Denise Cole

Meet the Secretary’s team

Carlene Alexander

Carlene Alexander became the Deputy Minister of Infrastructure and Deputy Minister of Legislative Affairs in June 2022.

She was previously appointed as the Deputy Minister of Seniors and Accessibility in October 2021 and was the inaugural Comptroller General in October 2020 where she successfully partnered with ministries and agencies to deliver on the government’s enterprise risk management framework.

Carlene is a seasoned senior executive who has worked in the public sector for more than two decades. She has held several executive positions in federal, provincial and municipal governments as well as the broader public sector. Carlene previously worked for the Ontario Public Service ( OPS ) from 2009 to 2014, where she held executive positions in various ministries including the Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Indigenous Affairs and the Pan/Parapan American Games Secretariat.

Before returning to the OPS in 2020, she was the Interim Director of Education at the Toronto District School Board ( TDSB ), where she was responsible for leading TDSB in executing a safe return to school plan during the COVID-19 pandemic. Prior to this, she held the position of Associate Director of Business Operations and Service Excellence at TDSB where she oversaw the board’s $3.4 billion budget, all of the TDSB’s facilities, human resources and all other business and operational functions. Before working in the education sector, she was with the Regional Municipality of York, where she worked on social housing issues.

Carlene holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree, a Masters of Business Administration, and holds a Chartered Professional Accountant ( CPA ) designation.

Photo of Shawn Batise

Shawn Batise

Deputy Minister, Ministry of Northern Development
Deputy Minister, Ministry of Indigenous Affairs

Shawn Batise became Deputy Minister of Northern Development in June 2022 and Deputy Minister of Indigenous Affairs in August 2019.

As Deputy Minister of Indigenous Affairs, he led the vaccine rollout in Indigenous communities during the COVID-19 pandemic. Shawn has provided leadership on province-wide, reconciliation efforts with Indigenous peoples, in response to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Calls to Action. These include Ontario’s Response to the Final Report on the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls ( MMIWG ) and the provincial response to Indian Residential School Burials.

Prior to being appointed as Deputy Minister of Indigenous Affairs he held the role of Assistant Deputy Minister ( ADM ) in the Negotiations and Reconciliation Division, before moving into the ADM role in the Indigenous Relations and Programs Division. During his tenure with the Ontario Public Service, he has been actively involved in many Far North land use and socio-economic development initiatives. Shawn joined the provincial government in 2016.

He is a proud member of Matachewan First Nation and began his career in policy and negotiations as the Executive Director of the Wabun Tribal Council, which represents six First Nation communities in northeastern Ontario. As Executive Director, Shawn was responsible for overseeing the Council’s day-to-day operations. He served in this position for 25 years, representing Wabun’s member communities in negotiations.

Under Shawn’s leadership, Wabun negotiated Treaty Land Entitlements, the first federal health transfer in Ontario, and resource development agreements, in addition to five Impact and Benefits Agreements, and over 50 Memoranda of Understanding with exploration companies. Shawn also found time to further his education, and in 2012 received an Honours Bachelor of Arts in Public Administration and Governance from Ryerson University. Over the years his dedication, commitment and advocacy of First Nations issues at local, regional and national levels in policy and political forums have earned Shawn the respect of Indigenous, government and industry leaders.

Shawn makes his home in Toronto with his partner, Irma and son, Quinton. His daughter, Samyra, and grandson Kailo live in Timmins.

Shawn has a B.A. (Honours) in Public Administration and Governance.

Photo of Nina Chiarelli

Nina Chiarelli

Deputy Minister, Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport

Nina Chiarelli was appointed the Deputy Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport in June 2022. Prior to this appointment, Nina spent three years as the Deputy Minister of Communications in the Cabinet Office and was formerly the Associate Secretary of the Cabinet, appointed since 2021.

She brings more than 15 years’ experience in government with executive leadership in public sector communications and marketing and in public policy areas covering resource and economic development, and Indigenous affairs. She has also held a range of senior leadership positions with the federal and British Columbia governments. Prior to her work with government, Nina spent five years as a journalist in New Brunswick, covering business and politics.

