Halifax Executive and Leadership Team

September, 2026

Leadership Overview

City of Halifax, NS has 4 executives leading key functions including information technology, administrative operations, financial management, and strategic staff coordination.

Committed to public service excellence, [[City of Halifax, NS]] delivers essential government services while fostering economic growth across the capital of Nova Scotia through transparent governance and community-focused infrastructure development.

Leadership Roles at Halifax

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

    Jerry Blackwood, the Chief Financial Officer at City of Halifax, NS, manages the fiscal health and budgetary planning for the municipality. Blackwood oversees the allocation of public funds to support essential government services and infrastructure projects. By implementing rigorous financial controls, the Chief Financial Officer ensures long-term economic stability for the region. This leadership role involves analyzing revenue streams and expenditure patterns to optimize resource distribution across all departments. Jerry Blackwood directs the preparation of annual financial reports and audits to maintain transparency with the public. The Chief Financial Officer collaborates with the executive team to evaluate the fiscal impact of new policy proposals. Through strategic investment planning, Blackwood supports the growth of private sector services within the local economy. Ultimately, the Chief Financial Officer secures the financial integrity of the municipality, ensuring sustainable funding for all community programs.
    Jerry Blackwood

    David Thorpe - Chief Information Officer

    David Thorpe, the Chief Information Officer at City of Halifax, NS, directs the digital transformation strategy for municipal services. Thorpe manages the integration of secure cloud infrastructure and data analytics platforms to enhance public accessibility. By modernizing legacy systems, the Chief Information Officer ensures robust cybersecurity protocols protect sensitive government data across the entire region. This leadership role involves coordinating with department heads to implement smart city initiatives that streamline administrative workflows. David Thorpe optimizes technical resources to support the delivery of private sector services and government programs. Through the deployment of scalable software solutions, the Chief Information Officer drives operational efficiency for all municipal staff. Thorpe maintains high standards for digital connectivity, ensuring reliable access for residents throughout the province. Ultimately, the Chief Information Officer secures the technological foundation necessary for long-term municipal growth and effective service delivery.

    Joanne Macrae - Chief of Staff

    Joanne Macrae, the Chief of Staff at City of Halifax, NS, coordinates high-level strategic initiatives and internal communications. Macrae manages the flow of information between executive leadership and municipal departments to ensure alignment with corporate objectives. By facilitating cross-functional collaboration, the Chief of Staff optimizes the decision-making process for the entire organization. This leadership role involves overseeing special projects that impact regional policy and public service delivery. Joanne Macrae monitors the execution of key administrative goals, ensuring accountability and transparency in all government operations. The Chief of Staff maintains strong relationships with external stakeholders to advance the interests of the municipality. Through rigorous project management and organizational oversight, Macrae supports the effective functioning of the executive office. Ultimately, the Chief of Staff drives internal cohesion, enabling the municipality to meet the evolving needs of the population across Nova Scotia.

    Brad Anguish - Acting CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER

    Brad Anguish, the Acting CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER at City of Halifax, NS, directs the daily operations of the municipal government. Anguish oversees the implementation of policies that govern public services and community development across the region. By managing the administrative framework, the Acting CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER ensures that all departments function in accordance with provincial regulations. This leadership role involves coordinating with the council and executive staff to execute long-term strategic plans. Brad Anguish monitors the delivery of essential services to ensure high performance and resident satisfaction. The Acting CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER drives organizational change to improve efficiency in government processes. Through proactive management of municipal resources, Anguish supports the expansion of private sector services and public infrastructure. Ultimately, the Acting CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER maintains operational excellence, ensuring the municipality remains a stable and effective center for government activity.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Halifax Top Executives and Leadership Team

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