Executive

President (June 2023): Barry Elliott

Box 428, Maple Creek, SK S0N 1N0     306-662-2244      cao@maplecreek.ca

I grew up throughout Manitoba as the son of a Mountie, which meant that our home base changed every three years when he was transferred to a different detachment. I attribute this as being the catalyst for embarking on the “gypsy” lifestyle I have lived for many years. I am however pleased that this lifestyle has come to an end with my final posting now being the CAO role in Maple Creek.

Although I began working for municipal government in 1980, it was not until 2007 that I completed the Municipal Administration Program at the University of Manitoba and then made the leap to administration. I have had the opportunity to work in all provinces from Ontario through to British Columbia. 2023 marks my 43^rd year working in municipal government, and what a ride it has been. It never ceases to amaze me how different each jurisdiction can be and yet how alike they all are.

In 2012, while working in Fort Macleod Alberta, I also graduated from the University of Alberta’s National Advanced Certificate in Local Authority Administration Program. I did spend four years serving on the Board of the Saskatchewan Economic Development Alliance and I am thankful to have spent 1 ½ years serving as the UMAAS Division 5 Director and a further year as the UMAAS Vice-President.

My wife, Carmen, and I are empty nesters with family scattered throughout Saskatchewan and the western provinces. We have previously owned a small business in Nipawin called Nipawin Art On Main, and we are thrilled to call Saskatchewan “home”.

I very much look forward to working closely with the UMAAS Board of Directors and staff and continuing to serve the membership in the role of President.

Past President: Rodney Audette

Box 220 Station Main, White City, SK S4L 5B1    306-781-2355   raudette@whitecity.ca

I graduated from Milestone High School in 1988 and attended the University of Saskatchewan for one year. In 1990 I enrolled in the LGA Course through the University of Regina. I completed the LGA Course in 1991 and started my career in municipal administration at the Town of Milestone/RM of Caledonia #99 office under the Administrator Ernie Audette. In November 1991 I was employed with the Town of Lampman as Assistant Administrator. In June 1992, upon receiving my Class “C” Certificate, I was appointed Administrator. In June 1997 I received my Urban Class “A” Certificate and Rural Class “C” Certificate. In May 2002, I took on the position of Administrator with the Town of Carnduff until November 2010.  From 2010 until September of 2021 I held the position of CAO for the Village of Bethune and RM of Dufferin #190.  In September 2021 I accepted the position of Town Manager for the Town of White City.

I currently reside in Moose Jaw, with my wife Shauna, her daughter Hannah, our sons Evan and Griffin, and our daughter Olivia. I also have three grown children Matthew, Jennifer and Shaelyn.  I enjoy hockey, baseball, golfing, fishing, watching the kids sporting events/activities and anything that has to do with family. I was elected as Division 1 Director in 2004, Vice President in 2010, President in 2012 and Past President June 2016 and now again as Past President as of October 2022.

Vice-President (June 2023): Landon Chambers

Box 160, Cochin, Sk S0M 0L0      306-386-2333     cochincao@sasktel.net

Landon Chambers has been the Chief Administrative Officer of the Resort Village of Cochin since November 1^st, 2021. He obtained his Standard Certificate in March of 2023 upon completion of the Local Government Administration program from the University of Regina. He was elected Associate Director of Urban Municipal Administrators Association of Saskatchewan from 2022-2023 and was recently elected Vice-President in June of 2023.

Landon was born and raised in North Battleford, Saskatchewan. Upon graduation from North Battleford Comprehensive High School he pursued his athletic endeavours entering into the Business Administration program at Bishops University in Lennoxville, Quebec. In his free time you can find him relaxing at the lake with family, playing a round of golf, furthering his professional skillset as a municipal nerd, or spending as much time trying to change the world with his life partner, Jenn.

After some time in the private sector working throughout the province with many Council & Administrators implementing Waste Management programs, he decided to enter the Profession to make a measurable difference and impact in communities around the province, including work on such UMAAS files as Municipal Election Candidate Resource Collaboration, Reciprocity with Rural Municipal Administrators Association, and Chairperson of the Advisory Committee. He looks forward to serving the 400+ active members of UMAAS in the spirit of transparent, respectful and mutually beneficial advocacy over the coming years and is honored to serve as the 31^st Vice-President of UMAAS accordingly.

