The City of Penticton’s leadership team is now complete with the hiring of Julie Czeck as director of public safety and partnerships.
“This new position reinforces our commitment to building a safe and resilient community and the need to work closely with our partners to find made-in-Penticton solutions,” says City manager Anthony Haddad. “Julie brings the right experience and skill set to the table to enhance the holistic and integrated approach we need for public safety. It’s by working together, finding common ground and building partnerships that we will move forward and Julie and her team are ready for the task at hand.”
Czeck has been working for the Ministry of Children and Family Development since 2014 and is currently the Director of Strategic Initiatives in the Strategic Integration, Policy and Legislation Division. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice and a Master of Arts in Dispute Resolution and has over 17 years of experience in the non-profit sector, academia, and provincial government – in progressively more senior roles.
Her experience includes leading complex portfolios which required strategic alliances on a range of social issues including restorative justice, policing and crime prevention, domestic violence, child welfare, youth transitions from government care, pandemic emergency response, and most recently modernization of youth justice services in B.C.
Czeck noted her enthusiasm of joining the city. “To be able to join and lead a team that has already laid the groundwork for public safety and community partnerships is an exciting one and I’m thrilled to work with the team and residents to find innovative solutions to the complex challenges we face. Every community member deserves to feel safe and supported and that’s the goal we will work towards.”
Haddad notes the new Public Safety and Partnerships Director will oversee the Social Development, Bylaw and Community Safety Officer Programs and work closely with partners in the community and collaborate closely with RCMP and the Penticton Fire Department on community safety initiatives.
Kelsey Johnson has also joined the senior leadership team after they were appointed as director of community services earlier this month, where she will be responsible for facility management, land administration and recreation, arts & culture.
“I’ve had the chance to work directly with Kelsey over the last few years and can attest to her strength in positive leadership – in particular with the incredible team she has built and strong community relationships that have been developed,” says Haddad. “After being impacted significantly during the pandemic, Kelsey lead the rebuild of our Recreation, Events and Cultural programs to a point where we are a leader across the Province and have a positive impact on the lives of our residents and businesses. It’s been great to see her growth within the organization and I’m excited to see what’s next with her as part of our Senior Leadership Team.”
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