March 24, 2022
The Region of Peel announced today that Aretha Adams, following a competitive recruitment process, has been appointed to the position of Regional Clerk and Director of Legislative Services.
Aretha has a strong history of providing excellent service in leadership positions for the Regional Clerk’s team, most recently in the roles of Deputy Clerk and Acting Director of Administration. She will continue to lead the Clerk’s team in a permanent capacity.
In this role, reporting to the CFO and Commissioner of Corporate Services, Aretha provides leadership and oversight to the day-to-day administration of the Clerk’s Division including support for all Council and Committee meetings; overseeing the preparation and distribution of Council meeting minutes, agendas, and by-laws; and providing advice and guidance to members of Council on rules of procedure and protocol during Council meetings. Aretha has the authority to perform the statutory duties of Clerk under the Municipal Act including organizing and maintaining official records of Regional Council; preparing reports for Council on matters pertaining to the responsibilities of the Clerk as required or as directed by Council or senior leadership; and acting as the “delegated head” for the purpose of administering the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act.
In the role of Regional Clerk, Aretha will review and sign corporate agreements and by-laws as signatory for the organization, and act as a Commissioner of Oaths, and will oversee the Access to Information and Privacy and Strategic Public Policy and External Relations teams.
With 10 years of experience at the Region, Aretha has held a series of progressively responsible senior positions, including Legal Counsel for the Dispute Resolution/Municipal Law Group, and Manager, Access to Information and Privacy/Deputy Clerk. Aretha also currently serves as Secretary of the Board of Directors for Peel Housing Corporation.
Prior to joining the Region of Peel, Aretha worked for over seven years in a law firm in private practice. Aretha was called to the bar of Ontario in 2015, and the State Bar of Georgia in 2004. She received her Juris Doctorate from Michigan State University and Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of Toronto. Aretha is professionally designated as a Certified Information Privacy Manager (CIPM).
In addition to her leadership roles with the Region, Aretha has been a Mentor for Big Brothers and Sisters of Peel.
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“Aretha’s experience, leadership and understanding of municipal government will continue to be an asset to the Region. She has been a strong leader during our COVID response, in addition to the skills she brings. We are very excited to welcome Aretha to her position.” – Chief Financial Officer and Commissioner of Corporate Services, Gary Kent
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