CONGRATULATIONS TO THE 2025 CLASS OF THE CAMA EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIP PROGRAM | |
GRATITUDE TO OUR FACILITATORS, MENTORS AND SPEAKERS FOR THEIR INVALUABLE CONTRIBUTIONS | |
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From Left to Right:
Murray Jamer, Glen Davies, Sheila Bassi-Kellett, Chris MacPherson
It is with gratitude we extend our appreciation to our dedicated facilitators, mentors, and speakers for generously sharing their wealth of knowledge and experience throughout this inspiring week.
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CAMA'S EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIP PROGRAM:
A TRANSFORMATIVE EXPERIENCE FOR MUNICIPAL LEADERS
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Delegates Enjoy a
Networking Welcome Reception
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Kara Van Myall, CAO, Town of Saugeen Shores - Opening Keynote Speaker | |
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Jennifer Goodine, CAMA Executive Director
Leads A Discussion on Employee Recognition
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Chris MacPherson, Facilitator | |
Sheila Bassi-Kellett, Facilitator | | |
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Murray Jamer, Facilitator | |
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CAMA proudly hosted its Annual Executive Leadership Program from January 28-31, 2025, at the Kingbridge Centre, bringing together 30 Chief Administrative Officers (CAOs) and senior managers from across Canada for an immersive and inspiring leadership development experience.
The program kicked off on Tuesday evening with a dynamic networking dinner, fostering connections and setting the stage for an engaging week ahead. Tracy Thomas, SAO for the Town of Fort Smith and CAMA Board Representative for Northwest Territories, Yukon, and Nunavut (and a participant in the program) delivered greetings on behalf of President Tony Kulbisky and the CAMA Board of Directors. With a diverse mix of delegates, the energy was high as participants made introductions and embarked on a journey to enhance their leadership capabilities, exchange insights with seasoned CAOs, and expand their professional networks.
On Wednesday morning, the program launched with an inspiring keynote from Kara Van Myall, CAO for the Town of Saugeen Shores, Ontario, and a proud Executive Leadership Program alumna. She shared her powerful journey of transforming organizational culture, offering invaluable lessons and motivation for those navigating change in their own municipalities.
The program was expertly facilitated by a distinguished team of municipal leaders:
- Chris MacPherson, Retired CAO, CAMA Past President, and Honourary Member for Life
- Murray Jamer, Retired City Engineer and Deputy CAO, Retired CAMA Member
- Glen Davies, Retired City Manager, Former CAMA Board Representative for Manitoba & Saskatchewan
- Sheila Bassi-Kellett, Retired City Manager, Former CAMA Board Representative or Northwest Territories, Yukon Territory, & Nunavut
These seasoned professionals guided participants through thought-provoking sessions on Leadership, Human Resources, Resiliency, Incivility, Strategic Planning, Governance, and Political Acumen. The highly interactive sessions encouraged open dialogue, collaborative problem-solving, and peer-to-peer learning, creating a rich and impactful experience for all involved. Jennifer Goodine, CAMA Executive Director, provided insights on employee recognition.
The program culminated on Friday with each participant delivering a powerful reflection and presentation, showcasing their key takeaways, leadership insights, and personal growth from the week.
CAMA’s Executive Leadership Program once again exceeded expectations, reinforcing its reputation as a premier leadership development initiative for municipal executives. This program is more than just a learning opportunity—it’s a catalyst for growth, innovation, and long-term leadership success.
Mark your calendars! The 2026 Executive Leadership Program will take place at the Kingbridge Centre from January 27-30, 2026 and will officially launch on April 25, 2025 at 12:00 Noon EST! Stay tuned for details—this is an opportunity you won’t want to miss!
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INTRODUCING THE CLASS OF 2025 | |
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Sean Lee
Assistant Director
City of Fredericton, NB
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Ian Watson
Chief Administrative Officer Town of Quispamsis, NB
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Angele Spencer
Deputy CAO, Sustainable Development & Urban Safety City of Dieppe, NB
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Sean O’Connor
Business Development Officer, Municipality of the District of Guysborough, NS
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Cathie O’Toole
Chief Administrative Officer Regional Municipality of Halifax, NS
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Alison Grant
Manager of Strategic Initiatives & Communications
Town of Truro, NS
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Craig Drover
Director of Corporate Services, Eastern Regional Service Board, NL
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Darren Charters
City Manager
City of Corner Brook, NL
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Tracey Atkinson
Chief Administrative Officer/Clerk/Planner Township of Mulmur, ON
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Manoj Dilwaria
Chief Administrative Officer City of Thorold, ON
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David Barrick
Chief Administrative Officer Municipality of Thames Centre, ON
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Sarah Sweeney
Director of Community Services
Town of Grimsby, ON
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Scott Burns
Director of Public Works and County Engineer
County of Dufferin, ON
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James Steele
Commissioner - Engineering and Public Works
District Municipality of Muskoka, ON
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Bill Corsan
General Manager-Corporate Services & Community Relations, Municipality of North Cowichan, BC
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Deanne Duke
Deputy Chief Administrative Officer, Rural Municipality of Lac du Bonnet, MB
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Adam Thiessen
Manager of Corporate Services
City of Steinbach, MB
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Ryan Leuzinger
Chief Administrative Officer Town of Three Hills, AB
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David Reynolds
Chief Administrative Officer Big Lakes County, AB
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Joulia Whittleton
County Manager
County of Grande Prairie, AB
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Alysia Tiffen
Human Resources Director Town of Drayton Valley, AB
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Brett Newstead
General Manager of Planning & Infrastructure
Town of Stony Plain, AB
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Robert Beaupertuis
General Manager - Financial & Business Planning Services
County of Grande Prairie, AB
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Larry Sawrenko
Chief Financial Officer
City of North Vancouver, BC
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Richard Pucci
Director of Operations & Intergovernmental Relations City of Prince Rupert, BC
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Anna Mathewson
City Manager
City of Port Moody, BC
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Emily Colucci
Director of Community Services
Town of Fort Smith, NWT
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Tracy Thomas
Senior Administrative Officer Town of Fort Smith, NWT
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Rosamaria Miller, Director of Corporate & Legislative Services Corporate Officer City of Prince Rupert, BC | |
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Blair Porter
Director of Corporate Services
Town of Hay River, NWT
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