The Town of Espanola has announced Joseph Burke as its new chief administrative officer and clerk.
Burke, who has been with the town since 2021, will start in his new role on Feb. 5.
“Since joining the town in 2021 as the town clerk/manager of planning services, Joseph has demonstrated his leadership, experience, judgment and his commitment to the town,” Espanola Mayor Douglas Gervais said in a Feb. 1 news release.
“I am pleased that Joseph will be leading our administration and council looks forward to collaborating with him to manage the town in a fiscally responsible way.”
Burke succeeds Allan Hewitt, who recently announced his resignation. He had served as CAO-treasurer since 2021.
Burke, who hails from Espanola and the Town of Sables-Spanish Rivers, has worked in education and government relations, acquiring experience in navigating and understanding government legislation and regulated processes, while also providing strong leadership in organizational management and executive support roles in the postsecondary education sector.
He’s a graduate of the University of Western Ontario where he obtained an honours bachelor of arts degree in political science and French studies, as well as Laurentian University, where he obtained a master’s degree in Indigenous relations.
He additionally holds certificates in municipal administration and planning from the Association of Municipal Managers, Clerks and Treasurers of Ontario.
“I am excited to get started and honoured to serve as the CAO-clerk for the Town of Espanola,” Burke said in the release.
“I look forward to working with council and the great team of staff we have at the town. I also look forward to working with our local businesses, community organizations and residents to increase the prosperity of the town.”
The town said a search for a new treasurer is underway.
