Windsor treasurer Mancina named new city hall boss

After a year-long and “exhaustive” search, the City of Windsor has named its new top bureaucrat — and he’s no stranger to the local city hall.

Joe Mancina, Windsor’s current treasurer, chief financial officer, and commissioner of corporate services, will take over as CAO on May 1. Acting-CAO Onorio Colucci has performed the job on an interim basis since April 2022 after being brought back from retirement.

“Assuming the role of chief administrative officer during this exciting period of economic growth and renewed optimism in our city is very inspiring,” Mancina said in a statement Thursday.

“I look forward to leveraging my long-standing municipal experience and in-depth corporate knowledge as a catalyst towards continuing to develop a strong, energized and committed administrative team that is focused on achieving the strategic vision and goals established by our elected officials and also positioning us to maximize all of the exciting opportunities that are before us.”

Mancina first joined the city’s management team in the finance department in 1989. He was appointed to his current roles in 2016.

A native of Windsor-Essex, Mancina is a graduate of the University of Windsor’s Odette School of Business. He is a certified professional accountant, an accredited municipal clerk/treasurer, and a certified municipal manager with the Ontario Municipal Management Institute.

The city began its search for a new CAO just over a year ago after suddenly canning former CAO Jason Reynar a year after he was hired. Colucci, then a 37-year city hall veteran, came out of retirement to fill the position until a replacement could be found.

A new search will begin “in the near future” to fill Mancina’s current role as commissioner of corporate services, CFO, and treasurer, the city said.

“On behalf of council, I’m pleased to welcome Joe into his new role,” Windsor Mayor Drew Dilkens said in the same news release issued by the city. “With his deep experience and professionalism, I am confident that he will hit the ground running and help Windsor take advantage of the incredible opportunities that lie ahead.

“In addition, having (Colluci) assist in an acting capacity over the past several months was a tremendous benefit for the entire corporation. His steady hand and calm and diplomatic style have ensured a smooth transition and created the best possible conditions for an effective transition.”