Recognizing excellence

Shannon LeClair

Times Reporter

 

Dwight Stanford has dedicated the last 20 years to the town of Strathmore as the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO). This year Stanford was nominated for an Alberta Urban Municipalities Association (AUMA) and the Society of Local Government Managers (SLGM) award. 

The award recognizes long-term excellence, dedication to municipal government and chief administrative management. On Sept. 7 Stanford was told at the regular council meeting he had been chosen to receive the 2011 Dedicated Chief Administrative Officer Award. 

“It was a big surprise because Linda (Nelson) hadn’t told me anything about it, and then when she mentioned it I went, wow,” said Stanford. 

Council had heard about the annual award during the 2010 annual conference and directed administration to nominate Stanford on their behalf. 

Linda Nelson, Deputy Chief Administrative Officer, completed the application and wrote a brief bio of Stanford from a personal perspective. Nelson has worked with Stanford for 14 years and credits him with helping her integrate into her position with the town quickly. She has also found him to be a great mentor. 

“I found out he was in the top two when I received a phone call asking for a bio of Dwight from a personal perspective,” said Nelson.

“I was told there were two individuals who were both very deserving, and they were looking for further information to assist them in making a decision.”

Standford was invited to the AUMA president’s dinner, on Sept. 27 at the Hyatt Hotel, to accept his award. He brought Councillors Rocky Blokland and Bob Sobol, as well as family, to the dinner. 

“I was really thrilled to be there. I supported Dwight in the nomination process and certainly think he brings a tremendous amount of wealth and knowledge and experience to the position that he holds,” said Sobol.

“Once you’re in the political realm you understand how important that CAO position really is and how many things that Dwight on a daily basis facilitates and how many problems he actually solves.”

Sobol said many of the things Stanford works on might not be readily seen, but that he is the workhorse that keeps things running smoothly.  

“I just want to thank council and the past town councils for giving me the opportunity to work for the town,” said Stanford.

“I’m proud of the town council we have, I’m proud of the citizens of Strathmore and the great support the citizens have given me. There’s always a few issues that come up, but overall the public has been very supportive and I really appreciate that.”