New Westminster, B.C., Canada – After 13 years as the City of New Westminster’s Chief Administrative Officer, Lisa Spitale will be retiring on January 30, 2026. Her departure marks the conclusion of a remarkable 33-year career in public service.

“Lisa Spitale is one of the most respected city managers in the province, highly regarded by her staff, by local businesses, and by the professional and academic planning fields,” said Mayor Patrick Johnstone. “It has been a pleasure to work with her over the years and we are grateful for her dedicated service to New Westminster.”

Lisa began her career in the private sector before joining the City of New Westminster as a Planner in 1992, becoming the Director of Strategic Services in 1999. In 2007, she was named Director of Development Services before taking the helm as the Chief Administrative Officer in 2013; the first woman to hold this position in the City’s history.

Over the course of her career, Lisa has spearheaded many initiatives that have help shape community life in New Westminster including the revitalization of the Downtown and the waterfront, mixed-used developments in Sapperton, Uptown and Downtown, and master-planned neighbourhoods in Queensborough and Victoria Hill. Lisa has also been instrumental in building award-winning civic projects such as the Anvil Centre and Office Tower, Westminster Pier Park and the internationally recognized təməsew̓txʷ Aquatic and Community Centre.

New Westminster is a city that advocates for housing along the entire housing continuum. During her tenure, Lisa has advanced policy innovation, championing tenant protection bylaws against renovictions, safeguarding affordable rental housing, advocating for a regional approach to address homelessness, and developing the Crises Response Pilot Project, which is a nationally recognized initiative addressing the three concurrent crises of homelessness, mental health, and addiction.

"It has been an honour and a privilege to serve the residents and businesses of New Westminster for over 33 years,” said Lisa Spitale. “I will always be grateful for the opportunity to work with this community and the dedicated staff at the City. Working for one organization for the majority of my working career has been a gift. I have made deep and lasting friendships and I am incredibly proud of all we have accomplished together.”

Lisa Spitale’s legacy in New Westminster is visible in its progressive housing policies, award-winning civic facilities and public spaces, and its reputation as a City unafraid to lead on challenging social issues. Her career has exemplified both visionary city building and transformational leadership turning bold ideas into lasting results.

Donnie Rosa has been appointed as the new Chief Administrative Officer and will be joining the City of New Westminster on January 5, 2026.

- 30 -

Media Contact:

Maia Odegaard
Communications Coordinator
City of New Westminster