Durham Region appoints new Commissioner of Works

Whitby, Ontario – The Region of Durham is pleased to announce the appointment of John Presta,
P. Eng. MPA, to the position of Commissioner of the Works Department for The Regional Municipality of Durham. Presta assumed the role on July 25.

Presta takes on the role of Commissioner of Works after 18 years as Director of Environmental Services with the Region’s Works Department where he has been responsible for several operational functions, including:

• The operation, planning and design of the Region’s water treatment plants, watermains, reservoirs, water pumping stations, sanitary sewers and wastewater treatment plants.
• The development and management of Regional water efficiency programs and energy efficiency initiatives.
• The operation of the Duffin Creek Water Pollution Control Plant and Regional Environmental Laboratory co-owned with the Region of York.

In addition, his Regional experience is further complemented by consulting engineering within the land development industry.

Presta is well known within the Region for his leadership and collaboration skills. His contributions to Regional objectives have been vital to long-term strategic planning in the Works Department. He has also taken leadership roles with many external committees, including President of Water Environment Association of Ontario (WEAO), Water Environment Federation (WEF), Delegate for WEAO, and Chair of Professional Engineers of Ontario (PEO) Lake Ontario Chapter. He holds a Bachelor of Applied Science in Civil Engineering from the University of Toronto and a Master of Public Administration from Western University. John has also taken the Negotiation and Leadership Program through Harvard University, a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in the Workplace program at University of South Florida, and Indigenous Awareness training from The Indigenous Relations Academy.

The new Commissioner of Works will oversee the delivery of Regional services including the supply of drinking water, the collection and treatment of sewage, the provision and maintenance of a regional road network, Regional facilities management and solid waste management.

Quotes

“I am pleased to announce that John Presta has accepted the role of Commissioner for the Works Department. John has been a dedicated member of the Region of Durham’s Works Department senior management team for the past 18 years; and has a solid understanding of strategic initiatives, operations and meaningful partnerships.”

-       Elaine Baxter-Trahair, Chief Administrative Officer, Region of Durham

“I look forward to working with the Region’s dedicated employees in this new capacity and collaborating to advance Durham’s strategic goals while providing service excellence in sustainable infrastructure. Together we will improve the customer experience for residents and businesses who use Regional services.”

-       John Presta, Commissioner of Works, Region of Durham

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