Montreal Executive and Leadership Team

July, 2026

Leadership Overview

Montreal has 7 executives leading key functions including strategy, finance, technology, human resources, and operations.

Driven by a commitment to public service, Montreal focuses on delivering essential city services and fostering economic growth, impacting the lives of its citizens through dedicated management of municipal operations and community development.

Leadership Roles at Montreal

  • Chief Financial Officer - Richard Lafrance
  • President - Bonnie Destounis
  • Chief of Staff - Glenn Castanheira
  • Director, Architecture Ti & Chief Technology Officer - Alexandra Poulin
  • Drh - Lena Smirnoff
  • Drh - Yvon Galarneau
  • Chef De Cabinet - Arrondissement Mercier-Hochelaga-Maisonneuve - William Gaudry
  • Richard Lafrance - Chief Financial Officer

    Richard Lafrance, the Chief Financial Officer at Montreal, manages the city's fiscal health and financial planning. Lafrance directs all aspects of financial operations, including budgeting, revenue management, and expenditure control. This involves developing robust financial strategies to support the city's long-term objectives and service delivery. Overseeing the allocation of resources, the Chief Financial Officer ensures fiscal responsibility across all municipal activities. Richard Lafrance plays a pivotal role in maintaining the financial stability required for essential services such as infrastructure development and citizen support programs. The CFO's oversight extends to financial reporting and compliance, ensuring adherence to regulatory standards and maximizing the efficient use of public funds within Montreal.

    Bonnie Destounis - President

    Bonnie Destounis, the President at Montreal, provides executive leadership and strategic direction for the organization. Destounis oversees the overall management of city operations, ensuring alignment with the mission of serving Montreal's citizens and fostering economic development. This role involves guiding policy formulation and execution across all municipal functions, from infrastructure to public services. The President champions initiatives that enhance the quality of life and operational effectiveness within the city. Bonnie Destounis's leadership is instrumental in navigating complex challenges and opportunities, driving the city's progress and ensuring its continued success as a vibrant urban center.

    Glenn Castanheira - Chief of Staff

    Glenn Castanheira, the Chief of Staff at Montreal, directs strategic initiatives and operational alignment across city departments. Castanheira oversees the coordination of key projects, ensuring seamless execution of the city's agenda. This role involves close collaboration with executive leadership to translate policy objectives into actionable plans. By managing interdepartmental communication, Glenn Castanheira drives efficiency and fosters a cohesive approach to municipal governance. The Chief of Staff ensures that the city's administrative functions support its broader mission of serving citizens and promoting economic vitality within Montreal, Quebec, Canada. This leadership position is critical for maintaining the operational integrity of the city's diverse service portfolio, from citizen engagement to business development.

    Alexandra Poulin - Director, Architecture Ti & Chief Technology Officer

    Alexandra Poulin, the Director, Architecture Ti & Chief Technology Officer at Montreal, architects the city's technological infrastructure and digital transformation strategies. Poulin leads the development and implementation of advanced IT solutions to enhance city services and operational efficiency. This includes overseeing data architecture, cybersecurity, and the integration of new technologies across municipal departments. The Chief Technology Officer ensures that Montreal's technology ecosystem supports its mission of providing effective citizen services and fostering economic growth. Alexandra Poulin's leadership drives innovation in areas like smart city initiatives and digital governance, optimizing resource management and citizen engagement through cutting-edge technological frameworks.
    Alexandra Poulin

    Lena Smirnoff - Drh

    Lena Smirnoff, the Drh at Montreal, directs human resources strategy and talent management for the city's workforce. Smirnoff oversees recruitment, employee development, and labor relations, ensuring a skilled and motivated team supports municipal operations. This role is crucial for fostering a positive work environment and aligning HR practices with the city's service delivery goals. The Drh ensures compliance with employment laws and promotes organizational effectiveness. Lena Smirnoff's expertise in human capital management is vital for attracting and retaining talent necessary to manage Montreal's diverse needs, from public safety to environmental services, thereby contributing to the overall efficiency and success of the city's administration.

    Yvon Galarneau - Drh

    Yvon Galarneau, the Drh at Montreal, spearheads human resources initiatives focused on organizational development and employee engagement. Galarneau manages programs designed to enhance workforce capabilities and foster a culture of continuous improvement across city departments. This involves strategic planning for talent acquisition and retention, ensuring Montreal possesses the necessary expertise to meet its civic responsibilities. The Drh plays a key part in shaping employee policies and ensuring fair labor practices. Yvon Galarneau's leadership contributes to a productive and efficient municipal workforce, supporting the delivery of essential services and the city's commitment to its residents and businesses.

    William Gaudry - Chef De Cabinet - Arrondissement Mercier-Hochelaga-Maisonneuve

    William Gaudry, the Chef De Cabinet - Arrondissement Mercier-Hochelaga-Maisonneuve at Montreal, manages administrative operations and strategic implementation for the Mercier-Hochelaga-Maisonneuve borough. Gaudry oversees the coordination of local services, ensuring efficient delivery to residents within this specific district. This position involves close liaison with community stakeholders and municipal departments to address local needs effectively. The Chef De Cabinet ensures that borough-specific objectives align with the broader goals of Montreal. William Gaudry's role is critical in enhancing local governance and citizen engagement, driving the successful execution of municipal mandates at the arrondissement level.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Montreal Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Montreal?
    Montreal is led by Richard Lafrance (Chief Financial Officer), along with executives such as Bonnie Destounis (President) and Glenn Castanheira (Chief of Staff).
    Who is part of Montreal’s executive team?
    The executive team of Montreal includes leaders such as Richard Lafrance (Chief Financial Officer), Bonnie Destounis (President), Glenn Castanheira (Chief of Staff) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Montreal have?
    Montreal has 7 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Montreal’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Montreal includes roles such as Chief Financial Officer, President, Chief of Staff, Director, Architecture Ti & Chief Technology Officer, Drh.