Markham Public Library Appoints Andrea Cecchetto as New Chief Executive Officer

MARKHAM, ON – July 14, 2026 – The Markham Public Library (MPL) Board has appointed long-time staff member, Andrea Cecchetto to the position of Chief Executive Officer, following the retirement of Catherine Biss, who previously served in the role for 24 years. 

Andrea has more than 22 years of leadership experience with MPL, most recently serving as the Director, Service Excellence. Her strong commitment to service excellence is reflected in MPL’s award-winning Customer Service Revolution, which became recognized within the library sector as a standard of excellence. 

Beyond MPL, Andrea has held senior leadership roles on provincial, national, and international library association boards, sharpening her skills in advocacy and financial management. Her deep roots within the City of Markham and the wider library sector have allowed her to build lasting partnerships that are centered on a shared purpose.

The recruitment process for this position was conducted with the full participation of the Mayor, Deputy Mayor, and Commissioner of Community Services Morgan Jones, all of whom fully support the Board’s decision.

“On behalf of the City of Markham, I am delighted to congratulate Andrea Cecchetto on her appointment as CEO of Markham Public Library,” said Mayor of Markham. “Andrea’s longstanding commitment to MPL, combined with her passion for innovation, service excellence and advancing inclusion and diversity make her well positioned to lead the library into its next chapter. I would also like to express my sincere gratitude to former MPL CEO Catherine Biss for her remarkable 24 years of leadership and dedicated service. I wish her a happy and healthy retirement, and I extend my very best wishes to Andrea in her new role.”

Additional quotes:
“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.”
-    Markham Public Library Board Chair Margaret McGrory

"Andrea's extensive leadership background and proven track record service excellence and innovation position her well to lead Markham Public Library. 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."
-    Andy Taylor, Chief Administrative Officer, City of Markham

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Markham Mayor Frank Scarpitti's Office: mayorscarpitti@markham.ca

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About Markham: Markham, an award-winning municipality with over 370,000 residents and the largest of nine communities in York Region, is home to over 650 corporate head offices and more than 1,500 high tech and life science companies. Markham is a leader in attracting foreign direct investment with more than 234 foreign companies located in the City. Founded in the 1790s, today Markham is Canada’s most diverse community and enjoys a rich heritage, outstanding community planning and services, and a vibrant local economy. 

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