Shakeup at city hall sees new top executive appointed for Mississauga

Mississauga has a new mayor and now a new face will also occupy the seat of the city’s most senior administrative official.

The City of Mississauga announced late this afternoon in a news release and on social media that Geoff Wright, the city’s commissioner of transportation and works since 2016, will take over as city manager and chief administrative officer, effective immediately.

He takes the reins from Shari Lichterman, who was appointed to the position in May 2023 to replace the retiring Paul Mitcham, who had served in various capacities at the city for some three decades.

The city didn’t cite a reason for the shakeup, saying only in the news release that: “Today, Mayor Carolyn Parrish announced that Geoff Wright has been appointed as city manager and CAO, replacing Shari Lichterman, effective immediately.”

In its post to X (formerly Twitter), which included a link to the news release, the city said only that it “announces Geoff Wright as the city manager and CAO.”

Parrish, who chaired her first council meeting earlier today as the city’s new mayor after winning Mississauga’s mayoral byelection on June 10, offered few words in the news release.

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“I want to thank Shari for her years of service to the organization and our residents, as well as her contributions to moving Mississauga forward. I wish her well in her future endeavours,” said Parrish. “I’m pleased that Geoff Wright has accepted the position of city manager and CAO. I have full confidence in his abilities as he brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the role.”

Shari Lichterman served as city manager and CAO from May 2023 until being replaced on Wednesday.

Wright, with 17 years on the job with the city, served in a number of roles prior to moving into the commissioner’s chair in 2016. Prior to coming to Mississauga, he held various positions with the Halifax Regional Municipality.

“I’m pleased to take on this important role during an exciting time in Mississauga’s history. I look forward to working with the mayor, council and the entire team of staff within the corporation to advance the priorities of the city,” said Wright.

In his role as city manager and CAO, the city said, Wright will be the most senior public servant and will report directly to the mayor and city council, overseeing the operations, services and programs delivered by the city.

Janice Baker, who served as Mississauga’s city manager and CAO from 2005 until moving on to the Region of Peel some years later, commented on the city’s social media post, offering best wishes to the new person on the job.

“Congratulations Geoff. A true professional, dedicated public servant and very nice guy. I wish you every success,” she wrote.

Lichterman, who lives in Mississauga, served as acting city manager between February and May of 2023 before moving into the job full-time.