City Hires Director of Communications and Community Engagement

For immediate release
Tuesday, February 7, 2017

City Hires Director of Communications and Community Engagement

Following a national search, Eliza Bennett has been hired as the City’s new Director of Communications and Community Engagement, effective February 13. Under the City’s new organizational structure, announced in December 2016, the Director is responsible for Communications, Community Engagement, and the City’s 311 service.

“Eliza's candidacy demonstrated a clear understanding about the strategic opportunities and important policy development work that will be vital to success in this new role,” said Ed Archer, Chief Administrative Officer. “I am confident that under Eliza's leadership, her team will help bring changes to the level, extent and timing of communications - throughout the community and within the organization.”

Ms. Bennett has been the City’s Manager of Corporate Communications and French Language Services since 2008. She graduated from the Université Sorbonne Nouvelle Paris III in Paris, France, and has more than 15 years of experience in bilingual communications in the international, not-for-profit, education and government sectors, including five years with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization in Paris.

“I’m very pleased to continue my career with the municipal government, and excited to take on this new challenge in our organization,” said Ms. Bennett. “I look forward to shaping a renewed vision for communications, community engagement and customer service.”

Councillor Robert Kirwan, General Manager of Growth and Infrastructure Tony Cecutti, and Human Resources Coordinator Meredith McNeil sat on the hiring panel along with Mr. Archer. The Director of Communications and Community Engagement sits on the City’s Executive Leadership Team. That team is now established and includes Ed Archer (Chief Administrative Officer); Kevin Fowke (General Manager of Corporate Services), Tony Cecutti (General Manager of Growth and Infrastructure); Catherine Matheson (General Manager of Community Development); Trevor Bain (General Manager of Community Safety); Caroline Hallsworth (Executive Director of Legislative Services); Ed Stankiewicz (Executive Director of Finance, Assets and Fleet); Ian Wood (Director of Economic Development); and Eliza Bennett (Director of Communications and Community Engagement).

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