SUMMERSIDE, PE - Mayor Dan Kutcher and Summerside City Council are pleased to announce the appointment of JP Desrosiers as the City’s new Chief Administrative Officer (CAO), effective October 20, 2025.

 Desrosiers, a lifelong Summerside resident, has dedicated over 16 years to public service with the City. His journey began early as a teenager when he served as a Council Page — an experience that sparked a lifelong commitment to public service and community leadership. Since then, he has held senior roles in the organization, including Director of Community Services, Deputy CAO, and most recently, Acting CAO.

 In the spring of 2025, Council appointed Desrosiers as Acting CAO on a six-month trial basis, directing him to fully step into the role and lead decisively. Over that time, Council conducted an ongoing evaluation of his performance and determined that he met and exceeded all expectations.

 “JP has demonstrated outstanding leadership, vision, and dedication throughout his career with the City,” said Mayor Dan Kutcher. “He understands Summerside — its people, its challenges, and its opportunities — and has earned the respect of his colleagues, our partners, and the broader community. Council is confident that JP will continue to build on our city’s momentum and deliver on our shared vision for Summerside’s future. He stepped into the Acting CAO role and delivered — not just in theory, but in practice, and as a result, an external search wasn’t necessary. This decision reflects our commitment to performance, leadership development, and fiscal responsibility.”

 “Council did not take this decision lightly,” added Councilor Norma McColeman, Chair of Bylaw and Governance Committee. “This was a thoughtful, transparent process with clear expectations. JP earned this appointment through results, not convenience. His leadership and deep understanding of this organization make him the right person to lead our administration forward.”

 The City has demonstrated a strong track record in attracting external talent in recent years, but this appointment highlights the City’s belief that success and commitment from within can lead to opportunity. Desrosiers’ appointment balances continuity, experience, and community leadership.

 Throughout his career, Desrosiers has led or played key roles in many of Summerside’s most transformative initiatives — to name just a few: the launch of Credit Union Place, the development of the Summerside Sports Dome, the attraction and planning of the new hotel at Credit Union Place, the creation of the City’s nationally recognized Sport & Entertainment Tourism division, the revitalization of the Shipyard Market, and the establishment of Summerside’s first destination park.

 “JP has a reputation for getting things done,” said Deputy Mayor Cory Snow. “He’s deeply committed to the prosperity of Summerside, and as someone who grew up in the west end from modest roots, he brings a grounded, community- first perspective that truly reflects who we are as a city.”

 In accepting the appointment, Desrosiers expressed his gratitude and his unwavering commitment to serving the community.

   “It’s an incredible honour to be appointed Chief Administrative Officer for the City of Summerside,” said Desrosiers. “Having grown up here and spent my career serving this community, I’m proud of what we’ve achieved together — and even more excited about where we’re going. Summerside is fortunate to have a team of passionate and skilled professionals, and I’m proud to continue leading alongside them.”

 Desrosiers resides in Summerside with his wife Shellilee, daughter Maria, and son Daniel. He is a graduate of the University of New Brunswick and Holland College.

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 The City of Summerside is located in Prince County, Prince Edward Island, Canada with the mindset of promoting and advancing its small city with big opportunities. Summerside offers a diverse market and skilled workforce and is a leader in sectors such as green energy, sport tourism and rapid economic growth. To learn more, please visit summerside.ca or connect through Facebook, X, LinkedIn, or Instagram.

 For further information or media inquires, please contact:

 Tanner Doiron

 Acting Director of Communications 

 City of Summerside 

 [email protected]