Markham Public Library will be led by longtime staff member Andrea Cecchetto following the retirement of Catherine Biss, who served as chief executive officer for 24 years.
The library board announced Cecchetto’s appointment as CEO on July 14, according to a City of Markham news release. She brings more than 22 years of leadership experience within the library system and most recently held the position of director, service excellence.
The appointment follows a search involving both the library board and senior city officials. The mayor, deputy mayor and Commissioner of Community Services Morgan Jones participated in the recruitment process and support the board’s selection, the release said.
Library board chair Margaret McGrory said Cecchetto’s work in literacy, learning, innovation, equity and inclusion informed the decision. She also linked the leadership appointment to a new strategic plan for the library.
“After an extensive search, the MPL Board selected Andrea Cecchetto for her extraordinary and ongoing commitment to literacy, learning, innovation, equity and inclusion. With this appointment and a bold new strategic plan, MPL is well positioned to deliver on its vision of a thriving, connected and resilient Markham,” McGrory said in the city’s release.
Cecchetto’s experience extends beyond Markham. According to the city, she has served in senior leadership positions on provincial, national and international library association boards, with experience in advocacy and financial management.
The release also highlighted her work on MPL’s Customer Service Revolution, an award-winning initiative that the city said gained recognition across the library sector. It cited her connections within Markham and the broader library community as a foundation for partnerships.
City chief administrative officer Andy Taylor said Cecchetto’s leadership experience and approach to service would support her work at the library. He also thanked Biss for her years of leadership.
“Her people-focused approach will ensure the delivery of high-quality services and the building of a sustainable, forward-thinking organization. I look forward to working with Andrea to continue to advance the City's strategic priorities, and I thank Catherine Biss for her decades of outstanding leadership,” Taylor said in the city’s release.
The mayor also welcomed Cecchetto’s appointment in the announcement, pointing to her longstanding work at MPL and her commitment to innovation, inclusion and diversity. The mayor thanked Biss for her 24 years in the CEO role and wished her well in retirement.