Nina is passionate about public service through community engagement. She was the Executive Champion of the OPS United Way Campaign from 2019 to 2022, and continues to serve as Executive Co-sponsor of the FrancoGo Network, working to foster the cultural and professional development of Francophones and Francophiles within the Ontario Public Service.

She is also committed to developing talent and inspiring new leaders as a current and former mentor in multiple career champion programs. She has been awarded for her work as a champion of diversity and inclusion.

Born and raised in Ontario, Nina is an alumna of the University of Western Ontario and is completing a certificate in public management from the Schulich School of Business.

Photo of Denise Cole

Denise Cole

Deputy Minister, Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services

Denise Cole became Deputy Minister of Children, Community and Social Services in July 2021. She also served as Deputy Minister for Seniors and Accessibility from July 2019 until October 2021.

Before becoming Deputy Minister, Denise was with Ministry of the Attorney General as the Assistant Deputy Attorney General, Strategic Initiatives.

Denise has been in the OPS since 2010 and has held senior executive positions in a number of ministries. Denise is a transformational leader with extensive experience in the human services sector and has led complex transformation initiatives with cross-divisional and cross ministry implications.

Prior to joining the OPS , Denise was Partner and Vice-President with a public affairs firm where she provided strategic advice to a diverse array of clients on public policy and government issues. She has also worked in senior positions within the federal, provincial and municipal levels of government.

Community involvement and volunteering are enormously important to Denise, and she is a recipient of the Governor General’s Commemorative Medal on the 125 th Anniversary of the Canadian Confederation, which was awarded to individuals who have made a significant contribution to their fellow citizens, to their community, or to Canada. Denise is profiled in the inaugural edition of the book 100 Accomplished Black Canadian Women, and in Jamaicans in Canada: When Ackee Meets Codfish, as one of 250 individuals born in Jamaica who have made extraordinary contributions to Canada.

Denise is a graduate of McMaster University. When she is not being a doting auntie or godmother, she is learning to play the saxophone.

Photo of David Corbett

David Corbett

Deputy Attorney General

David Corbett became Deputy Attorney General in August 2020.

David joined the OPS as Deputy Minister of Labour, Training and Skills Development in August 2019.

Previously, David was Chair of the Workplace Safety and Insurance Appeals Tribunal ( WSIAT ). His focus as Chair was reducing the time it took for appeals to be heard and expanding the use of digital technologies.

David was a partner at Fasken where he practiced law from his days as an articling student until his appointment as WSIAT Chair. David was also a member of the Fasken Labour, Employment and Human Rights practice.

During his years at Fasken, David was involved in many aspects of labour, employment and human rights law on behalf of employees, unions and employers. His experience includes collective bargaining, grievance and interest arbitration, labour board matters, occupational health and safety, workers’ compensation, employment standards, human rights and pay equity. David appeared before both provincial and federal tribunals and courts.

David also served as the global managing partner of Fasken for nine years between 2006 and 2015 and the Ontario regional managing partner for three years between 2003 and 2006. David began the labour, employment and human rights practice of Fasken Toronto in 1984. Prior to that, David practiced as a corporate and commercial lawyer.

Photo of Bernard Derible

Bernard Derible

Deputy Minister, Emergency Management, Treasury Board Secretariat
Commissioner of Emergency Management

Bernard (Bernie) Derible is Ontario’s Commissioner of Emergency Management and became Deputy Minister of Emergency Management within the Treasury Board Secretariat in June 2022.

He was first appointed Deputy Minister and Commissioner of Emergency Management in the Ministry of the Solicitor General in April 2022.

As Deputy Minister responsible for emergency management, Bernie leads the development and implementation of emergency management programs in the province and has oversight of the Provincial Emergencies Operation Centre.

Prior to his appointment as Deputy Minister, Bernie held the role of Strategic Advisor for the Vaccine Secretariat, in the Ministry of the Solicitor General, where he supported the delivery of the vaccine program.

