Vancouver Mayor’s Office chief of staff resigns

Vancouver Mayor’s Office Chief of Staff Kareem Allam is leaving his position after leading a successful ABC campaign.

According to a statement from the City of Vancouver, Allam will return to the private sector.

“Allam joined the mayor’s office as chief of staff to oversee the transition of the mayor and council to City Hall and to facilitate the establishment of the mayor’s office,” the release said. “Allam has been very active in building strong relationships between City Hall, higher levels of government and key stakeholders.”

Mayor Ken Sim wished Allam all the best in his future and expressed that he had “deep respect and admiration” for him.

“None of what we have accomplished in the last 100 days would have been possible without Kareem’s dedication and support,” said Sim.

After yesterday’s incredible announcement to support our 100 police officers and 100 nurses, and after 24 months of full-time campaigning, it’s time for me to return to private life. Thank you everyone for this incredible journey. #vanpolis #bcpoli pic.twitter.com/NljTK4LzAj

— Kareem Mahmoud Abbas Allam (@kareemallam42) February 7, 2023

Since being sworn into office, Sim and the council have passed platform commitments such as appropriating funds to hire 100 new police officers and 100 mental health nurses. They have also approved regeneration initiatives for Chinatown and Granville’s Entertainment District and the cessation of all toll work.

“Leading the team in the mayor’s office has been a highlight of my professional life,” Allam said. “I’m proud of the work we’ve been able to do and grateful for the trust Mayor Sim has placed in me. I look forward to continuing to support the team as I return to business.”

Just last week, Vancouver Magazine launched his Power 50 list at the Terminal City Club in 2023, and Allam was named one of the city’s most influential people that year.

He placed ninth in the 22nd annual Power 50.

“One successful campaign per year earns you awards. Two successful campaigns? That makes a behind-the-scenes communications guy the most sought-after political leader in BC. Last February, Allam — well known in BC liberal circles… — helped Kevin Falcon win the fifth round of the ballot in the race for leadership of the party,” he wrote VanMag.

“But Allam’s greatest triumph was directing October’s citizen race for Ken Sim and ABC, helping Sim win more than half of the mayoral vote and securing powerful ABC majorities in city councils, schools and park boards. Allam wrote the winning message; As Sim’s Chief of Staff, he will now find how difficult it is to walk the talk.”

Acting Chief of Staff will be Mellisa Morphy until a permanent replacement is found.

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