Niagara Falls finance director appointed to Region post
The City of Niagara Falls will have to find a new director of finance as senior staffer Todd Harrison is moving on to Niagara Region.
The Region announced that Harrison, who has spent the past 16 years at Niagara Falls city hall, has been appointed commissioner of enterprise resource management services, starting June 4.
The position also serves as treasurer for the Region, accountable for general financial oversight and compliance.
Harrison began his employment at the City of Niagara Falls in 2002, as manager of revenue. He was promoted to manager of finance and then became director of finance.
“I am excited to take all of the things I have learned over the years and go to the Region to hopefully be part of the team that implements all of the initiatives underway, and coming to the Region and assist in provision of great services to the residents,” said Harrison.
“I am humbled by the confidence the selection committee and regional council has shown in giving me this opportunity.”
Harrison said he pursued the position because it was an opportunity to build on the skills he has developed, and “hopefully go to the Region and push myself professionally to be better.”
He said these types of opportunities have presented themselves over the years, but those positions were outside of Niagara and he never wanted to relocate his family.
“This career opportunity keeps me in the region, while giving me a chance for a bigger professional challenge. It is an opportunity for me to challenge myself at this stage in my life and career. I know there are many outstanding people at the Region and hope that I can perform and live up to expectations.”
Harrison’s appointment is the result of an extensive recruitment process, which attracted a strong field of candidates, stated a news release issued by the Region.
Harrison will be responsible for the divisions of financial management and planning, legal and court services, and strategic procurement and acquisition.
The position is also accountable for the development and presentation of the Region’s annual capital and operating budgets for council’s approval.
The release states Harrison brings to the Region an extensive background in municipal finance, having been a professional accountant with more than 20 years of public sector experience.
In addition to being director of finance for the City of Niagara Falls, he was chief financial officer of Niagara Falls Hydro Holding Corp.
Prior to working with the city, Harrison held a number of financial positions with the City of St. Catharines, Q Tech and Touche Ross (Deloitte).