Mayor John Tory is pleased to announce Paul Johnson has been selected as the City of Toronto’s next City Manager. Following an extensive search conducted by a third-party firm, Johnson was chosen unanimously by the hiring panel comprised of the Mayor, Deputy Mayor Jennifer McKelvie, Councillor Stephen Holyday and former Councillor Mike Layton.
Johnson joined the City of Toronto in September 2021 as the Deputy City Manager for Community and Social Services where he gained valuable experience providing oversight of a diverse portfolio of services. During his time as Deputy City Manager, Johnson has demonstrated ongoing leadership in furthering several housing priorities including implementing the Tenants First project, developing a shelter transition plan and creating the Seniors Housing Corporation. He ensured successful continuity and advancement of key programs and services throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, including the launch of the Toronto Community Crisis Service pilots, all while effectively managing challenging budget constraints. Johnson also played a pivotal role in helping Toronto secure its successful bid to host the FIFA World Cup 2026 and establish a Secretariat to coordinate World Cup activities.
Johnson is the Executive Sponsor of the Employee Disability Network where he represents the City’s senior leadership team and works to foster a dynamic work environment that is committed to supporting employees with disabilities.
Prior to joining the City, Johnson served for more than 10 years at the City of Hamilton, culminating in the General Manager role of the Healthy and Safe Communities Department. There, Johnson led 4,300 City employees in delivering fire, paramedic, recreation, long-term care, public health and human services to Hamilton residents.
Johnson has a Bachelor of Arts from McMaster University in Hamilton and graduated from the Community Shift Leadership Program at Western University’s Ivey School of Business.
The City Manager is the most senior official in the City of Toronto’s administrative structure, accountable to the Mayor and City Council for the policies and programs delivered by members of the Toronto Public Service. The City Manager is assisted by three Deputy City Managers and the Chief Financial Officer.
Johnson will take over from Interim City Manager Tracey Cook. Cook, who has served as Interim City Manager since August 19, will return to her role as Deputy City Manager, Infrastructure and Development and Services.
