Toronto Mayor Rob Ford has appointed a new chief of staff.
Effective Monday, Aug. 20 the mayor’s former director of policy and planning Mark Towhey will serve as Ford’s chief of staff.
In a statement released on Wednesday, Ford said Towhey has been a key leader on his team since he began his mayoral campaign in early 2010.
“He is a trusted advisor and well-respected in my office,” said Ford. “He knows my objectives better than anyone and will help ensure we achieve them over the next two years.”
Prior to joining the Ford’s campaign, Towhey was a management consultant and he holds an MBA from the Richard Ivey School of Business at Western University.
In a news release, Towhey said he is looking forward to his new role in the mayor’s office.
He added that Ford has “an impressive list of accomplishments,” from his first 21 months in office.
“I look forward to working closely with Mayor Ford, his executive committee and city council to help them get that work done," said Towhey.
Ford’s former chief of staff Amir Remtulla quit in July to take a position with Pan Am Games organizers.
At the time, Remtulla said serving Ford was “an honour and a privilege.”
Remtulla took over as Ford's chief of staff in February 2011, after helping the mayor transition into office.
Earl Provost has been Ford’s acting chief of staff since Remtulla’s resignation and he will continue to serve as director of stakeholder and council relations.
With files from The Canadian Press
