Halifax Executive and Leadership Team

Jerry Blackwood, the Chief Financial Officer at Halifax, manages the fiscal health and budgetary integrity of the municipal government. Blackwood oversees long-term financial planning, tax revenue administration, and capital investment strategies essential for regional infrastructure projects. By maintaining strict fiscal discipline, the Chief Financial Officer ensures the municipality possesses the necessary resources to fund public safety, transportation, and environmental management programs. Jerry Blackwood directs the audit and reporting functions, providing transparency to residents and stakeholders regarding public fund utilization. This leadership role involves balancing immediate service delivery costs with future economic development goals. Through prudent management of municipal assets, the Chief Financial Officer supports sustainable growth across the region. Blackwood collaborates with other executive leaders to prioritize funding for critical community services, ensuring that financial decisions directly contribute to the overall quality of life for all residents within the municipality.

Joanne Macrae, the Chief of Staff at Halifax, coordinates high-level administrative operations and facilitates communication between municipal departments. Macrae manages the executive office workflow, ensuring alignment between policy development and public service delivery. By streamlining internal processes, the Chief of Staff supports the broader organizational goals of the municipality. Joanne Macrae maintains rigorous standards for project execution, enabling the government to address complex community needs effectively. This role involves constant collaboration with department heads to optimize resource allocation and improve service responsiveness. Through meticulous oversight of administrative functions, the Chief of Staff drives operational efficiency across the entire region. Macrae ensures that municipal initiatives remain consistent with long-term strategic objectives, ultimately strengthening the connection between government actions and resident requirements. The Chief of Staff remains focused on enhancing organizational agility to meet the evolving demands of the Nova Scotia community.

David Thorpe, the Chief Information Officer at Halifax, directs the digital transformation and technological infrastructure required for modern municipal governance. Thorpe manages the implementation of secure data systems, public-facing digital platforms, and internal communication networks that support efficient service delivery. By modernizing information technology, the Chief Information Officer enables departments to access real-time data for planning, public safety, and community development initiatives. David Thorpe oversees cybersecurity protocols to protect sensitive municipal information and ensure the reliability of critical public services. This role involves architecting scalable solutions that improve resident engagement and streamline administrative tasks. Through the integration of advanced technology, the Chief Information Officer drives innovation across the region, facilitating better decision-making for municipal leaders. Thorpe ensures that all digital investments align with the broader mission of building a connected, sustainable community, ultimately enhancing the accessibility and effectiveness of government services for every resident.

Brad Anguish, the Acting CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER at Halifax, provides executive leadership for the entire municipal organization, overseeing the delivery of all public services. Anguish directs the implementation of council-approved policies, ensuring that departments like transportation, planning, and recreation function in harmony to support regional growth. By coordinating cross-departmental efforts, the Acting CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER maintains operational focus on community development and public safety. Brad Anguish manages the execution of complex infrastructure projects, balancing immediate operational needs with the long-term sustainability goals of the municipality. This leadership role involves constant engagement with the public and stakeholders to address regional challenges and improve service quality. Through strategic oversight, the Acting CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER ensures that municipal resources remain directed toward building a resilient and connected environment for all residents. Anguish drives organizational performance, fostering a culture of accountability and excellence across the entire government structure.