Division 1 Director:  Stephen Schury

  Box 74, Milestone, SK S0G 3L0    306 436-2130     milcal@sasktel.net

I was born and raised in Beechy, SK and after a few stops around the province have spent the last 20 years calling Milestone home. After spending some time with the Credit Union system, in 2006 I crossed the street to begin my career in municipal administration with the Town of Milestone & the RM of Caledonia No 99. I received my training under the tutelage of Ernie Audette and received my Urban and Rural certificates in 2007. I received My Advanced Level 1 in March of 2011 and my Advanced Level 2 in Sept 2018.

My wife Shannon and I will be watching our youngest son Owen graduate this year and our daughter Graysen is currently enrolled at the U of S. My kids are my proudest accomplishment. I enjoy ‘most’ sports, live music and try and take an active role in the community. My Harley is my bliss and helps to clear the mental cobwebs.

Division 2 Director: Janelle Desautels

 Box 200, Cabri, SK S0N 0J0    306-587-2500    janelledesautels@icloud.com

I grew up on a farm just outside of the town of Ponteix where I attended the French Immersion School until Grade 10 then graduated from the Ponteix High School in 2002. After taking some time to travel and live in a few different cities, including Banff and Vancouver, the prairies had my heart so I moved back to Saskatchewan in 2006. I attended McKay Career College in Saskatoon in 2008 where I obtained my Medical Office Assistant diploma, graduating with High Honors. I worked in the medical administration field, a combination of doctor’s offices and community health centers, from 2008-2015. I relocated to the town of Cabri in 2011 and in 2015 accepted the position of CAO for the Town. I achieved my certificate in Local Government Authority in 2017 with plans to further my education over the next few years. I have been on the Umaas Executive since 2018, serving as Division 2 Director as well as Convention Chair in 2020/21.

When I am not in the office I can be found either at the rink in the winter or the ball diamonds in summer with my two active sons, Kramer and Zeke. I also enjoy golfing and have recently discovered a new love for fishing! I continue to enjoy traveling as well as yoga and baking.

Growing up in a small town afforded me the opportunity to develop an appreciation for what it means be a part of a community. I am an active member of our minor sports associations, past member of the daycare and preschool boards, and most recently was the secretary for Dorie’s House, a youth emergency shelter operating out of Swift Current. I am also an active member of the Southwest Municipal Government Committee. I am passionate about supporting local and empowering our southwest region to continue to strive to be exceptional!

Division 3 Director: Jennifer Gritzfeld

Box 369, Strasbourg, SK S0G 4V0    306-725-3707     admin.strasbourg@sasktel.net

I was born and raised in Strasbourg, SK. After high school, I attended the University of Regina and obtained two Bachelor Degrees – a Degree in Psychology and an Honours Degree in Linguistics. The goal was to attend graduate school studying sociolinguistics, but the program I enrolled in was cancelled, so instead I moved back home to Strasbourg to look for work after five years of living in Regina.

A position of Office Clerk came available at the Town of Strasbourg/R.M. of McKillop No. 220 municipal office. I started with the Town and RM in December 2012. Shortly thereafter, the joint Administrator retired from her position and the Town & RM offices split their administration, so I was thrust into the Acting Administrator role for the Town in March of 2014. I enrolled in the Advanced LGA program through the University of Regina and received my Standard Certificate in June 2015. In June 2018, I received my Advanced – Level 1 certification. I am currently working towards my Advanced – Level 2 certification. In September 2018, I was accepted into the Masters of Public Administration program through the Johnson Shoyama Graduate School of Public Policy where I took some higher-level administration courses.

In the past three years I have provided mentorship to two different urban administrators which has been a huge highlight of my career. The most rewarding aspect of my job is being able to be a support to my local colleagues and share the resources and knowledge that I have gained over the last ten years. Becoming a Division Director on the UMAAS Executive gives me an opportunity to connect with and learn from more Administrators on a larger scale.

During my free time, I keep active within the community volunteering with our local theatre company where I perform in one or two productions a year, plus provide administration for the club. In 2018, I created a charity Foundations for Living Well to help provide mental health resources within the Town and surrounding area – a project very near and dear to my heart. Along with all the duties of the Administrator, I also assist many other community organizations and their volunteer efforts including the age-friendly/recreation board committee, our local fire department, our museum, golf club, music festival committee, and community hall groups.

