The York Regional Police Services Board began the year by electing a new board chair and officially welcoming a new member at its first meeting of 2023.
Wayne Emmerson has been elected chair of the board for a year-long term. His nomination was uncontested at the meeting on Jan. 23.
Emmerson is the chairman and CEO of York Region. He previously served as vice-chair of the police board in 2022.
"I look forward to doing this... there's always some big shoes to fill," he said.
Emmerson noted past board chairs such as former Vaughan mayor and most recent chair Maurizio Bevilacqua, Markham Mayor Frank Scarpitti, East Gwillimbury Mayor Virginia Hackson, and the late Dave Barrow, former mayor of Richmond Hill.
Mayor Steve Pellegrini of King Township was elected as vice-chair of the board, also uncontested. He has served on the board since June 2021.
Prior to the election, the board also officially welcomed a new member, Linda Jackson, who is a regional councillor and deputy mayor of Vaughan.
Along with her roles in Vaughan, regional council, and now the police board, Jackson also has been a part of many committees, boards, and task forces, including the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority, where she is part of the executive committee and board of directors.
She was sworn in for a board term matching her term at council.
The York Regional Police Services board oversees the local police service and provides direction to YRP's chief through policy. It is made up of seven civilian members.
The current members of the board are:
- Wayne Emmerson, chair
- Steve Pellegrini, vice-chair
- Mario Cortellucci
- Jennifer Fang
- Linda Jackson
- Norma McCullough
- Walter Perchal
