2024 Municipal Awards Winners Announced
Each year at the Alberta Municipalities Annual Convention and Trade Show, outstanding municipal professionals from across Alberta are awarded for their collaboration, dedication and commitment to excellence.
“It is my honour and pleasure to recognize these outstanding individuals at Alberta Municipalities’ Convention in Red Deer,” said President Tyler Gandam. “Communities can only succeed when they are supported by dedicated professionals who are committed to the residents they serve. It is by recognizing these people that we express our gratitude and show our appreciation for what they do every day to make our communities thrive.”
This year’s recipients include:
Alberta Municipalities/SLGM Dedicated Senior Team Award: This award, which recognizes an outstanding municipal team that demonstrates service excellence and dedication to municipal government, has been awarded to the Town of Rocky Mountain House.
Alberta Municipalities/SLGM Dedicated CAO Award: This award, which recognizes a CAO for long‐term excellence and dedication to both municipal government and chief administrative management, has been awarded to Thomas Goulden, CAO of Stony Plain.
The Dedicated Senior Team and Dedicated CAO awards are co-sponsored by Alberta Municipalities and the Society of Local Government Managers (SLGM), Alberta Municipalities’ valued partner.
“The 2024 recipients of the Dedicated CAO and Dedicated Team awards exemplify the qualities we seek in our community leaders,” said June Boyda, Chair of the SLGM. “Both recipients are true leaders in our province. CAO Thomas Goulden stood out for his impressive track record and for the significant respect by his peers. Likewise, the Town of Rocky Mountain House was selected for their unwavering teamwork.”
Alberta Municipalities Distinguished Service Award: Presented to elected officials of municipalities who have served 20 or more years on municipal council, this year’s recipients include:
• Annabelle Wiseman, Summer Village of Jarvis Bay
• Brian Waterhouse, Summer Village of Sundance Beach
• Craig Copeland, City of Cold Lake
• Mark Stannard, Town of Coronation
• Paul Webb, Town of Bowden
• Robb Stuart, Town of Bowden
• Robert Dumanowski, City of Medicine Hat
• Sandi Benford, Summer Village of South View
• Wayne Milaney, Town of Bowden
Alberta Municipalities Award of Excellence: The Award of Excellence acknowledges outstanding civic leadership by either past or present municipal elected officials who have held office for at least four years in Alberta. This year’s winners are:
• Anna Underwood, Town of Wembley
• Donna Buchinski, Town of Falher
• Ralph Leriger, Town of Westlock
Life Membership Award: This award recognizes individuals for their extraordinary contributions to Alberta Municipalities over an extended period. This year’s recipient is Ron Helmhold.
Ron Helmhold is a distinguished former member of the AMSC/ASMCIS and MUNIX Boards. Appointed as an External Governor, he dedicated over 10 years to this role, demonstrating unwavering commitment and leadership. Throughout his tenure, Ron was actively involved in several key Committees, where he leveraged his extensive expertise in Information Technology, Investment, Accounting, Financial, and Risk Management. His contributions were instrumental in driving strategic initiatives and enhancing the governance framework of the Boards he served on. Ron’s tenure is marked by his ability to navigate complex challenges and deliver impactful solutions, making him a highly respected figure in the Association.
Congratulations to this year’s award recipients!
Each year, we receive award nominations with examples of the excellence and professionalism of many individuals, who all play key roles in supporting their municipalities’ successes.
Along with our partner, SLGM, we look forward to celebrating the winning municipal leaders, and congratulating them in person on September 24 at the Red Deer Resort and Casino.
