MEDIA RELEASE
Kenda MacKenzie Appointed General Manager of Halifax Water
(Halifax, NS – January 20, 2025) – Halifax Water’s Board of Commissioners is pleased to announce that Kenda MacKenzie has been appointed the utility’s next General Manager and CEO. She was selected as the successful candidate based on a comprehensive executive search process, which attracted more than 95 applicants from across the country.
Ms. MacKenzie has worked at Halifax Water since 2008. Her in-depth knowledge and experience as a professional engineer have been instrumental in leading the utility’s regulatory compliance and approvals work. This includes collaboration with the municipality, the development community, and other community partners. The Board recognizes that Kenda’s strength is her focus on people, team building, and collaboration with those who work with her.
“The Board is confident that Kenda is the ideal person to lead Halifax Water into the future and ensure that it remains focused on customers’ needs. Throughout her career, she has developed a deep knowledge of Halifax Water’s operations and infrastructure planning. Kenda is most qualified to guide the organization, find opportunities for growth and innovation, and ensure the continued provision of high-quality water services to the people of HALIFAX,” says Colleen Rollings, Chair of the Halifax Water Board of Commissioners.
For the past 12 months, Ms. MacKenzie has been the acting General Manager and CEO of Halifax Water. Effective immediately, she will assume the permanent position.
“I’m honoured to accept the position of General Manager, and I am excited to work with the entire team to place greater emphasis on our employees and make Halifax Water an employer of choice. By empowering our people, we can improve our customer’s experience and create a more sustainable organization that can efficiently and effectively adapt to the future,” says Ms. MacKenzie.
KBRS conducted a comprehensive Executive Recruitment process in the fall of 2024 that attracted many highly qualified and diverse candidates. Throughout the Fall, numerous potential candidates were interviewed. The final round of interviews was held in mid-December before the Halifax Water Board of Commissioners gave the candidate’s final approval in mid-January.
About Halifax Water
Halifax Water’s purpose is to supply and safeguard sustainable, high-quality water services. As an integrated water, wastewater and stormwater utility, it serves more than 111,000 customers on a cost-of-service basis across the Halifax Regional Municipality. Owned by the municipality and regulated by the Nova Scotia Utility and Review Board, it employs approximately 600 dedicated people. Halifax Water owns and manages more than $1.4B in assets and invests approximately $1