Aretha Phillip

Aretha Phillip is an accomplished public servant with more than 25 years of experience in community engagement, government relations, event management, and partnership development.  She has a proven track record in developing innovative partnerships and collaborative programs and has brought that lens to her work as the City of Toronto’s Chief of Protocol and External Relations since 2020. She has led large scale initiatives across the City within Economic Development and Culture, Toronto Office of Partnerships, and the Public Appointment Secretariat.

Aretha’s career began at Queen's Park working for the Honourable Bob Rae, former Premier of Ontario and the Attorney General and Minister Responsible for Women's Issues. This is where her love of public service began. These early experiences served as the foundation for her passion and understanding of the importance of government having strong relationships and engagement with the communities it serves and fostering civic pride and a sense of belonging with its residents.

She is also the former Co-Chair of the Toronto Public Service's first Black Staff Network, championing the City's commitment to diversity, inclusion, and reconciliation. She has a Bachelor of Arts from Toronto Metropolitan University.