NEWS RELEASE
TOWN OF NEWMARKET
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The Town of Newmarket is pleased to announce the appointment of Jag Sharma to the position of chief administrative officer (CAO).
After a thorough recruitment process with several highly qualified candidates, members of Newmarket Council appointed Mr. Sharma who has been with the City of Oshawa since 2011, initially as the commissioner of community services and then the city manager/CAO. He will start his new role with the Town on April 1, 2019.
“Mr. Sharma’s previous experience managing a dynamic and growing municipality makes him a good fit with our town as we work toward our future goals and carry out our important strategic priorities,” says Mayor John Taylor. “Most importantly, Mr. Sharma understands that collaboration and innovation are paramount when building a community that is ready to meet the future and be Well Beyond the Ordinary.”
The CAO reports directly to Council and oversees all departments within the municipality. The CAO is responsible for delivering on both council’s and the town’s strategic plans, priorities and overall development goals. The CAO is also responsible for implementing policies, budgets and appropriations and is accountable for managing the effectiveness of the Town’s administration, including financial planning and management.
“I am very excited to be a part of the Town of Newmarket team,” says Jag Sharma. “I look forward to working with Newmarket Council, the community and the great staff to continue to create, innovate and move the Town forward to deliver outstanding results.”
In addition to his city manager/CAO position with the City of Oshawa, Mr. Sharma has extensive experience working in the private sector. Mr. Sharma holds a Masters of Business Administration (MBA) from Queen’s University, a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering, has participated in the Schulich School of Business’ Executive Program in Municipal Leadership and is a Lean Six Sigma Black Belt.
Mr. Sharma was a 2018 Ontario Municipal Administrators’ Association (OMAA) Board Member and is a member of the Canadian Association of Municipal Administrators (CAMA), Association of Municipal Managers, Clerks and Treasurers of Ontario (AMCTO) and the Municipal Finance Officers’ Association of Ontario (MFOA), as well as a frequent presenter at municipal conferences, including the 2018 Internet of Things Conference Panel.
Mr. Sharma is taking over the position from former CAO, Bob Shelton, who retired in November 2018 with over 40 years in public service. Esther Armchuk is currently in the role of acting CAO until April 1, 2019 and will resume her post as Commissioner of Corporate Services at that time.
“Council and staff extend their sincere appreciation to Ms. Armchuk for her leadership and for ensuring we carry out our day-to-day business as usual, while helping to maintain the unique corporate culture we have here at the Town,” says Mayor John Taylor.
Members of the public will have the opportunity to meet and speak with Mr. Sharma at the town’s upcoming annual Open House event on April 3, 2019 from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Municipal Offices (395 Mulock Dr.).
For more information, visit here.
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