Richmond Hill acting mayor names new chief of staff, replacing Mayor Dave Barrow's former staffer

Mayor Barrow’s former chief of staff, Karen Mortfield, has been redeployed to the city manager's office.

Yorkregion.com
March 18, 2021
Sheila Wang

The mayor’s office in Richmond Hill has undergone staff changes following Mayor Dave Barrow’s medical leave Feb. 24.

Regional councillor Joe DiPaola, appointed acting mayor, told the Liberal his chief executive assistant, Dennis Flaherty, has been assigned as chief of staff in the mayor’s office.

DiPaola said he was committed to ensuring a quick transition and continuity in the mayor’s office function.

Mayor Barrow’s former chief of staff, Karen Mortfield, has been redeployed to an “important strategic project management role” in the city manager’s office until the mayor’s return, DiPaola said.

Barrow hired Mortfield about three months before he went on an indefinite medical leave

Her position was created after the mayor made a motion last November to hire a full-time chief assistant, to help him with outreach and communication, with a price tag up to $140,000.

During DiPaola's transition to the position of acting mayor, one of Barrow's staff members has been moved to a customer service role as well, he said.

Barrow's executive assistant has stayed in the office to work with DiPaola, he said, as she “brings valuable experience and knowledge of the mayor’s office.”

Meanwhile, Mike Makrigiorgos, who was hired as the chief of staff for DiPaola, Regional Councillor Carmine Perrelli and Coun. Greg Beros in 2019, is no longer with the City of Richmond Hill, city spokesperson Kathleen Graver confirmed March 16.

Graver declined to comment on the departure of Makrigiorgos who made about $143,000 in 2019, according to the public sector salary disclosure records.

Ward 6 Coun. Godwin Chan said DiPaola has kept the rest of the council informed about the changes in the mayor’s office.

Chan said he has not made any changes to his office since he was appointed to serve in Barrow's place at regional council of York.

“I’m monitoring my workload and the need for more staff support but I don’t have an immediate plan for expanding [the office],” Chan said.

Chan was sworn in as the alternate regional council member to take Barrow’s place March 4. He has since attended two regional meetings.

While the new role came with additional responsibilities, Chan said he was excited about the opportunity to participate in the discussions of issues that he cares deeply about, such as public transit, public health and police.

Chan said he is still working on a local ward councillor budget and would consult the acting mayor and the city manager if extra support is needed.