Back to Search.png)
Severn is proud to recognize the election of the Township’s Chief Administrative Officer (CAO), Laurie Kennard as President of the Board of Directors for the Ontario Municipal Administrators’ Association (OMAA) as of May 17, 2024.
Laurie has served on the OMAA Board of Directors since 2019 and was previously Second Vice-President and First Vice-President. Laurie is a seasoned public service professional with over 30 years of leadership experience. She has sat on numerous municipal, for-profit, and non-for-profit boards of directors and is a strong supporter of excellence in corporate governance. Laurie is a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) who has also held senior municipal roles as the CAO for the Township of Georgian Bay (2013 to 2019) and the Deputy CAO/Director of Finance at the Township of Springwater (2006 to 2013). Laurie’s skills include strategy, financial and executive management, communications, legislation, and administrative management.
"As the administrative head of the municipality, and Council’s advisor on its operations and affairs, Laurie has been instrumental in helping us achieve our goals. Considering the professionalism and care that Laurie demonstrates while undertaking the everyday work of managing the Township of Severn, the OMAA has selected well and has a leader that will effectively support the Board in its mission to foster leadership and excellence in public service. On behalf of all Council, I would like to congratulate Ms. Kennard on this significant professional achievement."
- Mayor Mike Burkett
The OMAA is comprised of CAOs and high-level municipal members representative of Ontario’s varied geographic areas and populations, and includes a mixture of upper, lower, and single-tier municipalities committed to promoting the value of professional management in local government.
I am honoured to be chosen to lead such an amazing organization, and to be able to stand on the shoulders of the Presidents who have come before me. It is their service and dedication that inspired me to take on this role. My membership in OMAA and as an OMAA Director has allowed me the opportunity to grow my network of colleagues, which assists me in my position as Severn’s CAO. I look forward to working with the Board of Directors and the OMAA membership over the next year to continue to tackle the tough issues facing the profession, to advocate for good governance in the municipal sector, and to continue to train and grow the future generations of CAOs.
- Laurie Kennard, CAO, Township of Severn; President, OMAA Board of Directors
About the Township of Severn
Located just 90 minutes north of the Greater Toronto Area and easily accessed from major highways 400, 11 and 12, Severn is nestled in the northern corner of Simcoe County and is considered the gateway to the Canadian Shield. Our community offers natural beauty and historic charm making residents proud to call Severn home.
About the Ontario Municipal Administrators' Association
The Ontario Municipal Administrators' Association (OMAA) was formed in 1958 for Chief Administrative Officers to assist in the promotion of better local government. OMAA provides professional development, advocacy, networking opportunities, services, and additional support for Ontario CAOs and aspiring CAOs.
Media contact
Tracy Roxborough
Communications Officer
705-325-2315 x249
Email Tracy