City appoints new commissioner of corporate services

The City of Markham has appointed Joseph Silva, a “collaborative, forward-thinking leader” as commissioner of corporate services.

Silva joined the City in June 2023 as director of financial services and treasurer. He will continue to serve as treasurer alongside his new role as commissioner.

“Joseph has done an outstanding job as treasurer, helping guide the City through three budgets and the implementation of the Strong Mayor budget process with a focus on accountability, responsible financial stewardship and delivering value for our community,” said Mayor Frank Scarpitti. “He is a collaborative, forward-thinking leader who is always looking for better ways to serve residents and businesses.”

As commissioner of corporate services, Silva will provide strategic leadership and oversight for the City’s corporate functions, including financial services, information technology services, by-law and regulatory services, legislative services and asset management. His focus will include advancing Markham Council’s strategic priorities, ensuring long-term financial sustainability and accountability for results, and strengthening service excellence across the organization, the City reports.

A Chartered Professional Accountant and Certified Internal Auditor, Silva holds a Master of Public Administration from Queen’s University School of Policy Studies and a Master of Arts in Economics from McMaster University. He also serves as an adjunct faculty member in the School of Public Policy & Administration at York University, where he teaches in the municipal stream of the Master of Public Policy, Administration and Law program at the University’s Markham Campus.

“Joseph is a transformational leader who leads with integrity, embraces innovation and brings out the best in the people around him,” said City of Markham Chief Administrative Officer Andy Taylor. “Joseph is deeply committed to delivering excellent service, fostering collaboration and living the City’s core values.”

Before joining the City of Markham, Silva held progressive roles at York Region, including Director of Strategies & Partnerships in the Community and Health Services Commission, and Director and Deputy Treasurer in the Finance Department. Prior to the municipal sector, he worked in the Ontario government at the Ministry of Energy and the Ministry of Infrastructure. He launched his civil service career as a financial analyst at the Department of Finance Canada.

Silva is a member of the Board of Trustees of United Way of Greater Toronto and has volunteered with the Institute of Public Administration of Canada, where he served as Chair of the Toronto Region Group. In 2025, he received the King Charles III Coronation Medal from the Lieutenant Governor of Ontario.

File photo of Joseph Silva courtesy of the City of Markham.