I am very humbled to be given the opportunity to serve the UMAAS membership as your Division 3 Director. Thank you!

Division 4 Director: Marty Baroni

  Box 489, Biggar, SK S0K 0M0    306-948-3317     cao@townofbiggar.com

I was born and raised in Calgary, Alberta where I spent most of my youth playing very competitive hockey and softball.

I met my future wife, Destiny while attending school in Calgary and we decided to move to Kerrobert in 2001 when I accepted a job at an accountant firm in Kindersley and worked there for 10 years.  During that time, I married my wife and had two beautiful daughters, Hailey and Isabella.  While living in Kerrobert, I was twice elected Councillor for the Town and choose to resign during my second term to accept the position of Assistant Administrator for the Town when that job opened due to a retirement.  During that time, I received my Standard Certificate in 2011 and then moved to Biggar in 2012 when I accepted the position as Assistant Administrator for the Town.  I remained in that role until I accepted the promotion to the position of Chief Administrative Officer with the Town of Biggar on June 30, 2020.

Biggar has grown substantially in my time as Chief Administrative Officer with the revitalization of our Main Street, a new sign corridor and rebranding of the Town.  A new website will arrive in 2023 and a commitment to expand walking paths and much more.  I invite others to come to Biggar for a visit, a tour and lunch on me.

I am very proud to call Biggar my home and look forward to meeting more of my colleagues in the future.  Till then, do not be shy to reach out and call if you have a problem or for assistance as our communities are at their best when we work together.

Division 5 Director: Pamela Wintringham

Box 58, Wakaw, SK S0K 4P0      306-233-5671    rvwakawlake@gmail.com

I left Saskatoon when I was 19 and moved to Calgary for 10 years.  My intention was to get into sciences at Mount Royal College; however, I never made it there.  I became a beauty school drop out then found myself in the film and television industry after two years.  I moved back to Saskatchewan in 2001 when I realized there was an industry closer to home.  I worked on the first two seasons of Corner Gas as a 1^st Assistant Director until I was politely let go for being “too nice.”  So how did I end up as a CAO!

Shortly before the film credit was eliminated, I wrapped up that chapter of my life on “The Englishman’s Boy.”  I took a quick computer accounting technician course at the Saskatoon Business College and worked as an events planner, executive assistant, then a mother, until 2011 when I started this journey.  My first position was with the Village of Alvena.  I received one day of training and then faked my way through a few years with the help of advisory services.  I received my LGA Standard Certificate in 2020 and I am currently working on my National Advanced Certificate in Local Government Administration Level 1 thanks to the advice of Joyce Aitken.  I currently work for the Resort Village of Wakaw Lake and the Resort Village of Thode.  My job as a mother to Emily and Joseph is my favourite!

My various careers have allowed me to develop a “thicker skin” and truly appreciate good people and a nurturing work environment.  I have realized that “too nice” is not a negative trait.  In fact, it is an asset in diplomacy.

I am very excited to participate on this Executive and want to ensure that current and future administrators, CAO’s and assistant administrators have the proper resources to help them enjoy a challenging and rewarding career.

Division 6 Director: Kelly Hoare

Box 40, Shellbrook, SK S0J 2E0      306-747-4900    cao@townofshellbrook.ca

Originally from Bowden, Alberta, my husband Darren and I relocated to Saskatchewan in 2008. In March of 2009, I began my career in municipal government when I accepted a position, covering a maternity leave in Shellbrook. At that time, I did not see my role here becoming a career change or even long term. I have more than 20 years in the accounting field, but always for a not-for-profit. I soon came to realize, that being in municipal government isn’t very different. I became CAO for the Town of Shellbrook in the spring of 2012 and completed the LGA program though the University of Regina in January of 2013.

I enjoy spending any free time I can find, with family. I have two beautiful daughters and between them, they have given me 8 very energetic grandchildren, ranging in age from 5 years to 12 years. They are involved in competitive gymnastics, hockey and jujitsu. This keeps us very busy travelling to competitions and games. I am very fortunate to have them all within 40km of us.

