The City of St. John’s Announces Appointment of New City Clerk

The City of St. John’s announced at the July 23, 2024 Council Meeting the appointment of a new City Clerk, Theresa Walsh. Ms. Walsh replaces Karen Chafe, who has been City Clerk since 2021 and is retiring after 35 years of service with the City of St. John’s. The City Clerk is an integral part of the senior management team, providing legislative and administrative support to Council, coordinating and implementing corporate policies and processes, and serving as the Chief Returning Officer for municipal elections.

“I would like to congratulate Ms. Chafe on a distinguished career, and the dedication she has demonstrated to the City,” said Mayor Danny Breen. “She is certainly admired by her colleagues and respected by the many members of Council she worked with over the years in the various positions she held within the City Clerk’s Office. We wish Ms. Chafe all the best as she embarks on this next journey.”

Theresa Walsh will take over the position effective July 29, 2024. Ms. Walsh holds a Bachelor of Arts from Memorial University and a Master of Library and Information Studies from McGill University. She spent 12 years working with the provincial government in various departments including the Legislative Library of the House of Assembly; the Department of Municipal Affairs; and the Supreme Court of Newfoundland and Labrador. Ms. Walsh joined the City in 2022 as Manager of the Archives and Records Management Division under the Office of the City Clerk.

"We are delighted to welcome Theresa to this important role within the City," stated Mayor Danny Breen. "Her proven leadership and dedication in the Division of Archives and Record Management, along with her experience and dedication to our community, make her the ideal candidate to build upon Karen's legacy and contribute to the continued success of the City of St. John’s."

Ms. Walsh is excited to begin in her new role, stating, “I look forward to serving not only the organization but the city itself, the public, and to supporting the capture, integrity, and transparency of the City's governance.”