CAO/Clerk
Municipality of Centre Hastings
"The collaboration, variety, and sense of purpose that come with helping our community thrive together make this work truly rewarding."
About Me:
I’m a proud mom of two amazing daughters who are both now pursuing their post-secondary studies and it’s been incredible watching them grow into such capable and independent young women. I’ve always had a strong passion for community development and finding meaningful ways to make a difference, both locally and beyond. I volunteer with an organization that supports our northern neighbours by sending food and essential supplies to Nunavut. It’s a cause that means a lot to me.
Outside of work, I love figure skating and have enjoyed being involved in the sport as a parent over the years. While I deeply appreciate the natural beauty of our area, I’ll admit I’m not really an ‘outdoorsy’ person! I prefer to contribute to the community in other ways through collaboration, planning, and helping create opportunities.
Why did you get involved with/pursue a career in local government?
My career in local government really started by accident. I didn’t set out to work in the municipal world, and I’ll admit I didn’t realize how many opportunities existed within it. I began as an economic development officer and quickly discovered how rewarding it is to see the direct impact of your work on a community. From there, my passion for local government grew. I loved being able to bring people together, solve problems, and create opportunities that make a real difference in residents’ lives. That hands-on, community-focused approach is what has kept me inspired and committed to this field ever since.
What is one thing members of the public would be surprised to learn about your role?
One thing members of the public may be surprised to learn about my role as CAO is how much of it involves balancing strategic leadership with hands-on problem-solving. Every day is different — one moment I might be working on long-term community planning, policy development, or inter-municipal agreements, and the next I’m helping staff resolve an operational issue or supporting a resident with a specific concern. It’s both a big-picture and ground-level role. What often surprises people is that while council sets the vision, the CAO’s job is to turn that vision into reality ensuring that the entire organization runs smoothly, compliantly, and sustainably in service to the community.
What do you enjoy most about working in local government?
What I enjoy most about working in local government is the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in a small, rural community. Local government is the level of government most connected to the people, and I value being able to see firsthand how our decisions and initiatives impact residents’ everyday lives. I enjoy team building and supporting staff as they learn and grow in their roles. I also value building strong partnerships with colleagues and developing genuine friendships along the way.