City of Halifax, NS Executive and Leadership Team

August, 2026

Leadership Overview

City of Halifax, NS has 4 executives leading key functions including finance, administration, information technology, and strategic operations.

Driven by a commitment to public service, City of Halifax, NS focuses on delivering essential government and private sector services, fostering community development, and enhancing the quality of life for its residents.

Leadership Roles at City of Halifax, NS

  • Chief Financial Officer - Jerry Blackwood
  • Chief of Staff - Joanne Macrae
  • Chief Information Officer - David Thorpe
  • Acting CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER - Brad Anguish
  • Jerry Blackwood - Chief Financial Officer

    Jerry Blackwood, the Chief Financial Officer at City of Halifax, NS, directs all fiscal operations and financial strategy. Overseeing budget allocation, revenue management, and financial reporting, Blackwood ensures the fiscal health and sustainability of the municipality. This leadership role involves managing public funds with integrity and transparency, aligning financial plans with the city's service delivery objectives. By optimizing resource utilization and implementing sound financial controls, Jerry Blackwood directly supports the delivery of government and private sector services across Nova Scotia. The Chief Financial Officer's purview extends to long-term financial planning, investment strategies, and ensuring compliance with all relevant financial regulations, thereby securing the municipality's economic stability and capacity for future growth.
    Jerry Blackwood

    Joanne Macrae - Chief of Staff

    Joanne Macrae, the Chief of Staff at City of Halifax, NS, manages strategic initiatives and operational coordination for the administrative leadership. This position involves facilitating communication between departments, ensuring alignment with the CAO's directives, and driving key projects to completion. Macrae oversees the effective implementation of administrative policies and procedures, enhancing the efficiency of municipal operations. By coordinating cross-departmental efforts, Joanne Macrae ensures that the city's strategic goals are met with precision and timeliness. The Chief of Staff's responsibilities include advising senior leadership on organizational effectiveness, managing stakeholder relations, and supporting the overall governance framework of the capital of Nova Scotia. This role is critical in translating strategic vision into actionable plans for the municipality.

    David Thorpe - Chief Information Officer

    David Thorpe, the Chief Information Officer at City of Halifax, NS, leads the development and execution of the municipality's technology strategy. Overseeing all aspects of information technology infrastructure, cybersecurity, and digital services, Thorpe ensures robust and secure technological operations. This role is pivotal in modernizing government services and enhancing citizen engagement through digital platforms. By driving innovation in IT, David Thorpe supports the efficient delivery of both government and private sector services across the region. The Chief Information Officer's mandate includes managing data governance, implementing new technologies to improve operational efficiency, and safeguarding sensitive municipal information. Thorpe's leadership ensures that City of Halifax, NS remains technologically advanced and resilient.

    Brad Anguish - Acting CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER

    Brad Anguish, the Acting CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER at City of Halifax, NS, directs the overall administration and operational management of the municipality. This executive leadership position involves overseeing all municipal departments, ensuring the effective delivery of public services, and implementing the strategic direction set by the council. Anguish is responsible for managing the city's resources, fostering a high-performance culture among staff, and ensuring compliance with all legislative and regulatory requirements. By guiding departmental operations, Brad Anguish ensures that the capital of Nova Scotia functions efficiently and effectively. The Acting CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER's role is central to maintaining the operational integrity of the municipality and advancing its mission to serve the citizens of Halifax.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding City of Halifax, NS Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads City of Halifax, NS?
    City of Halifax, NS is led by Jerry Blackwood (Chief Financial Officer), along with executives such as Joanne Macrae (Chief of Staff) and David Thorpe (Chief Information Officer).
    Who is part of City of Halifax, NS’s executive team?
    The executive team of City of Halifax, NS includes leaders such as Jerry Blackwood (Chief Financial Officer), Joanne Macrae (Chief of Staff), David Thorpe (Chief Information Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does City of Halifax, NS have?
    City of Halifax, NS has 4 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in City of Halifax, NS’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of City of Halifax, NS includes roles such as Chief Financial Officer, Chief of Staff, Chief Information Officer, Acting CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER.