including the Regional Strategic Plan and organizational performance, key policy files, government and community relations, and innovation.

Environment and Climate Division

Ian McVey, Director - Environment and Climate

The Environment and Climate Division is Durham Region’s centre of excellence on key environmental sustainability priorities. Overall responsibilities include supporting the greening of the Region’s internal operations, working with external partners to empower all communities, and growing the Region’s reputation as a leader in environmental stewardship and climate action.

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

Allison Hector-Alexander, Director - Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

The Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) division works with staff, service providers, and local communities to advance equity, reconciliation and anti-racism through evidence-based policies and practices. The team works on initiatives that support the Region’s commitment to creating an inclusive workplace and community where everyone feels a sense of belonging and each person’s contributions are valued.

The Division’s work is focused on identifying and removing barriers in the workplace and community that relate to one or more of the protected grounds of the Ontario Human Rights Code: citizenship, race, place of origin, ethnic origin, colour, ancestry, disability, age, creed, sex/pregnancy, family status, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, receipt of public assistance, and record of offences.

The DEI Division is responsible for:

• The Regional Community Safety and Well-Being Plan
• Multi Year Accessibility Plan
• Local Immigration Partnership

Through these programs we strategically lead Durham Region through several interconnected initiatives; education and awareness, improving access to services, building partnerships and programs, measuring diversity and inclusion and developing practice frameworks to guide decision-making.

Jason Hunt – Commissioner, Legal Services and Regional Solicitor

The Legal Services Department comprises three operations – the Solicitors’ Office, the Provincial Offences Act – Prosecution Services and the Provincial Offences Act – Court Services.  This highly skilled legal team provides legal advice and representation to all departments across the corporation.

The Provincial Offences Act – Court Services operates four courtrooms, a trial scheduling counter and a payment counter to address thousands of court matters a year. 

Kelly McDermott – Director Legal Services, Solicitors and Prosecutions

The Solicitors’ Office - A team of lawyers and the legal support team provide legal advice and representation to all the departments across the corporation in three areas: Development and Real Estate; Labour and Community Services; Corporate and Litigation.

The Provincial Offences Act – Prosecution Services consists of a team of prosecution assistants and prosecutors who carry out the prosecution of offences under a number of provincial Acts (such as the Highway Traffic Act) as well as Regional By-laws.

Stella Danos-Papaconstantinou - Commissioner of Social Services

Seven divisions make up the Social Services Department. These divisions provide professional and high-quality services for Durham Region residents.

Affordable Housing Development and Renewal

Gary Muller, Director - Affordable Housing Development and Renewal

Affordable Housing Development and Renewel is responsible for creating new opportunities for affordable and supportive housing. The division identifies and manages new projects on properties owned by the Region and Housing Durham, builds development partnerships with private and non-profit housing providers, and oversees the Region's At Home Incentive Program to build new affordable housing.

Business Services

Jonathan Dixon, Director - Business Services

The Business Services Division delivers administrative, financial, and emergency supports with a focus on service excellence and responsible resource management - empowering individuals and communities to thrive.

Child Care and Early Years

Julie Gaskin, Director - Child Care and Early Years

The Child Care and Early Years Division plans, manages and oversees funding for Durham's early years and child care system. The division takes a lead role in Durham's Best Start Network and operates seven licensed early learning and child care programs as well as Durham Behaviour Management Services.

Family Services

Marusia Laschuk, Director - Family Services

The Family Services Division helps to improve the quality of life for people living or working in Durham Region who are experiencing mental health and other issues by providing professional and accessible counselling, psychotherapy, education and other support services.

Housing Services

Erin Valant, Director - Housing Services

Housing Services supports social housing providers and manages properties directly owned by the Region. It also funds programs to prevent homelessness and encourages the creation of affordable housing.

Income and Employment Supports

Lisa McIntosh, Director - Income and Employment Supports

Income and Employment Supports delivers the Ontario Works Program. Ontario Works gives financial assistance and basic health benefits to people in need. A wide range of employment services are also available to help people find jobs.

Long-Term Care and Services for Seniors

Laura MacDermaid, Director - Long-Term Care and Services for Seniors

The Long-Term Care and Services for Seniors Division provides programs and services in four Regionally owned and operated accredited long-term care homes. The division also provides respite care, caregiver relief and Adult Day programs.

Bill Holmes - General Manager

Durham Region Transit (DRT) is responsible to plan, schedule, and deliver public transit for the Region of Durham, collaborating with our stakeholders to provide innovative mobility and technology solutions for residents and visitors regardless of where they live, work or travel across the Region.

Maintenance

Christopher Norris, Deputy General Manager - Maintenance

Maintenance team members ensure all DRT vehicles are maintained, serviced and cleaned to meet or exceed safety standards.

Our team also manages bus stops and bus stop furnishings to ensure they are safe and accessible. We work collaboratively with stakeholders to manage DRT buildings and properties, and lead capital projects such as new vehicle acquisitions, and facility construction and renovation projects.

Operations

 

The Operations team plans and delivers scheduled, specialized and On Demand transit services across Durham Region. In addition, the Operations team develops and delivers training curriculum for new and existing operators and support staff across the organization. On a daily basis, professional operators are supported by mobile supervisors, controllers at the Transit Control Centre and dispatchers. Behind the scenes, the team undertakes short and medium planning of transit services, operational planning and scheduling, and support strategic regional and GTHA-wide transit initiatives.

Business Services

Kris Hornburg, Deputy General Manager - Business Services

Business Services provides leadership in the delivery of core business functions including customer service, safety and training, financial planning, technical services and data analytics, in addition to customer-focused fare initiatives and strategic modernization projects.

John Presta - Commissioner of Works

Ramesh Jagannathan - Commissioner of Works

The Works Department provides services for residents and businesses in the Durham Region:

• Drinking water distribution and treatment
• Sewage collection and treatment
• Maintenance of Regional roads
• Waste management

Capital Projects Delivery

Dan Waechter, Director - Capital Projects Delivery

Responsible for the design and construction of Regional roads, bridges, sanitary sewer collection and water distribution systems, water supply plants, reservoirs and booster pumping stations, water pollution control plants and pumping stations, as well as infrastructure asset management strategies.

Corporate Infrastructure and Strategic Business Services

Christine Dunkley, Director - Corporate Infrastructure and Strategic Business Services

Areas of responsibility include real estate acquisitions and disposals; property management activities including the general management of the Durham Region Forest tracts; the management of Regional facilities and leased premises including design, construction, operation, maintenance and demolition activities; the operation and management of Regional Headquarters; the coordination of comments related to various development applications, servicing and subdivision agreements; the issuance of water and sewer connection permits; and the provision of financial and administrative support for all Works Department programs.

Environmental Services

Responsible for planning, design, construction, operation and maintenance of water supply and sanitary sewerage services.

Transportation and Field Services

David Dunn, Director - Transportation and Field Services

Responsible for corridor management, rapid transit, and the operations and maintenance of Regional roads, traffic signals, and linear water and sewer infrastructure.

Waste Management Services

Andrew Evans, Director - Waste Management Services

Responsible for systems policy development, planning and design, effective and efficient garbage, organics and composting collection and processing service delivery to support diversion in Durham's residential sector.