See also  James Sullivan Obituary 2023

Bernie has more than 35 years of leadership and advisory experience in emergency preparedness, disaster mitigation and civil-military operations both in Canada and internationally. He served as a Canadian military officer from 1985 to 2006 and held the posts of Senior Military Advisor to the Federal Minister of National Defense, Acting Base Commander, Equerry to His Royal Highness Prince Charles and Her Royal Highness Princess Diana, and participated in United Nations peace support operations and NATO operations in Europe and Afghanistan.

Bernie holds a Bachelor of Science degree in behavioural psychology from Dalhousie University. He is an Applied Military Science and Leadership Distinguished Graduate from the United States Army Command and General Staff College and is a certified Master Trainer in Neuro Linguistic Programming from the American Board of Neuro Linguistic Programming.

Photo of Mario Di Tomasso photo

Mario Di Tommaso

Deputy Solicitor General, Community Safety

Mario Di Tommaso became Deputy Solicitor General of Community Safety in October 2018.

Previously, Mario held the rank of Staff Superintendent of Communities and Neighbourhood Command with the Toronto Police Service. Mario has more than 38 years of progressive policing experience in community safety, homicide, major crime, intelligence, national security, drug investigations, major incident management and community relations. In his role as Staff Superintendent, Mario was responsible for 8 police Divisions, Traffic Operations, Community Partnerships & Engagement Unit. He oversaw a staff of approximately 2250 officers, 500 civilians and a $300 million budget.

Mario held a number of positions over his distinguished career at the Toronto Police Service and served on various committees including, but not limited to, the Mayor’s Committee on Supervised Injection and Overdose Prevention sites and the Toronto Drug Strategy Implementation Panel. Mario has also co-chaired the Chief of Police’s Muslim Community Consultative Committee. In 2017, Mario represented the Toronto Police Service in, and graduated from the IALG – Pearls in Policing Program, a Senior International Police Leadership Program.

Mario holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Justice Studies from the University of Guelph Humber, a Certificate in Law Enforcement and Administration from the University of Toronto, and is a Graduate of the Senior Management Institute for Police. He also holds his Certified Municipal Manager designation.

Mario was invested into the Order of Merit for the Police Forces by the Governor General at the Officer rank, and has received the Police Exemplary Service Medal – 30 year bar, and the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal.

Photo of Karen Ellis

Karen Ellis

Deputy Solicitor General, Correctional Services

Karen Ellis became Deputy Solicitor General, Correctional Services in July 2021.

Karen has over 30 years of diverse and extensive experience in Canada’s federal public service encompassing policy, operations, service delivery and three regional postings. She has worked in 11 different federal departments and agencies including the Privy Council Office, National Defence, the Canada Revenue Agency, Natural Resources Canada and Veterans Affairs.

As a federal executive, Karen held increasingly senior positions over 20 years, culminating in 7 years as an Associate Deputy Minister, in 3 different posts.

Karen has led diverse teams to many accomplishments, through significant changes, and has adapted successfully to different mandates and cultures throughout her career.

Most recently, Karen served as the Assistant Deputy Minister of Institutional Services within the Ontario Ministry of the Solicitor General, where she had strategic and operational oversight and accountability for 25 adult correctional facilities, including provincial jails, detention centres, correctional centres, and treatment centres.

Karen brings her focus on people, and her expertise and experience in change management and leadership development to all of her work in public service.

Photo of Jason Fitzsimmons

Jason Fitzsimmons

Deputy Minister, Ministry of Energy

Jason Fitzsimmons became Deputy Minister of Energy in October 2022.

Previously, Jason held the role of Chief Corporate Affairs and Customer Care Officer with Hydro One since August 2018, with oversight of the customer service, corporate affairs, marketing, sustainability and Indigenous relations functions.

With more than 30 years’ experience in the electricity sector, Jason is a highly-regarded and passionate business leader with a proven track record for successfully executing large-scale transformations and building strong partnerships with key stakeholders. In his prior role, Jason played an instrumental role achieving record-high customer satisfaction and building strong relationships with customers, stakeholders and Indigenous communities. As a champion for diversity, equity and inclusion, he has served as the executive sponsor for employee resources groups to assist in the development of strategic plans and bring focus to actions that served to break long standing barriers.

