The City of Ottawa today announced Wendy Stephanson as its new Chief Financial Officer effective December 12, 2019. In this role, Ms. Stephanson will serve as City Treasurer and lead the Finance Services Department with a mandate to enhance the City’s focus on fiscal management.
Ms. Stephanson brings more than 25 years of federal and municipal public sector experience, serving most recently as Deputy City Treasurer of Revenue Services at the City of Ottawa.
Ms. Stephanson will succeed Marian Simulik, the current City Treasurer, upon her retirement on January 2, 2020.
Quotes
“Ms. Stephanson has a proven track record of building strong relationships at the City, with local industry partners and provincial government stakeholders, which have resulted in the creation of financial programs that have saved Ottawa taxpayers millions of dollars annually. I look forward to working with Ms. Stephanson to continue to safeguard the City budget.”
-Mayor Jim Watson
“Ms. Stephanson is a committed public servant and senior leader at the City of Ottawa, who has delivered innovative and cost-effective solutions to better serve our residents. Over the course of her 25-year career she has built a reputation as a strong financial steward and champion for continuous improvement.”
-City Manager Steve Kanellakos
Quick facts:
- Ms. Stephanson currently serves as Deputy City Treasurer, Revenue.
- Significant accomplishments include developing the City’s payment card strategy, implementing MyServiceOttawa for tax and water clients, adoption of the City’s property tax and deferral programs, and the elimination of Vacancy Rebate Program saving Ottawa taxpayers $6.9M annually.
- Serves as Vice President of the Ontario Municipal Tax and Revenue Association.
- Holds a Bachelor of Commerce (Honours) from Carleton University.
- Completed Alternative Dispute Resolution, Faculty of Law, University of Windsor.
- Completed the Municipal Tax Administration Program, Seneca College.
- Is a Certified Municipal Revenue Professional, OMTRA, CMRP Designation.