Municipal Leaders Forum

Agenda

• 8:30am - Welcome/Morning Moderator Introduction

  Welcoming Remarks:

  Kyle Pratt, MPA, CMM III, CHRL, CMO, Dipl.M.A.
  Chief Administrative Officer, Town of Tillsonburg
  AMCTO President 

  Morning Moderator:

  Alison Gray, CMO, AOMC
  Director of Corporate Services/Clerk, Township of Severn 
  Zone 2 AMCTO Board Director 

• 8:45am - Keynote Presentation: Leading with Purpose and the Leadership Journey

  Leading with Purpose and the Leadership Journey explores how leadership is not defined by title, position, or place on an organizational chart, but by the choices people make to serve, influence, and contribute with purpose. Drawing on his own journey, Stephen O’Brien will reflect on the lessons, moments, and relationships that shaped his understanding of leadership over time. This session will examine how healthy organizations create the conditions for leadership to emerge at every level, across teams, departments, and formal hierarchies. Participants will be invited to consider how they can foster leadership in others, build trust, and contribute to organizational cultures where people feel empowered to lead from where they are. 

  Presented by:
  Stephen O'Brien, AOMC
  Deputy Chief Administrative Officer, Corporate Services, City of Guelph

• 9:50am - Being a Trusted Advisor in Local Government: Strategies for Developing and Implementing Political Acumen

  Political acumen is an essential skill for municipal professionals navigating competing interests, public scrutiny, and council-approved priorities. Drawing on The Trusted Advisor book by David H. Maister, this session explores how staff can develop political acumen and build trust with councillors, colleagues, and community stakeholders while respecting the mandate of elected officials. Discover how to implement practical behaviours such as understanding motivations, preparing for meetings, listening with empathy, communicating honestly, and navigating difficult conversations. Using a leadership model, participants will identify immediate actions to strengthen relationships and become more credible, effective, and helpful advisors. This session is especially topical in preparing for the start of a new council term.

  Presented by:
  Michael Genova
  Deputy City Manager, Strategic Initiatives, City of Vaughan

• 11:00am - Pivoting with Purpose: Navigating Change in Municipal Leadership

  This session will inspire municipal leaders to see change not as a disruption, but as an opportunity to lead with purpose, courage, and clarity. As the 2026 municipal elections approach, participants will explore how to pivot thoughtfully in response to changing priorities, community expectations, and leadership transitions. The session will focus on staying grounded in public trust, organizational values, and long-term vision while adapting to new realities. Participants will leave encouraged and equipped to lead resilient, forward-looking municipalities through times of both uncertainty and possibility.

  Presented by:
  Sandra Datars Bere
  City Manager, City of London

• 12:00pm - Lunch Break
• 12:50pm - Afternoon Moderator Introduction

  Amanda Gubbels, Dipl.M.M. 
  Chief Administrative Officer, Municipality of Southwest Middlesex
  Zone 1 AMCTO Board Director 

• 12:55pm - Effective Municipal Advocacy: Strategies for Engagement and Buy-In Panel Discussion

  Municipal advocacy and government relations are more important than ever. The legislative environment changes quickly, situations are evolving, municipalities face tighter budgets, and this requires active engagement with decision-makers at the provincial and federal levels to support service delivery. Effective and meaningful engagement requires an investment of time to build relationships and trust both internally and externally. With new councils coming forward this fall, and municipalities facing changing priorities and community needs, municipal staff need to ensure they are investing time and effort to foster collaboration and strengthen partnerships. How can you create plans that work and set realistic goals to accomplish this? In this panel discussion, you’ll hear three unique perspectives on building collaborative processes and advocacy within and outside of municipal organizations. Join us to discover how you can earn buy-in at all levels to support meaningful engagement that drives partnerships forward.

  Moderated by:
  David Arbuckle, MPA
  Executive Director, AMCTO

  Presented by:
  Rob Trewartha
  Director of Strategic Communications and Initiatives, City of Mississauga

  Sasha Hill, Dipl.M.M.
  Chief of Staff/Manager of Government Relations, City of Brantford

  Lise Conde
  Manager, Strategy and Government Relations, City of Richmond Hill 

• 2:00pm - Planning to Succeed: Municipal Strategic Plans

  A professionally facilitated municipal strategic plan is a vital tool that aligns a community's vision and guides the purposeful allocation of human and financial resources. To maximize its effectiveness, the planning process should be initiated early in a new council term and span five years to ensure seamless continuity. Development requires comprehensive internal and external consultations with a wide demographic to foster trust and capture invaluable community insight. Finally, successful execution relies on a succinct mission statement, measurable priorities, and consistent reporting to keep the plan relevant and action-oriented. This session will equip attendees with the practical insights and universal steps needed to launch a customized planning process tailored specifically to their community's unique needs. Participants will leave prepared to champion a strategic plan built on genuine consensus, ensuring long-term buy-in from both municipal staff and the public.

  Presented by:
  Michael Wildman
  President, Municipal Government Wayfinders Ltd.

  David Reid
  Senior Consultant, Municipal Government Wayfinders Ltd.

• 2:55pm - Now What? A Discussion on Provincial Policies, Public Priorities & Council Directions

  With a new term of council just around the corner, join us for an engaging discussion that draws on findings from StrategyCorp's recent research. Principal Sabine Matheson will also share her experiences in relation to the findings and discuss the trends and opportunities that will shape the work of municipal leaders in the upcoming term.

  Presented by:
  Sabine Matheson
  Principal, StrategyCorp

• 3:40pm - Closing Remarks & Adjournment

  David Arbuckle, MPA
  Executive Director, AMCTO