Jason previously held the roles of Vice President of Corporate Development and Vice President of Labour and Employee Relations at Hydro One, where he was responsible for driving strategic change, including the in-sourcing of the 400-employee Customer Contact Centre to deliver best-in-class customer service.

Prior to joining Hydro One, Jason held executive roles at the Ontario Hospital Association and Ontario Power Generation. He is a Certified Human Resource Executive known for his passion for health and safety in the workplace and building collaborative relationship with unions.

In 2020, Jason was recognized as one of Canada’s 50 Best Executives by the Globe and Mail’s Report on Business for his ability to guide transformational change while offering industry-leading customer support programs during the pandemic.

Jason was a prior member of Ivey Energy Policy Advisory Board at Western University & the Advisory Board for Toronto Metropolitan University’s Centre for Labour Management Relations. He has also served as an Independent Director on the Board of Directors for the Electrical Power Systems Construction Association and Electricity Distributors Association.

Shannon Fuller

Deputy Minister, Colleges and Universities
Deputy Minister, Strategic Planning

Shannon Fuller became Deputy Minister of Colleges and Universities in December 2022.

Prior to taking on this role, Shannon was the Deputy Minister of Policy and Delivery at Cabinet Office from September 2022 to December 2022, where she worked with all ministries and the Premier’s Office to develop and deliver the government’s policy and legislative agenda. Shannon was previously the Assistant Deputy Minister for Economic, Environmental, Justice and Intergovernmental Policy in Cabinet Office.

Prior to joining Cabinet Office, Shannon worked at the Ministry of Education in various roles. Shannon has been in the OPS for over 20 years and held positions at the Ministry of Intergovernmental Affairs, Cabinet Office Communications and the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing.

Shannon holds a Masters in Public Administration from the University of Victoria and a Specialized Honours Degree in Public Policy and Administration from York University.

Photo of Martha Greenberg

Martha Greenberg

Deputy Minister, Policy and Delivery, Cabinet Office
Associate Secretary of the Cabinet
Deputy Minister, Ministry of Long-Term Care
Deputy Minister, Ministry for Seniors and Accessibility

Martha Greenberg became Deputy Minister of Policy and Delivery at Cabinet Office and Associate Secretary of the Cabinet in February 2019. She was also the Deputy Minister of Legislative Affairs from December 2021 to June 2022. As the Deputy for Policy and Delivery, she works with all ministries and the Premier’s Office to develop and deliver the government’s policy and legislative agenda. Martha was previously the Deputy Minister of Legislative Affairs, with accountability to ensure that the government’s agenda for protecting Ontarians and creating more long-term prosperity will continue to move forward in the legislature.

Martha is also Deputy Minister of Long-Term Care and the Deputy Minister for Seniors and Accessibility in addition to her current role as Deputy Minister of Policy and Delivery in Cabinet Office on an interim basis

Martha previously had carriage over the economic, environmental, resource, transportation, justice and intergovernmental aspects of the government’s policy agenda, as an Assistant Deputy Minister within Cabinet Office.

Prior to joining Cabinet Office, Martha worked at the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care in various roles, including in Health Promotion working on policies and programs that promote healthier choices and supportive environments. She also worked in the Transformation Secretariat, providing leadership for health-system transformation and initiating the ministry’s strategy around patient empowerment. Martha began her OPS career working in various roles in infrastructure and energy.

Martha holds a Bachelor of Science from Wilfrid Laurier University and a Master of Science from Memorial University of Newfoundland.

Sarah Harrison

Deputy Minister, Communications, Cabinet Office
Associate Secretary of the Cabinet

Sarah Harrison became Deputy Minister of Communications in Cabinet Office and Associate Secretary of the Cabinet in June 2022.

Prior to this appointment, Sarah Harrison was the Deputy Minister of Heritage, Sport, Tourism and Culture Industries from December 2021 to June 2022.

She served previously as Saskatchewan Deputy Minister of Environment, Manitoba Deputy Minister of Conservation and Climate, and Manitoba Deputy Minister of Sport, Culture and Heritage.

