Durham Region announces new Commissioner of Finance

Durham Regional Council has announced the appointment of Nicole Pincombe as their new Commissioner of Finance/Treasurer.

Pincombe joined the Region as Director of Business Planning and Budgets back in 2015. Her role involved overseeing long-term financial forecasts, annual business plans and budgets and the Region’s corporate asset management program.

Before joining the Region, Pincombe was the Executive Director of Finance/Treasurer for the City of Oshawa.

“We are pleased to appoint Nicole Pincombe to this strategic senior position—a role responsible for financial management and overall fiscal accountability,” said Elaine Baxter-Trahair, Chief Administrative Officer (CAO). “Nicole has a proven record of being progressive. Her leadership helped our Finance team develop more resilient and future-ready financial processes and systems.”

Pincombe’s 20 years of municipal experience is complemented by her designation as a Certified Professional Accountant and a Master of Public Administration from Queen’s University.

“Durham Region has a long-standing reputation for fiscal responsibility and integrity—the result of a robust and accountable financial framework,” said Pincombe. “I am honoured to take on this new role, working collaboratively with the Finance team, senior leadership, and Regional Council, to continue to ensure that Regional tax dollars are managed effectively.”

The Commissioner of Finance ensures the safe keeping of all Regional assets and long-term financial obligations, while providing sound and timely advice to Council to insure responsible financial management and fiscal responsibility.

The role also includes leadership for the Finance Department’s five main divisions:

• Risk Management, Economic Studies, and Procurement
• Business Planning and Budgeting
• Financial Solutions, Utility Finance (meter reading, billing and collections related to the Region’s water and sewer systems) and Investment Portfolio Management
• Financial Services (Accounting, payroll, financial reporting, expenditure management etc.)
• Internal Audit

Pincombe will start as the new Commissioner of Finance/Treasurer on December 1st, 2025.