Carleton Place hires Diana Knight as first director of community services
In an announcement last week, the Town of Carleton Place shared they have created a new senior leadership role to oversee a wide range of community-focused services, naming Diana Knight as its first director of community services.
Knight, who is set to begin the role on April 27, 2026, will take on the newly created position that is designed to bring together several key municipal service areas under one portfolio.
According to town officials, the role will focus on “translating council’s strategic priorities, master plans, and service review recommendations” within various departments including recreation and culture, childcare services, community development and tourism.
Knight will also oversee “actionable programs and policies that enhance quality of life, promote community well-being, and foster economic vitality,” while also offering administrative support to the local library.
Town officials explained that the creation of the position reflects a growing emphasis on coordinated service delivery and long-term planning.
“This position oversees a number of the Town’s public-facing departments, so it was important we found the right fit,” said Chief Administrative Officer (CEO) Diane Smithson. “Following a comprehensive recruitment process, we are confident Diana’s knowledge and expertise are going to benefit both staff and the community as a whole.”
Smithson told Lanarkist that the Director of Community Services position was identified a number of years ago as a “required future position,” due to the impending retirement of a couple of staff and the significant growth occurring and expected to occur within the Town.
“It was believed to be the appropriate time to see this position created and implemented and to amend the Town’s organizational structure,” said Smithson. “This position will also help to streamline the executive management team by reducing the number of direct reports to the CAO from 12 to 8.”
Knight is an experienced public-sector leader, bringing more than 25 years of knowledge and expertise to the role, including a senior leadership positions with the City of Ottawa. Her career portfolio includes planning and development, infrastructure, procurement, and community and social services.
Her work has included leading major modernization initiatives, implementing enterprise-level technology systems, and contributing to policy development in areas such as community funding and emerging transportation programs, according to the town.
Having lived in Almonte for the past 10 years, Knight told Lanarkist she is looking forward to joining the municipality to help build on existing efforts.
“I look forward to learning and sharing my experience to support residents and community partners,” said Knight. “I welcome the opportunity to build strong collaborative relationships with staff and Council to continue the great work already underway, and to deliver on the priorities that matter most to the community.”
For the town, this new role will reportedly be instrumental in translating strategic plans and service reviews into real life programs and policies aimed at enhancing public services for residents, businesses, and organizations in Carleton Place.