Sarah’s prior public service experience also includes roles as a senior advisor to the Saskatchewan Deputy Minister to the Premier, Vice President of Operations and Strategy at SaskBuilds Crown Corporation, and progressively senior roles in the governments of Ontario and British Columbia where she led the province’s communications program for climate action, the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games and Open Government.

See also  Batman Turkey Disguise

Her diverse experience also includes senior corporate communication positions in the financial and telecommunications industries.

She earned a Master of Arts degree from Royal Roads University and a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Toronto.

Photo of Serge Imbrogno

Serge Imbrogno

Deputy Minister, Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks

Serge Imbrogno became Deputy Minister of the Environment, Conservation and Parks in June 2018.

Serge served as the Deputy Minister of Energy from April 2012 – June 2018. Previously, he served as the Assistant Deputy Minister of the Corporate and Electricity Finance Division in the Ontario Financing Authority. He has been a member of the board of directors of the Ontario Electricity Financial Corporation since April 2008.

Serge has also held senior positions at the Ministry of Finance, in the former ministries of Industry, Trade and Technology and Consumer and Commercial Relations, and at the Regional Municipality of Hamilton-Wentworth.

Serge has an Honours Bachelor degree in economics and history from McMaster University and a Master of Arts in economics from the University of Western Ontario.

Doug Ford

Doug Jones

Deputy Minister, Ministry of Transportation

Doug Jones became Deputy Minister of Transportation in February 2022.

Doug brings over three decades of executive leadership in both public and private sectors. Over his career, Doug has managed a variety of portfolios including construction/maintenance infrastructure, road safety, transportation policy, municipal transit service, operations, and health and safety.

Most recently, Doug was the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Workplace Health, Safety and Compensation Commission in New Brunswick. He served as the Deputy City Manager in Edmonton, where he was responsible for city-wide operations, including transportation policy, providing leadership over the municipal transit service transformation and partnering with infrastructure colleagues in the construction and launch of Light Rapid Transit lines.

He was also a Senior Vice President with Canada Post, the President of Innocon, and held senior leadership roles with Lafarge in both Canada and the United States.

Doug holds a Master of Business Administration from Niagara University and a Bachelor of Science from Acadia University. He is a Certified Corporate Director ( ICD.D ) with the Institute of Corporate Directors and a Certified Engineering Technician ( CET ) with the Ontario Association of Certified Engineering Technicians and Technologists ( OACETT ).

Photo of John Kelly

John Kelly

Deputy Minister, Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs

John Kelly became Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs ( OMAFRA ) in August 2020.

John brings more than 25 years of leadership in the agricultural, food and life sciences industries, spanning private, public and not-for-profit sectors. Prior to joining OMAFRA , John was Chief Innovation Officer at Bioenterprise Corporation, where he was responsible for leading the acceleration of agri-tech business ventures. John has also held senior-level roles in organizations such as DNAstack Inc. , Ontario Fruit and Vegetable Growers’ Association and MaRS Landing.

John holds a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture and Doctor of Philosophy ( PhD ) from the University of Guelph and a Master of Science from the University of Alberta.

Photo of Renu Kulendran

Renu Kulendran

Deputy Minister, Ministry of Public and Business Service Delivery

Renu Kulendran became Deputy Minister of Public and Business Service Delivery in June 2022.

She was previously the Deputy Minister of Government and Consumer Services since July 2021.

Renu has over 32 years of Ontario Public Service experience in diverse policy, regulatory, licensing, enforcement and program delivery environments across several ministries, including Education, Labour, Training and Skills Development, and Cabinet Office. She was the Associate Deputy Minister, ServiceOntario, at the Ministry of Government and Consumer Services ( MGCS ).

Prior to joining MGCS , Renu was the Assistant Deputy Minister, Community Services, at the Ministry of the Solicitor General where she championed community reintegration planning, modernizing frontline staff training and investing in technological solutions. Renu was also responsible for leading Ontario’s response to the federal government’s legalization of recreational cannabis. This work at the Ministry of the Attorney General involved leading collaboration across government, First Nations communities, municipalities, police services, public health and education stakeholders, along with extensive engagement with Health Canada and Justice Canada. She also led the delivery of consumer and business services, regulatory compliance, and enforcement programs as Assistant Deputy Minister of Consumer Service Operations in MGCS .

