The Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) has a new leader.

Carole Saab, who has served with the FCM since 2010, will assume the role of the organization’s chief executive officer. She becomes the first female CEO in FCM’s 119-year history.

FCM president Bill Karsten announced Saab’s appointment on May 21.

Saab has held various roles in her career with FCM. She joined the organization as manager of government and media relations and senior director of policy and government relations before being appointed executive director of policy and public affairs in 2018.

In her role with the FCM public policy and affairs group, Saab oversaw the organization’s member engagement, policy development, government relations and communications and events portfolios. Her work in this capacity, said Karsten, was “crucial in reaching new levels of influence for our members.”

“Carole’s ability to generate success for municipalities and FCM is evident from her record, which includes her pivotal roles in negotiating and securing historic investments in national infrastructure, municipal programming, capacity building and more.”

Prior to joining FCM, Saab worked Parliament Hill. She is recognized by The Hill Times as one of Canada’s top 100 federal lobbyists.

“Canadian municipalities have a strong champion in Carole Saab,” said Karsten. “She brings to the role of CEO a clear and ambitious vision for Canada’s municipal order of government as a force on the national and international stage. Repeatedly recognized as one of Canada’s Top 100 Lobbyists, Carole has relentlessly forged new paths for local government as advocates and as builders through innovative programming.”