Halifax Executive and Leadership Team

Jerry Blackwood, the Chief Financial Officer at Halifax, manages the fiscal health and long-term economic stability of the municipal government. Blackwood oversees the annual budget process, capital planning, and the allocation of public resources to support essential infrastructure and community development projects. By implementing rigorous financial controls, the Chief Financial Officer ensures transparency and accountability in the management of taxpayer funds. Jerry Blackwood evaluates the economic impact of municipal policies, providing critical data to support strategic growth initiatives across Nova Scotia. This role involves coordinating with the Board and other executive leaders to balance immediate service requirements with future investment needs. Blackwood drives financial performance by optimizing revenue streams and minimizing operational costs. Through disciplined fiscal oversight, the Chief Financial Officer secures the necessary capital to maintain high-quality public services and foster a sustainable, prosperous environment for the entire regional population.

Joanne Macrae, the Chief of Staff at Halifax, coordinates high-level strategic initiatives across all municipal departments. Macrae manages the flow of information between the executive office and various public service divisions to ensure alignment with regional policy goals. By facilitating cross-departmental collaboration, the Chief of Staff optimizes internal workflows and enhances the delivery of public services. Joanne Macrae monitors the implementation of long-term planning objectives, ensuring that municipal resources support the broader vision for sustainable community development. This role involves constant engagement with senior leadership to refine operational processes and address emerging challenges within the Nova Scotia region. Through rigorous oversight of administrative functions, the Chief of Staff maintains organizational focus on quality of life improvements for residents. Macrae drives efficiency by streamlining communication channels and fostering a culture of accountability throughout the municipal government structure.

David Thorpe, the Chief Information Officer at Halifax, directs the digital transformation of municipal infrastructure and public service delivery systems. Thorpe architects secure, scalable technology frameworks that support data-driven decision-making across all government departments. By modernizing legacy systems, the Chief Information Officer improves accessibility for residents and businesses interacting with municipal platforms. David Thorpe oversees the integration of smart city technologies to enhance environmental management and public safety operations throughout the region. This leadership role requires constant collaboration with other C-suite members to align technical investments with the overarching fiscal and strategic goals of the municipality. Thorpe manages cybersecurity protocols to protect critical public data while ensuring system reliability for essential services. Through the deployment of advanced digital tools, the Chief Information Officer drives operational efficiency and fosters a more connected, transparent, and technologically resilient community for all citizens.

Brad Anguish, the Acting CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER at Halifax, provides executive leadership for the entire municipal organization and its diverse public service portfolio. Anguish directs the execution of council-approved policies, ensuring that all departments—from transportation to public safety—operate in alignment with the strategic vision for the region. By overseeing daily operations, the Acting CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER maintains the functional integrity of the government while driving initiatives that improve resident quality of life. Brad Anguish facilitates complex inter-departmental projects, balancing the needs of various community stakeholders with the practical constraints of municipal resource management. This leadership role involves constant interaction with the public and private sectors to promote economic development and sustainable growth. Through decisive management and clear communication, Anguish ensures that the municipality remains responsive to the evolving needs of the community while upholding the highest standards of public service excellence.