Renu is a collaborative operational and policy leader and has demonstrated success in diverse regulatory and operational environments. She is politically astute and has a strong record in leading transformation. As a leader, Renu continuously strives to embed diversity, inclusion, and anti-racism into organizational practices, including as Executive Sponsor of Tamils in Public Service.

Renu holds an Honours Bachelor of Arts in English and History from the University of Toronto and has completed the Executive Development Program and Public Executive Program through Queen’s University.

Photo of Kate Manson-Smith

Kate Manson-Smith

Deputy Minister, Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing

Kate Manson-Smith became Deputy Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing in December 2019. She previously served as interim Deputy Minister, starting in August 2019.

Since joining the Ontario Public Service in 1998, Kate has held a number of executive roles. Most recently, Kate served as the Assistant Deputy Minister of the Local Government and Planning Policy Division at the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing (2014-2019) and prior to this, was the Assistant Deputy Minister of Health Promotion of the Ministry of Health and Long-term Care (2011-2014). She has also held executive roles at Cabinet Office and the Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services.

Kate holds a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in History and Masters in Public Administration, both from Queen’s University.

Photo of Greg Meredith

Greg Meredith

Deputy Minister, Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development

Greg Meredith became Deputy Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development in June 2022. He was the Deputy Minister of Labour, Training and Skills Development since August 2020. He also served as Deputy Minister of Citizenship and Multiculturalism until October 2021.

Previously, he served as Deputy Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs ( OMAFRA ) as well as Deputy Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade.

Greg came to OMAFRA in 2017 from Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, where he headed Federal-Provincial-Territorial Relations and held positions as Assistant Deputy Minister ( ADM ) of Strategic Policy, ADM Financial Programs, and ADM Communications and Consultations. Greg also spent several years in the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade (now Global Affairs) focusing on trade and investment policy and development.

Greg holds a Bachelor’s degree in political science from Carleton University, a Master’s degree in International Affairs from the Norman Patterson School of International Affairs and an MBA from the University of Ottawa. He is an alumnus of the Ivey Senior Public Sector Leader Program.

Maud Murray

Maud Murray

Deputy Minister, Ministry of Red Tape Reduction

Maud Murray became the Deputy Minister of Red Tape Reduction in June 2022.

She previously served as the interim Deputy Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade ( MEDJCT ), from March 2022 to June 2022.

Prior to this appointment, she served as the Assistant Deputy Minister of the Office of Red Tape Reduction and Small Business Division at MEDJCT . In this role, Maud led the development of cross-cutting policies and strategies for regulatory innovation, compliance modernization and regulatory reform to reduce burdens on Ontario businesses. She also led partnerships with other ministries and levels of government to develop policies, strategies and solutions to support small and medium-sized businesses, and management of Ontario’s network of Small Business Enterprise Centres.

She began her public service career in 2005 as a summer law student, then articled and became counsel at the Ministry of the Attorney General’s Crown Law Office — Civil. Maud went on to become Legal Counsel in the Procurement Law Office and then Counsel at the Ontario Power Authority. She served as Deputy Legal Director for the ministries of Agriculture and Food, and of Rural Affairs. Maud was then Deputy Legal Director for the ministries of Government and Consumer Services, Citizenship and Immigration, and International Trade. She then became Legal Director for the ministries of Energy, Infrastructure, and MEDJCT , and for Small Business and Red Tape Reduction.

Maud is a proud Canadian and proud of her West African heritage, having immigrated from Ghana with her parents when she was 10 years old. She has an Honours Bachelor of Arts in English Literature and Hispanic Studies from Trent University, a Master of Arts in Comparative Literature from the University of Western Ontario and an LLB from Osgoode Hall Law School.

Photo of Nancy Naylor

Nancy Naylor

Deputy Minister, Ministry of Education

Nancy Naylor became Deputy Minister of Education in August 2018.

