The Town of Oakville has hired a new commissioner of Community Services, taking over the role of long-time staff member Colleen Bell.
On May 13, 2024, Paul Damaso will join the Town of Oakville’s Executive Leadership Team after an impressive career with the City of Mississauga and the Town of Halton Hills where he served most recently as commissioner of Recreation and Parks.
The town says Damaso was selected following a comprehensive search.
Damaso will be taking over the role of commissioner from Colleen Bell who retired at the end of March after 11 years with the Town of Oakville.
Bell was earning a salary of $246,175.48 in 2024 with the Town of Oakville while Damaso was earning $200,480.03 most recently in Halton Hills during 2023 according to the Ontario Sunshine List. His new salary with the town has yet to be disclosed.
Mr. Damaso’s responsibilities at the town will include leading the Community Services Commission that is responsible for the delivery of services and programs to improve the daily life of town residents in the areas of Recreation and Culture, Parks and Open Space, Fire Services and Facilities Management.
He will also provide guidance to the Oakville Public Library. Mr. Damaso holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA), and a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Kinesiology & Sport, with nearly 20 years of senior-level municipal experience leading large and diverse teams and advancing strategic priorities.
"I am excited to welcome Paul to our team," said Jane Clohecy, Chief Administrative Officer.
"His impressive track record overseeing extensive corporate, community and cultural projects while managing the complexities and demands of large departments, made him the ideal candidate to lead this commission. I am confident Paul brings the right skills and vision to our Executive Leadership Team, and he will do a wonderful job delivering quality services to our community."
Mayor Rob Burton added "On behalf of Town Council, I am happy to welcome Paul Damaso to the Town of Oakville. We look forward to working with him and believe his extensive experience and knowledge in community program development and service delivery will help us provide a vibrant and livable community for all."