Ex-Vancouver Park Board chief named New Westminster city manager | Daily Hive

Former Vancouver Park Board head appointed as the new city manager of the City of New Westminster

Donnie Rosa. (City of New Westminster)

Donnie Rosa has been appointed as the new Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) of the City of New Westminster.

She is replacing Lisa Spitale, who is leaving the role of CAO after 12 years and retiring from the municipal government after over 33 years. Rosa will begin her new role in early 2026.

“We are excited to announce the hiring of Donnie Rosa as our new Chief Administrative Officer,” said New Westminster mayor Patrick Johnstone in a statement.

“Donnie is an inspiring leader with a solid track record in local government and housing, and is joining us at a critical time as municipalities regionally and nation-wide work to address overlapping challenges. Along with my Council colleagues, I’m confident she will bring critical oversight and inspiration to City teams that continue to deliver quality services for the community.”

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Rosa was previously the general manager of the Vancouver Park Board from September 2020 to May 2023. She was also the general manager of parks, recreation, and culture for the City of Coquitlam from June 2019 to September 2020.

Prior to moving to British Columbia, Rosa was the facility manager for the City of Mississauga from 1999 to 2008, and the director of recreation and culture for the City of Brampton from 2008 to 2016.

After her time with Vancouver’s municipal government, she served as the executive director of community services for the Squamish Nation starting in July 2023. Since April 2024, she has served as the CEO of Atira Women’s Resource Society.

“I am eager to join the New Westminster team in the New Year. This is clearly a passionate and capable group who understands the importance of working together and in partnership with the community to achieve outcomes that contribute to the quality of life for all,” said Rosa today.

“I come to this role with intention to learn from the team and invested community members — all who want to see New Westminster be a place where people feel welcome, safe and proud to call home. I am humbled that Mayor and Council have invited me to join the team.”

The CAO — also known as the City Manager in many other jurisdictions — is essentially the CEO of a municipal government, overseeing the day-to-day operations and direction of the municipal government. With such immense obligations and authority, the City Manager is often the highest-paid bureaucrat in any municipality.

The position reports directly to the Mayor and City Council, who effectively can be likened to the chair and board of directors of the organization. The CAO is responsible for executing the direction given by elected officials.

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