Deputy Clerk
Town of Erin
"I think anyone who works in local government is helping a community realize their goals and is putting them on a path towards a brighter future."
About Me:
I love the municipal world and have found ways to contribute to it outside of my professional role. I am a member of the City of Guelph's Heritage Advisory Committee and in that role advise council on the preservation and rehabilitation of cultural heritage resources. I'm also on the Board of Directors for the Association of Records Managers and Administrators' Southwestern Ontario Chapter and work with colleagues in the records and information management field to organize professional development opportunities and fun events for our members.
Why did you get involved with/pursue a career in local government?
During my honours and graduate degrees in political science at the University of Windsor, I completed internship placements in the Windsor city clerk's office. I was inspired by the impact that department has on governance, public participation and local democracy and decided my future was at the local level. Municipalities offer the public a unique opportunity to see and participate in decision making that affects their everyday lives and I wanted to support that work.
What is one thing members of the public would be surprised to learn about your role?
In my role, I work behind the scenes on lotteries such as 50/50 draws and "Catch the Ace" raffles. As a lottery licensing officer, I work with local non-profit and charitable organizations to ensure their games are conducted and managed with integrity and that lottery proceeds are used for charitable purposes. In this way, I help organizations reach their fundraising goals and give back to their communities.
What do you enjoy most about working in local government?
It's hard to pick one thing! I think anyone who works in local government is helping a community realize their goals and is putting them on a path towards a brighter future. What I enjoy most is supporting those leading that work by being a resource for them on all things governance. I would be remiss if I didn't also mention how much I enjoy belonging to such a supportive community of municipal professionals. It makes the work we do easier but also more fun!