Hanlon was named head of Halifax's economic development organization in 2015

Ron Hanlon, the president and CEO of Halifax Partnership has died.

Hanlon was named head of Halifax's economic development organization in 2015.

The Halifax-native graduated from Saint Mary's University and served as president and CEO of Daikin-McQuay international and Price Mechanical in Minnesota before moving back to Nova Scotia.

A statement from Halifax Partnership's chair of the board Matt Hebb describes Hanlon as a person of great integrity and strong values.

Hebb said Hanlon helped to develop a plan to promote Halifax and attract immigrants, investments and new business.

"Ron described his ambitious vision of Halifax's future, which is captured in the city's Economic Growth Plan, as both optimistic and realistic. With great humour and intellect, he set a high bar, and then set to helping us clear it."

Mayor Mike Savage issued the following statement Monday:

It was with shock and sadness that we learned Sunday morning of Ron Hanlon’s passing. Ron was a colleague, a trusted advisor, a mentor and a friend.

Ron had seen the world, a few times over, and risen to the pinnacle of business as the CEO of an international company. And, yet, it was in returning to his home town of Halifax that Ron followed his passion. His love for his city was as limitless as his belief in its possibilities.

All we need to do, Ron would say, is tell our story, something he did at every opportunity. He led his Halifax Partnership team with the professionalism and experience that came from a long, successful career and with the kindness and humility that will equally become part of his legacy as they carry on his work.

Anyone who spent time with Ron also knew the deep love he felt for his wife Greta and their children, all of whom made him swell with pride.

On behalf of Regional Council, and everyone at Halifax Regional Municipality who knew Ron, we extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends and colleagues. Our city is the better for his having been a part of it. I will miss him dearly.