Maria Duran-Schneider Chief Administrative Officer Corporate Services Command

Maria Duran-Schneider is a senior public sector executive with over 25 years of experience in the Ontario Public Service, including 15 years in senior leadership roles. She has held progressively responsible positions across central agencies — including the Ministry of Finance, Treasury Board Secretariat, and Cabinet Office — and currently serves as Chief Administrative Officer and Assistant Deputy Minister of the Corporate Services Division at the Ministry of the Solicitor General.

In her most recent role, Maria led corporate services for one of Ontario’s largest and most complex ministries, supporting approximately 21,000 staff and a multi-billion-dollar budget, including services that support the Ontario Provincial Police and broader public safety operations. The ministry is responsible for community safety and correctional services across the province, including policing oversight, fire safety, and the administration of adult correctional facilities and community supervision.

Maria provided strategic leadership across finance, human resources, procurement, and business planning, and played a central role in multi-year planning, fiscal management, and operational alignment.

Her experience spans multiple fiscal cycles and government priorities. During her time in central agencies, she contributed to the development and coordination of Ontario Budgets and Fall Economic Statements.

Maria has led a number of cross-government and public safety initiatives, including serving as provincial lead for the Joint Air Support Unit, leading the Vaccine Distribution Secretariat during the COVID-19 response, and providing executive leadership to a cross-government review of provincial agencies to strengthen governance and operational effectiveness. She has also led the planning and delivery of major infrastructure projects supporting frontline policing and correctional services.

She is known for a collaborative, values-driven leadership approach, grounded in a commitment to people, trust, and inclusive workplaces. She served as Executive Champion for the Women in Corrections Network and currently serves as Executive Advisor to HOLA OPS, supporting employee engagement and advancing equity and inclusion across the public service.