Donna Bellingham as Deputy Chief Administrative Officer

The District of Hope is pleased to recognize the appointment of Donna Bellingham as Deputy Chief Administrative Officer (CAO)!

With nearly three decades of local government experience, Donna began her municipal career in 1998 and has exclusively worked her career in Corporate Services. Her expertise is invaluable. She joined the District of Hope in August 2012 and has since become a longstanding member of the District’s senior leadership team.

Donna has regularly served as Acting CAO when required. Her appointment as Deputy CAO provides greater certainty for staff and the community by ensuring clear leadership and decision making authority when the CAO is unavailable, including during emergency situations.

For Donna, leadership is rooted in collaboration and making space for people to contribute.

“People need to be heard and given the opportunity to express themselves, so we need to make room for their voice,” Donna says. “We are a team, and I like to approach our work as a team effort where we come together to make decisions and provide solutions.”

Having lived and worked in Hope since 2012, Donna also values the close relationships that come with serving a small community. Throughout her time with the District, she has worked to help residents better understand local government while encouraging communication, education and cooperative solutions.

Donna is also proud of what her appointment represents for women in municipal leadership.

“Women have come a long way in the workforce, and I am proud to be part of this,” she says. “I hope my voice is always heard and that I can help pave the way for future women to become leaders and give them the confidence to know they are equally as capable.”

Donna’s appointment recognizes the experience, organizational knowledge and collaborative leadership she already brings to the District while strengthening continuity within the senior leadership team.

Congratulations, Donna!