Thursday, February 3, 2022

City of Markham appoints members to senior leadership team

MARKHAM, ON – February 3, 2022 – The City of Markham is pleased to introduce several new additions to its senior leadership team in a variety of roles. The new appointments bring with them valuable experience, a proven track record of accomplishment and a focus on innovation and community building. We are delighted to announce the following appointments:

Stephanie Di Perna, Director of Building Standards and Chief Building Official
Sumon Acharjee, Chief Information Officer
Chris Rickett, Director of Economic Growth, Culture and Entrepreneurship
Chris Bullen, Manager of By-Law & Regulatory Services
Bryan Frois, Manager, Strategic Initiatives and Executive Operations

“The City of Markham is committed to delivering exceptional services by exceptional people and the recent hiring of senior members of our leadership team is an example of the depth of experience and knowledge within our organization and the ability to attract top-notch industry talent,” said Markham Mayor Frank Scarpitti. “With each appointment comes decades of industry experience that will greatly serve our organization and position Markham as a future-ready municipality.”

“Joining our senior leadership team is a roster of highly respected and experienced professionals that have either grown within our organization or have chosen to join our team, with a combined commitment to innovation and service excellence,” said Chief Administrative Officer, Andy Taylor. “The City of Markham continues to be recognized as Canada’s premier city employer and our ability to attract and retain talent is a testament to our corporate culture and organization’s commitment to investing in staff and providing them the ability to thrive.”

Stephanie Di Perna joined the City of Markham in 2005 and most recently served as Manager, Plans Review. Ms. Di Perna has contributed extensively towards many transformational projects at the City including the implementation of electronic plans review, a first amongst Ontario municipalities, and streamlining the end-to-end infill development process. Ms. Di Perna also chairs the Ontario Municipal Code Advisory Committee which plays a vital role in ensuring building code interpretations are consistent across municipalities in Ontario. She holds a Master’s Degree in Business Administration, a Project Management Professional Designation and an Architectural Technologist Designation.

Leading the City’s Information Technology division and assuming the role as Chief Information Officer is Sumon Acharjee. Mr. Acharjee comes to Markham having previously served as Executive Director, Technology with the Smith School of Business at Queens University. Mr. Acharjee’s 20-years of experience includes the Chief Information Officer with North York General Hospital, Michael Garron Hospital and Sheridan College. Mr. Acharjee holds a Bachelor of Mathematics from the University of Waterloo and a Master’s in Business Administration from Wilmington University. A successful leader in Information Technology, he fully comprehends the strategic importance of digital technology and security, and the City of Markham’s focus on innovation.

Joining the City of Markham as Director of Economic Growth, Culture and Entrepreneurship is Chris Rickett. Mr. Rickett comes to Markham with an impressive and well-rounded resume having previously served as Director of Municipal and Stakeholder Relations with the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation. As Co-Founder of Digital Main Street, Mr. Rickett developed and launched a not-for-profit focused on assisting businesses with the adoption of technology. Mr. Rickett has held numerous senior economic development roles with the City of Toronto and led Mayor John Tory’s COVID-19 Business Mitigation and Recovery efforts. Having worked closely with the arts-based incubators, and a passionate supporter and participant in the arts, Mr. Rickett will lead the City’s cultural portfolio as well as strengthen Markham’s position as Canada’s premier hub for innovation and business investment.

No stranger to the Markham community is the City’s new Manager of By-Law & Regulatory Services, Chris Bullen. For over 33 years, Mr. Bullen served York Regional Police and the residents of Markham and York Region with duty and distinction. Previously in the role as Unit Commander and Superintendent, Mr. Bullen oversaw the operations of York Regional Police #5 District Headquarters located in the City of Markham. Well respected by his colleagues, Mr. Bullen also built a successful rapport and relationship with City of Markham Council, Staff and the broader community as Superintendent. Mr. Bullen joins the City of Markham with extensive experience in enforcement and is tasked with modernizing by-law operations. Mr. Bullen has received many recognitions including the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal, Markham African Caribbean Association Black History Award for Community Service and the Herbert H. Carnegie Community Award. Mr. Bullen currently serves on the Board of Governors of Seneca College.

Previously serving as Chief of Staff to Mayor Frank Scarpitti, Bryan Frois joins the Office of the Chief Administrative Officer as Manager of Strategic Initiatives and Executive Operations. Mr. Frois brings expertise in corporate strategy, communications and executive management to the Executive Leadership Team of the City of Markham. Amongst his many accomplishments has been the growth and development of Markham’s partnership agreement with Eabametoong First Nation and reconciliation efforts. Prior to joining the City of Markham in 2017, Mr. Frois served in the Office of the Mayor at the City of Toronto, leading Mayor John Tory’s digital strategy and communications. Outside of work, Mr. Frois dedicates his time to several boards of directors, including 2SLGBTQ+ and diversity initiatives.

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Markham Mayor Frank Scarpitti's Office:
At mayorscarpitti@markham.ca.

All other media inquiries / interview requests for the City of Markham:
At media@markham.ca.

For COVID-19 announcements from the City of Markham:
Visit markham.ca/covid19 or listen to 105.9 The Region – Markham’s information and emergency radio station.

About Markham: Markham, an award-winning municipality with more than 354,000 residents and the largest of nine communities in York Region, is home to over 650 headquartered companies and more than 1,500 high tech and life science companies. Markham is a leader in attracting foreign direct investment with more than 234 foreign companies located in the City. Founded in the 1790s, today Markham is Canada’s most diverse community and enjoys a rich heritage, outstanding community planning and services, and a vibrant local economy.

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