April 5, 2022, Toronto, ON
“Building a better and more vibrant Toronto is at the core of George Brown’s mission, from the programs we offer to the partnerships we develop, to our in-depth involvement in the city’s diverse communities,” says Dr. Gervan Fearon, President, George Brown College. “Joe’s skills and experience will be a tremendous asset to the college in realizing our vision and strategy in support of our students, community and industry partners, and the growth and vitality of Toronto.”
In his new role at George Brown College, Cressy will focus on building partnerships and supporting the strategic direction for advancing George Brown’s commitment to city building and community development.
By forging deeper connections with government, community leaders and industry, Cressy will advocate for the college’s unique and critical role in serving local communities and promoting regional economic opportunities. He will engage in strategic alliances and execute new facilities and infrastructure investments and arrangements that will enhance learning and education opportunities, promote career-oriented education and job creation, and enhance community and corporate partnerships.
"I want to thank Councillor Cressy for his eight years of public service at Toronto City Hall, including the last two years serving as Chair of the Board of Health during the COVID-19 pandemic," says Mayor John Tory. "Joe was an important part of our Team Toronto pandemic response and vaccination efforts. I appreciated his commitment to working together to make sure we did everything possible as a City government to confront this challenge. I wish him all the best in his new role at George Brown College."
Cressy has a proven track record of collaboration, transformative leadership, and community building. He currently serves as a Toronto City Councillor for Spadina-York. In addition, he serves as Chair of the Board of Health and oversees the work of Toronto Public Health – the largest public health unit in Canada. As Chair, he has worked to ensure that the city's response to the COVID-19 pandemic is comprehensive, equitable, and effective. Working closely with the Medical Officer of Health and Mayor John Tory, Cressy is a member of the Toronto COVID-19 Strategic Command Team and Immunization Task Force, helping to lead the City’s response to the pandemic.
“George Brown College has an inspiring vision to grow its impact, presence, and contributions to Toronto. This is a dream job in the city I love. I’m honoured and thrilled to join the George Brown team,” says Joe Cressy.
Cressy has spent 20 years in senior leadership roles in the public and non-profit sectors in Toronto and abroad. He has been on the frontline of HIV & AIDS work in sub-Saharan Africa, led national public affairs and advocacy programs in Ottawa, and built the largest immunization campaign in Canada's history as the Chair of the Board of Health. He also serves on the City of Toronto's Economic and Community Development Committee, the Waterfront Toronto Board of Directors, and the Art Gallery of Ontario Board of Governors.
Cressy completed a Bachelor’s degree in Public Affairs and Policy Management from Carleton University, and has built a reputation for being a values-driven and effective leader.
ABOUT GEORGE BROWN COLLEGE
Toronto's George Brown College is located on the traditional territory of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation and other Indigenous peoples.
George Brown prepares innovative, adaptable graduates with the skills to thrive in a rapidly changing job market. With three campuses in the downtown core, the college blends theory with experiential learning, applied research, and entrepreneurship opportunities. George Brown offers 164 full-time programs and 180 continuing education certificates/designations across a wide variety of professions to more than 27,100 full-time students, including 29 percent international students, and receives more than 58,000 continuing education registrations annually. Students can earn certificates, diplomas, graduate certificates, apprenticeships, and degrees. www.georgebrown.ca
For further information: Joy Callender, Senior Manager, External Communications, George Brown College, Jcallender3@georgebrown.ca, 647-988-0306
