Executive

President (June 2022): Chris Costley

Box 370, Mossbank, SK S0H 3G0    306-354-2294    caomossbank@sasktel.net

Chris Costley has been the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) of the Town of Mossbank since May 2013, the Administrator of the R.M. of Lake Johnston No. 102 since February 2022 and formerly served as the CAO of the Town of Gravelbourg from December 2014 until December 2015. He has been the President of the Urban Municipal Administrators’ Association of SK since June 2022, was Vice President from June 2016 to 2022 and was Division 2 Director from December 2014 to June 2016.

He attended the University of Saskatchewan and obtained a Bachelor of Commerce degree in accounting and a Bachelor of Arts degree in political studies. He holds his Advanced Level 1 Urban and Rural “C” Certificates.

Chris has three young children, Avery, Owen and Macy, and his family lives in Mossbank where he grew up. He is the co-owner of the Bent Nail Café, a former councillor and a sitting member of various community organization boards in Mossbank. He is passionate about rural revitalization but also appreciates the important role Saskatchewan’s cities play in our lives.

Past President: Rodney Audette

14 Ramm Ave. E., 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 2022): 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. 2022 marks my 42^nd 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.

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 Vice-President.

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: Renea Paridaen

Box 714, Churchbridge ,SK S0A 0M0     306-896-2240     churchbridge@sasktel.net

I graduated from the University of Regina in 2017 with a degree in Human Resource Management and a certificate in Advanced Local Government Authority. In May of 2018, there was a job vacancy with the Town of Churchbridge in public service. On May 9, 2018, I became the Administrative Assistant. On September 1, 2019, became the Acting Administrator and on October 27, 2019 became the Administrator for the Town of Churchbridge. In prior years, I have held jobs as a janitor, assistant cook, lifeguard, swim instructor, head cashier, security guard and even a hospitality ambassador for the Saskatchewan Roughriders! All of these jobs have prepared me for public service, dealing with the public in a polite and proficient manner, expanded my capacity for patience and growth, taught me to listen and consider both sides of every story before speaking, and how to be enforce the rules as required. Furthermore, in all of these roles, I was a leader, hungry for continuous learning, and conducted myself in an efficient manner.

In 2019, I became a Notary Public. Becoming a Notary was a privilege for our Town that at the time only had one other person qualified to sign legal documents. I offer this service free of charge at the Town Office. In 2020, I received my certification in Asset Management from NAMS- Institute of Public Works Engineering Australasia which has helped me understand Asset Management and updated Asset Plans for our Town. In 2021, I achieved my Advanced Level 1 (A) certification as an Administrator. The Town of Churchbridge has four major projects in the works. A new reverse osmosis system for our water plant, landfill decommissioning, a subdivision on Cedar Crescent, and a drainage project with the Department of Highways and Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR). These are projects that I currently manage and have been since 2019. I have lots of experience managing people, resources, and have excellent communication skills. Currently, I have been working on finishing my Municipal Leadership Development Program Certification (MLDP). I have one course, Community Land and Planning remaining.

In my spare time, I enjoyed being a part of our local Arena Board as Treasurer for two years and enjoy volunteering at the Langenburg Movie Theatre, popping popcorn and accepting cash. I also enjoy answering questions on the ‘Municipal Administrators of Sask Chat Group’ on Facebook. In addition, I enjoy skydiving and will be starting my Private Pilot’s License next year. I constantly enjoy challenging myself and obtaining more knowledge.

I think I would be an asset to the Urban Municipal Administrators Association of Saskatchewan (UMAAS) Executive because I would bring many new ideas, I am not afraid to speak my mind, represent a younger demographic, looking for a new challenge, and I want to put all my knowledge and experience forward to serve a great division of Administrators! I am very talkative and I am very approachable. I often get calls from other Administrators asking for my advice! It would be a great honour and privilege to be nominated as your Division 3 Director. Thank you for your consideration.

Division 4 Director: Aileen Garrett

  Box 1030, Unity, SK S0K 4L0    306-228-2621    unity.admin@sasktel.net

I was born and raised in Dinsmore, Saskatchewan. My career in Local Government began with the Village of Milden in 1997. I obtained my Urban Standard Certificate in September of 1999. In 2000, I moved to Oxbow where I assumed the Administrator position for five years. Currently I am the Administrator for the Town of Unity. I am married to Randy and have four daughters, Jacky, Christa, Courtney and Jaime. On October 15, 2010 we were blessed with a beautiful addition to our family, granddaughter Madison Leigh.

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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: Landon Chambers

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

I was born and raised in North Battleford, SK.

After some time in the Private sector working throughout the Province with many Council & Administrators implementing Waste Management programs, I decided to enter the Profession as Acting CAO of the Resort Village of Cochin in November, 2021.

I am currently working towards finishing the Advanced Certificate in Local Government Administration program through the University of Regina.

I am extremely humbled, proud, and excited to represent the 100+ Associate Members of UMAAS. I believe in healthy and prosperous CAO-Council Public Service bargains based on trust, competency, and respect. It truly is a privilege and honor to consider some of the best and brightest of the profession colleagues; I look forward to building relationships and learning from all members.

Please feel free to reach out to me in any capacity via the Executive Contact link.

Yours in Service!

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

Lovely completed the Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communication and was on her 3rd year in law school (Juris Doctor program) before she moved to Canada with her family in 2014. She started her career in municipal administration as Administrative Assistant at the Town of Wadena. She completed her Local Government Administration Certificate through the University of Regina and obtained her Standard Certificate in 2020. She later became the Manager of Finance/Deputy Chief Administrative Officer for the Town.

In May 2021, Lovely accepted the position of Assistant Administrator for the Town of Wynyard. She is currently the President of Wynyard and Area Filipino Association, Chairman of 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. She is certified in Asset Management Planning and is currently working towards her Advanced Level 1 Certificate.

Lovely is married with two kids. They moved to Wynyard in 2021 and they have found the Town as their home away from home. Aside from her volunteer work, her kids keep her busy with a lot of activities like hockey, softball, baseball, volleyball, basketball, swimming, badminton, drama and cadets.

Lovely loves working in the public service. She endeavours to assist current and future Administrators in the province to be able to perform their roles and responsibilities effectively and efficiently. She is excited to offer some changes to the table while ensuring that best practices and traditions of the organization are kept and valued.

Lovely was appointed Executive Assistant on January 1, 2023.