The City of Windsor has selected Jelena Payne as the corporation's first Commissioner of Economic Development and Innovation.
Payne has been with the City of Windsor since 2012 in the role of Community Development and Health Services Commissioner.
“Over the past two years, Jelena has moved mountains in her current role to deliver for the community and has always done so with dedication, professionalism, and compassion. In taking on this new challenge, she will be responsible for guiding the implementation of City Council’s Economic Diversification blueprint," said Windsor Mayor Drew Dilkens. "This work will be done in collaboration with community business and academic partners and I can think of nobody better suited to lead that team than Ms. Payne.”
Payne will move into her new position on April 4. Debbie Cercone, the current Executive Director of Housing and Children’s Services, will assume the role of interim Commissioner of Human and Health Services, pending recruitment for the position on a permanent basis.
“It was an extremely difficult choice to leave my team and the network of dedicated community agencies supporting Human and Health Services. They are some of the most caring and compassionate people you will ever know, working tirelessly to support residents to reach their full potential throughout all stages of life. I’m particularly proud of the team’s management of challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic and their support for the community," said Payne. "This new position provides an exciting opportunity to engage with the business and development community to help the city grow to its full potential through the Windsor Works strategy. I’m eager to begin in this new role”.