50 years of leadership and learning
Sponsored by Local Government Program Alumni, Western University
The 50th anniversary of Western University’s Master of Public Administration (MPA) program was celebrated with a resounding success at last year’s conference.
With the largest attendance in its history, municipal leaders, experts, and alumni reflected on half a century of advancing public administration and local government excellence.
The conference kicked off with a reception honouring past and present faculty members. London Mayor Josh Morgan, a former recruiter/development officer for the program, delivered opening remarks that highlighted the program’s rich history.
During the conference, the 2024 Local Government Awards were presented, celebrating the achievements of two distinguished alumni:
- Dave Taylor, 2024 Emerging Leader
- Shane Baker, 2024 Award of Excellence
From Talk to Action: Driving Results at the Local Level
The first panel set the stage with actionable insights, featuring Sabine Matheson, partner/general counsel of Strategy Corp Inc., and Rob Adams, CAO of the Town of Erin and CEO of Town Hall Consulting.
The duo shared expertise on translating strategies into tangible results for municipalities, focusing on practical solutions that better serve the public.
Local Leaders and Leadership: Insights from Experts
The keynote session offered a powerful discussion on local leadership. While Dr. Kate Graham was unable to deliver her address, her colleague and husband, Jesse Helmer, stepped alongside Andy Sancton to explore what defines great local leaders.
Their conversation tackled common challenges municipal leaders face and inspired attendees with insights into effective leadership.
Creating Your Clarity Plan
A highlight of the day was an interactive workshop led by Simona Dinu, founder and executive coach of Connect to Grow.
Delegates were guided through creating a personal clarity plan. This hands-on session provided attendees with practical tools to align their actions and drive meaningful results in their professional and personal lives.
Smarter Municipalities: Leveraging Technology, Data, and AI
Technology took centre stage in a panel featuring Marco Cheng-Perri (Township of King), Scott Hurst (York Regional Police), and Nicole Cooper (Town of Ajax).
The trio demonstrated how data, AI, and digital tools can enhance municipal service delivery. Through real-life examples and demos, they showcased innovative approaches to improve efficiency and meet the evolving needs of residents.
Aging Infrastructure and the Needs of Tomorrow
The conference concluded with a forward-looking panel addressing the issue of aging infrastructure. Maureen Cosyn-Heath (City of Hamilton), Brian Kavanagh (Town of Erin), and Greg Clark (Township of Wilmot) shared strategies for preparing, planning, and funding infrastructure projects.
Their insights emphasized creativity and innovation in tackling these challenges to secure a sustainable future for municipalities.
Looking Ahead
A cornerstone of municipal leadership and learning in Canada, the event demonstrated the program’s relevance and its role in equipping leaders with the skills, knowledge, and vision needed to address the complexities of local government.
With a rich legacy and an ever-expanding network of alumni, the Local Government Program continues to lead the way in advancing the municipal sector. To learn more, visit https://localgovernment.uwo.ca/index.html. MW
✯ Municipal World Executive and Essentials Plus Members: You might also be interested in Ashleigh Weeden’s article: Moving from awareness to action.
Kyle Pratt, MPA, is a conference co-chair and the CAO of the Town of Tillsonburg.
Rob Adams, MPA, is a conference co-chair, the CAO of the Town of Erin, and CEO of Town Hall Consulting.
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