Media Release: Elizabethtown-Kitley Announces New Director of Finance

MEDIA RELEASE
For Immediate Release

Monday, August 18th, 2025
Elizabethtown-Kitley, ON

Elizabethtown-Kitley Announces New Director of Finance

The Township of Elizabethtown-Kitley is pleased to announce the appointment of Charles “Chuck” Dowdall as the Township’s new Director of Finance, effective September 8th, 2025.

Charles succeeds Christine Martin, who is retiring after a distinguished 32-year career in municipal finance, including the past four years with the Township of Elizabethtown-Kitley. The Township extends its sincere gratitude to Christine for her dedicated service and wishes her all the best in retirement.

“On behalf of Council, I am thrilled to welcome Charles to Elizabethtown-Kitley. We are truly fortunate to have someone with such an extensive background and experience in both the private banking sector and the public service sector joining our team. I am confident that he will challenge us - in a good way - to adopt new and innovative ways of funding and managing the services that we deliver to our residents.

I know that his calm and friendly demeanour will make for a very smooth transition as we bid a fond farewell to our current Director of Finance, who is embarking upon a well-earned retirement,” said Brant Burrow, Mayor of Elizabethtown-Kitley.

For the past 20 years, Charles has held various executive and senior management positions in the municipal and non-profit sector in Toronto, Brantford, Lennox & Addington Counties, Prince Edward County, and Kingston. Prior to entering the municipal sector, Charles spent 20 years in the financial services industry in commercial and corporate banking. Charles holds a B.Comm (Hons.) and MBA from Queen’s University, in addition to holding a CSC and PFP designation.

Excited to take on this role, he explains “I understand the difficult challenges of rural municipalities, having been raised in Perth, Ontario and completing a term as a Municipal Councillor in that community. I am passionate about advocating for rural municipalities at the provincial and federal levels to ensure that the financial challenges remain in focus with senior levels of government. I am committed to financial accountability, transparency, and the delivery of municipal services that provide value to residents.” 

Charles is looking forward to working with Council, staff, and the community. He and his wife, Lauranna, are also very excited to become full-time residents of Elizabethtown-Kitley and active members of the community.

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