Division 7 Director: Meredith Norman

  Box 70, Denare Beach, SK S0P 0B0     306-362-2054    denarebeachadmin@sasktel.net

I was raised in Northern Saskatchewan in La Ronge. After I completed High School I enrolled in University courses through Northlands College with the University of Saskatchewan and the University of Regina while working for the Northern Health Branch and Mamawetan Churchill River Health District. From there I moved to Saskatoon and enrolled in Biotechnology at the SIAST Kelsey Campus. Once I graduated I worked for National Research Council in Saskatoon for a few years, but was missing Northern Saskatchewan.

After I was married we moved to my husband’s home town of Denare Beach and have loved it ever since. Denare Beach is a tight knit little community on the shores of Amisk Lake. It’s a wonderful little community to raise our family in and enjoy all that Northern Saskatchewan has to offer.

I worked in Prairie Plant Systems underground at the Trout Lake mine until they closed down in 2009. Later that fall I began working for the Town of Creighton as an office Clerk and enjoyed it so much I enrolled in the LGA program with the University of Regina. In 2013 I moved over to Denare Beach as an Assistant Administrator and in 2016 moved into the Administrator position. I enjoy working with all the residents and the opportunities and challenges that arise within the community.

Life is Better at the Beach!

Associate Director: Shannon Ulsifer

 101 Cowan Drive, Silton, SK S0G 4L0     306-731-2447    office@kannatavalley.ca

I grew up on a farm in Saskatchewan just outside the former community of Leipzig.  My career after University and Business College was diverse having worked in the industries of health, education, human services, agriculture, and government.

After becoming part of a municipal team in June of 2019 and delving into local governance, I immediately decided I needed to know more and signed up for the Local Government Administration certification course.  This decision led me to the current position of Acting CAO for the Resort Village of Kannata Valley.  Having recently been elected Associate Director of Urban Municipal Administrators Association of Saskatchewan, I look forward to assisting new administrators and the board in any way I can and am honored to be a part of this Association.

In my free time and whenever possible, I write and have two novels and one book published.  My husband Dean and I enjoy biking, visiting with our four grown children and grandson, spending time with our three dogs, our backyard oasis and all the benefits of living at the lake – the sunrises and sunsets, the boisterous activity at the beach, the water activities and the echoing sound of laughter and music from the boats as they cruise up and down on those sun filled days.

Executive Director: Jason Chorneyko

Box 220, Wynyard, SK S0A 4T0    306-554-3425      exdumaas@gmail.com

Executive Assistant: Lovely Jane Magnaye

PO Box 220 Wynyard, SK S0A 4T0     306-554-3425      urbanmaas@gmail.com

I was born and raised in the Philippines, travelled across the world, and found Saskatchewan as our new home. I have completed Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communication in the Philippines and was on my 3rd year in law school (Juris Doctor program) when I moved to Canada with my family.

I started my career in municipal administration as Administrative Assistant at the Town of Wadena in 2014. I have completed the Local Government Administration Certificate through the University of Regina in 2020 and obtained my Standard Certificate in the same year. I was later promoted as the Manager of Finance/Deputy Chief Administrative Officer for the Town in January 2021.

In May 2021, I accepted the position of Assistant Administrator for the Town of Wynyard. I am currently the President of the Wynyard and Area Filipino Association, Chairman of the Municipal Immigration Network under SUMA, Emergency Measures Coordinator for the Town of Wynyard, Treasurer of St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church in Wynyard, and an active member (former Treasurer) of the Kinette Club of Wynyard. I am certified in Asset Management Planning and am currently working towards my Advanced Level 1 Certificate.

I am married with two kids (Mikeilah and McKale). We moved to Wynyard in 2021. Aside from my volunteer work, my kids keep me busy with a lot of activities like hockey, softball, baseball, volleyball, basketball, swimming, badminton, drama, and cadets.

I was a government employee back in the Philippines and serving people has always been my passion. I find that being the Executive Assistant is a challenging but fulfilling job. It will be my honor to assist current and future Administrators across the province to be able to perform their roles and responsibilities effectively and efficiently. I am very excited to offer some changes to the table while ensuring that best practices and traditions of the organization are kept and valued.

I was appointed as the UMAAS Executive Assistant on January 1, 2023.

Executive Member History