Ottawa, ON – August 27, 2026
Following a competitive executive recruitment process, the Ottawa Police Service Board is pleased to announce the appointment of Sean McGillis as Chief Administrative Officer of the Ottawa Police Service, effective September 21, 2026.
Mr. McGillis joins OPS following more than 25 years of senior public-sector leadership, with extensive experience supporting policing and public safety operations. He currently serves as an Assistant Deputy Minister with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, where he is leading the human resources and organizational implementation of a major expansion of federal policing.
Throughout his career with the RCMP, Mr. McGillis has held progressively senior roles spanning financial and resource management, human resources, workforce strategy, digital transformation, data analytics, organizational change and corporate governance. His experience includes strategic oversight of the RCMP’s $1.5-billion Federal Policing program and leadership responsibilities supporting the integration of 1,000 new sworn and civilian positions.
Mr. McGillis is a Chartered Professional Accountant and Certified Management Accountant and holds a Master of Business Administration from Dalhousie University. He is bilingual in English and French.
“Sean McGillis is an exceptionally accomplished public-sector leader who combines a deep understanding of policing with expertise in the corporate functions that make effective frontline service possible,” said Ottawa Police Service Board Chair Salim Fakirani. “His proven leadership in financial stewardship, workforce modernization, digital transformation and organizational change will be a tremendous asset to OPS. The Board is delighted to welcome him and looks forward to working with him as the Service continues to modernize and respond to the evolving needs of its members and the community.”
“The Chief Administrative Officer plays an important role in ensuring our members have the people, resources and systems they need to serve the community effectively,” said Chief of Police Eric Stubbs. “Sean brings significant experience leading complex organizations and supporting the operational needs of policing. I look forward to welcoming him to OPS and working with him as we continue to strengthen and modernize the Service.”
“Joining the Ottawa Police Service is a privilege. I look forward to bringing a proactive, people-first, and results-driven approach, grounded in 25 years of RCMP experience, to work alongside Chief Stubbs and the Ottawa Police Service Board. Together, we will strengthen the corporate and governance foundations that support our entire workforce and empower excellence across the organization,” said Mr. McGillis.
The Ottawa Police Service Board offers sincere thanks to Deputy Chief Steve Bell for his leadership and service during his tenure as Chief Administrative Officer.
Deputy Chief Bell stepped into the CAO role in January 2023 following a demanding period as Interim Chief of Police. Leading an organization through major transitions requires resilience and commitment to organizational stability.
In addition to his operational responsibilities, Deputy Chief Bell provided critical leadership on significant organizational priorities, including the South Facility project, collective bargaining negotiations, annual budget development, and the initiation of the Service's long-range financial planning work. The Board is grateful for his steady stewardship, professionalism and commitment to the organization and the community in the CAO role, and through his more than 27 years of service to our community.
Original Source: Ottawa Police Service Board News