Who I am

I’ve been a cottage owner on Kennedy Rd. (Ward 1) since 2002 and a full-time resident as of April 2020. Now 59, I retired in November 2019.

Born and raised in Carleton Place, I have a long connection with the Ottawa Valley as my parents and relatives grew up in Arnprior & Pakenham Township.

With over 35 years in the Information Technology field, I’ve led IT Infrastructure organizations in Private and public sectors in the Ottawa area with responsibilities in Canada and abroad. I’ve had the opportunity to lead significant change in technology and lead organizations to continually adapt to change. You can browse my LinkedIn Profile for more info.

I am a husband to Leah for 37 years, who is the President and CEO of Arnprior Regional Health with an extensive healthcare background, a topic we discuss daily. I am a proud Father of 2 grown daughters, Katie (Dave) (Canmore) & Jenny (Kris) (Casselman) & 1 Grandson, Preston who turned 1 in July.

For fun, I enjoy all things outdoors – boating, golf, skiing, cycling, hiking/walking, ATV and spend lots of time with family, friends & Travel.

I am Member of the Calabogie Highlands Golf Club and a Calabogie Peaks season pass holder for over 20 years and I’ve been an active volunteer for several years as a way to contribute to my community;

IT Chair for the 2023 Ontario Winter Games (Renfrew County)
Past President of the Carleton Place Senior Men’s Hockey League (2009-2013)
Past President of the Calabogie Ski Racing Club (2000-2007)
Past Chair of the National Capital Division (Ski Racing) (2003-2007)
Former Soccer Coach and Board Member, Carleton Place Soccer Club (1995-2010)

Why Run for Council?

Why Not?

Greater Madawaska is a growing community. As a full-time resident, I have a new perspective and a keen interest in contributing to our future, to help solve the problems we have and will have, as a community.

I see a great opportunity for a unified Council and Township to work as a team and to strengthen community engagement to regain trust in council and Township leadership as a critical starting point.

With an increase in permanent and seasonal residents and an ever-increasing attraction of tourism to the area, decisions affecting our community will continue to impact our future. With growth however, concerns, conflicts and issues will appear. How we manage them needs to be done responsibly and with consideration to those impacted and tempered with a thoughtful and fair approach. I am eager to learn and contribute.

I now have the time, energy, and commitment to give back – to be your voice on council as an effective and accountable leader who works for you – one who listens and actively represents our residents, businesses and our Township – together.

What I bring to the Table?

Leadership – Although a newcomer to municipal politics, I have relevant experience leading large organizations, strategic planning, governance & policy, management of significant budgets, risk, collaborative problem management, and effective communication at all levels. I am collaborative, ensuring those interested and impacted are engaged – all skills and experience beneficial and required for the councillor role.

New Ideas – new ways to think, understand and respond to issues and concerns. I will advocate for community representation across the Township in collaborative workshop settings to establish priorities, assign accountability and work toward solutions and opportunities.

Commitment – with both feet in, I am committed to our Township and the needs of its residents. As a full-time resident, I will be available to fully execute my responsibilities and represent you. With a customer service approach, I will be accessible to anyone who has a concern, an opinion or feedback on what we’re doing well, and what could be done better or differently.

People usually get a sense of who I am early on – that I am transparent, collaborative, an innovative problem solver, and a consensus builder.

Impartial and Objective – My wife and I only own one property – our home. I have no direct professional or personal affiliations or relationships to any local businesses – but I do support them. I respect our by-laws and I am not, nor have I been involved in any local development controversies. I seek the facts, not speculation or rumors.

Decisive – My decisions consider the facts, impacts and risks for all involved (community – residents, business & Township)

Integrity – Trustworthy, Transparent and Collaborative – A voice of reason – your voice. I am respectful, listen to others and value opinions of all. I am empathetic and I seek to understand other perspectives. I am adaptable and quickly educate myself on requirements or concerns.

Committed – to our community – everyone, not just a few.