Nancy has extensive experience in senior management positions in the Ontario government, most recently as the Associate Deputy Minister, Delivery and Implementation at the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care ( MOHLTC ), leading two large divisions: Health System Accountability, Performance & French Language Services Division, and Health System Quality and Funding.

See also  Samuel Williams Obituary

Before joining the MOHLTC, Nancy was the ADM of the Postsecondary Education Division in the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities. She has also served as an ADM in the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Finance and has held other senior positions in the Ontario government.

Photo of Greg Orencsak

Greg Orencsak

Deputy Minister, Ministry of Finance

Greg Orencsak became the Deputy Minister of Finance in June 2018.

Greg first joined the OPS in 1999 on an internship as an economist for the Ministry of Finance. Since then, he has held progressively senior positions in the public service. In November 2010, he became Associate Deputy Minister of the Office of the Budget and Treasury Board in the Ministry of Finance, where he was responsible for the coordination of the delivery of the annual Ontario budget.

He became Deputy Minister of Government Services in April 2014 and later that year became the Deputy Minister of Treasury Board Secretariat. Concurrently, he also served as Chair of the Public Service Commission, which ensures the effective management of human resources in the OPS . In 2017, he became Deputy Minister of Advanced Education and Skills Development.

Directly before becoming Deputy Minister of Advanced Education and Skills Development, Greg worked in the private sector as a partner in Ernst & Young’s Canadian advisory practice, where he served as the firm’s National Leader for Public Policy and Fiscal Innovation.

Photo of Stephen Rhodes

Stephen Rhodes

Deputy Minister, Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade

Stephen Rhodes became Deputy Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade in June 2022.

Previously, he has served as the Deputy Minister of Energy, the Deputy Minister of Northern Development and Mines, the Deputy Minister of Transportation, the Deputy Minister of Correctional Services, and the Ministry of the Attorney General’s first Associate Deputy Minister, providing strategic oversight and senior executive leadership.

Prior to his appointment as Associate Deputy Minister, Stephen served for seven years as the Ministry’s Chief Administrative Officer and Assistant Deputy Attorney General, Corporate Services Management Division.

During his tenure with the Ontario Public Service, Stephen has taken on increasingly challenging and complex roles leveraging his policy, operations and business expertise.

Stephen holds a Master of Science in planning from the University of Toronto, an Honours Bachelor of Arts in geography from Wilfrid Laurier University and is a graduate of the University of Western Ontario Ivey School of Business Executive Development program.

Photo of Deborah Richardson

Deborah Richardson

Deputy Minister, Treasury Board Secretariat
Secretary of Treasury Board and Management Board of Cabinet

Deborah Richardson, LL.B , BA , became Deputy Minister of Treasury Board Secretariat, Secretary of Treasury Board and Management Board of Cabinet and Chair of the Public Service Commission in July 2021.

Previously, she has served as Deputy Solicitor General for Correctional Services and as the Deputy Minister of Indigenous Affairs.

Deborah is a seasoned intergovernmental affairs executive and Indigenous relationships expert. She began her career as an articling student in a criminal law firm in Ottawa before joining the finance industry. Her professional foray into Indigenous Affairs began as Executive Director of the Native Canadian Centre of Toronto in 1999.

Since 2004, Deborah has held progressively more senior positions in the federal and provincial public service, including Regional Director General for Indian and Northern Affairs Canada, Assistant Deputy Minister for the Aboriginal Relationships and Ministry Partnerships division of the Ontario Ministry of Aboriginal Affairs, Assistant Deputy Minister at the Ring of Fire Secretariat at the Ministry of Northern Development and Mines and Deputy Minister of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation.

Deborah is a proud Mi’gmaq woman with strong ties to her home community of Pabineau First Nation on the north shore of New Brunswick. Deborah and her husband, Bob, are proud parents of five children.

Alexandra Sutton

Deputy Minister, Ministry of Intergovernmental Affairs

Alexandra became the Deputy Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs in January 2022.

A bilingual career public servant, Alexandra previously held the position of Assistant Deputy Minister, Export Growth and International Representation at the Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade. In this role, she led Ontario’s international network of Trade and Investment Offices, delivered programs to drive export growth and led the Ministry’s international marketing efforts to showcase the province as the best place to live, work and grow a business.

