On Monday, Nov. 1, the City of Quinte West announced the appointment of three new directors: Director of Corporate Services Brian Johnston; Director of Finance/Treasurer Caleb DenOuden; and Director of Community Services and Strategic Partnerships Jaclyn Grimmon.
Brian Johnston has been selected as the new director of corporate services. Johnston has worked for the City of Quinte West since 2017 when he was hired as manager of information technology and GIS services. Since September of 2020, he has been the acting deputy director of corporate services. Before 2017 he spent 14 years at the CBC as senior manager of systems engineering and special events, working on projects for the Toronto Broadcasting Centre, the Olympic Games and FIFA World Cups.
“I’m looking forward to using what I’ve learned in my career so far to continue improving municipal processes and procedures,” says Johnston. “We’ve seen a lot of changes over the last two years, and the City needs to be able to respond to the changes around us to make things easier for our residents, businesses and workforce.”
Brian Johnston. (Photo: City of Quinte West)
Caleb DenOuden has been selected as the director of finance/treasurer. DenOuden has worked for the City of Quinte West for 10 years, starting as a financial analyst before moving up to manager of finance and, since September 2020, acting deputy director of finance. In the past several years, DenOuden has improved long-term financial planning by introducing reserve policies, an investment policy, and moving Quinte West into the Prudent Investor Standard by becoming a member municipality in the Joint Investment Board through One investment.
“I’m excited about the opportunity to serve Quinte West as the new director of finance,” says DenOuden. “I look forward to continuing relationships with Council, CAO Clazie and all staff to achieve the goals laid out in our strategic plan and ensure the long-term financial sustainability of our City.”
Caleb DenOuden. (Photo: City of Quinte West)
Jaclyn Grimmon is returning to Quinte West as the newly appointed director of community services. Grimmon has been with the City of Kingston for the last eight years as manager of recreation and leisure services, where she was the municipal lead for The Tragically Hip’s live broadcast of their final concert in 2016, which was nationally recognized and attended by approximately 30,000. Previously she worked for the City of Quinte West from 2002-2013, her last four years as manager of recreation and tourism services.
“I’m excited to come back to Quinte West and work with such great staff, council members and community partners,” says Grimmon. “I’m looking forward to leading this new department as we tackle important issues in the community, provide new and innovative opportunities for residents and work to support the community’s recovery from the effects of COVID-19.”
Jaclyn Grimmon. (Photo: City of Quinte West)
DenOuden and Johnston assumed their new positions today, Nov. 1 and Grimmon will begin on Dec. 8.
“The appointment of these directors will position the City to respond to and prepare for continued growth,” says Quinte West Mayor Jim Harrison. “The City’s updated corporate structure will better serve the residents of Quinte West and allow further opportunities for collaboration with community partners.”