Prior to joining the Ontario Public Service in 2017, Alexandra held senior leadership roles in the Government of Canada, including Executive Director of the Canada 150 Federal Secretariat, where she oversaw the national celebrations for Canada’s 150 th anniversary of Confederation. She also served as Senior Director, Major Events and Commemorations at the Department of Canadian Heritage and Chief of Staff to the President of the Canadian Food Inspection Agency. Alexandra was also a Director General of Communications and a member of the founding executive team at the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario.

Alexandra studied History at the University of Lyon in France and earned a BTS in International Business. She has also completed the Executive Management Program at the Smith School of Business at Queen’s University.

Photo of Monique Rolf von den Baumen-Clark

Monique Rolf von den Baumen-Clark

Deputy Minister, Ministry of Mines
Deputy Minister, Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry

Monique Rolf von den Baumen-Clark became Deputy Minister of Mines and Deputy Minister of Natural Resources and Forestry in June 2022.

She was previously the Deputy Minister of Northern Development, Mines, Natural Resources and Forestry, and prior to that appointment, was the former Deputy Minister of Natural Resources and Forestry.

Monique has worked for the OPS for more than 25 years, particularly in the management of natural resources. Prior to becoming Deputy Minister, she was the Assistant Deputy Minister for Regional Operations Division responsible for Regional, District and Branch operations. Throughout her career, Monique has been an advocate for inclusivity, collaborative leadership, modernization of services, and a contributor to change management initiatives.

Monique has a Bachelor of Science and a Masters of Science in Resource Management Planning and Development from the University of Guelph and has completed the Executive Development Program through Queen’s University.

David Wai

David Wai

Deputy Minister, Ministry of Citizenship and Multiculturalism

David Wai became the Deputy Minister of Citizenship and Multiculturalism in October 2021.

David has held a number of executive positions in the OPS , including the Assistant Deputy Minister of Health, Social, Education and Children’s Policy at Cabinet Office where he supported the Health and Social Policy Cabinet Committee as well as the Central Coordination Table. As the Assistant Deputy Minister of Financial Services Policy at the Ministry of Finance ( MOF ), he led the creation and launch of the Financial Services Regulatory Authority of Ontario and led regulatory policy in financial services sectors such as capital markets and insurance. He has also held senior positions in economic development, trade and pensions. He is passionate about building a more diverse and inclusive workplace and led the MOF Inclusion Committee during his time at MOF .

Prior to joining the OPS , David worked in the capital markets industry with Fiera Capital and RBC and in management consulting with Deloitte. He holds a Chartered Financial Analyst ( CFA ) designation, is a Professional Engineer ( P.Eng. ) and holds degrees in Engineering Physics and Economics.

Catherine Zahn

Dr. Catherine Zahn

Deputy Minister, Ministry of Health

Dr. Catherine Zahn became Deputy Minister of Health in September 2021.

Dr. Zahn has a 35-year history of contributions to the Ontario health care sector, as a practicing physician, and in progressive leadership roles at the University Health Network. Before becoming Deputy Minister, she served as President and CEO of the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health ( CAMH ) from 2009 to 2021.

Throughout her career, Dr. Zahn has worked to promote equitable access to health care for Ontarians, including those with mental illness. She has made numerous contributions through her leadership in hospital integration, technology assessment, chronic disease management, stroke care coordination and mental health care system integration.

Dr. Zahn is a professor in the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Toronto ( U of T ) and a Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. She received her MD (honours) from the Faculty of Medicine at U of T , where she completed her residency training in neurology. She also holds a Master of Science in health administration from U of T and has completed the Directors Education Program at the Rotman School of Management. Recent honours include membership in the Order of Canada, Doctor of Laws degrees ( honoris causa ) from Western University, (London, Ontario) and Ryerson University, (Toronto, Ontario), the Bryden Award for Outstanding Achievement (York University) and the Faculty of Medicine Lifetime Achievement Award ( U of T ).

Related Links

  • Secretary of the Cabinet
  • Previous Secretaries