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Vol. 18, No. 10, Wednesday, February 1, 2023 www.LamontLeader.com
Bruderheim Interim CAO ready to begin Feb. 6 BY JANA SEMENIUK Bruderheim’s Interim Chief Administrative Officer, Robert Stephenson, will be starting his first CAO position in Bruderheim Feb. 6. While attending the going-away gathering for former Bruderheim CAO Patty Podoborozny on Jan. 27, he said it was obvious that Podoborozny had done a great job for Bruderheim. “Everybody talks about it (so) it's pretty clear how good of a job she's done. So it's an exciting opportunity,” he said. “Great place, great community and really strong ties to Strathcona County.”
Stephenson said he has been with Strathcona County for four years as a strategist in Intergovernmental Affairs. Meanwhile, Bruderhiem Mayor Karl Hauch said he expects Stephenson to be in Bruderheim for three to four months while the process to hire a permanent CAO continues. “Because of the contract that we have with Strathcona County, they will look for applicants from within their organization and then they'll come up with a couple to shortlist and then we'll have the opportunity have input and then a CAO will be selected and maybe it'll be Robert,” he said.
Hauch added that although Stephenson has not had experience as a CAO, his governmental background and help from Podoborozny will support his success. “He’s very intelligent (and) professionally trained. I think he will be good coming in and the great thing is, Patty is so accommodating, she's going to make sure that he's well set up for the future,” he said. “As she's departing, she's going to ensure that the help for him remains. Strathcona has been great throughout the process of supporting our communities.”
Bruderheim's new Interim CAO Robert Stephenson. Photo: Jana Semeniuk
A sad goodbye for Bruderhiem’s CAO Patty Podoborozny BY JANA SEMENIUK Bruderheim Chief Administrative Officer Patty Podoborozny was honoured by co-workers, residents, friends and neighbouring municipal councillors with a get-together at the Bruderheim Community Hall, Jan. 27. At least 50 people came to wish her well before she embarks on her new position as CAO for the County of Minburn starting on Feb. 6. Guests grazed on a table of snacks and mingled while a slideshow of photos showing Podoborozny’s various moments over the years in Bruderheim
played on a wall in a continuous loop. Podoborozny was emotional as she looked at the crowd, reflecting on nearly nine years with the Town of Bruderheim. “It’s really special. Just the different people that are here, people that you just connect with (and) people that have helped me move some of my visions ahead, and I've helped them in their visions, non-profits, people from the education community, farmers, it's just amazing. “They all came to say goodbye and thank you,” she said. “(I’ve been get-
L-R: Bruderheim Mayor Karl Hauch, Former Bruderheim CAO Patty Podoborozny and Director of Legislative Services Sherry Cote. Podoborozny was honoured Jan. 27 at a gathering in the Bruderhiem Community Hall where friends and colleagues wished her well before she begins her new position as CAO in the County of Minburn Feb. 6. Photo: Jana Semeniuk
ting) beautiful emails and cards and flowers (sent to) my home even in Vegreville.” Bruderheim Mayor Karl Hauch said Patty was a huge asset to Bruderheim and the town was lucky to have her for as long as they did. “Pat started with Bruderheim in August of 2014. (She’s) very strong with a Pubic Works background and quickly became a powerhouse in our community,” said Hauch. “She's a tireless worker, great motivator, good team player, does a lot of great things for our community (and she’s) super good at applying for grants. I don't know how many millions of dollars of grants we got for our community for fixing things in our town. It's just amazing work that she's done for our community. We'll miss her.” Fort Saskatchewan-Vegreville MLA Jackie Armstrong Homeniuk had nothing but praise for Podoborozny. “Patty's a great representative for the area. She's always championed Bruderheim and worked with all levels of government. She's very well known and very well admired. It's quite a sad day for Bruderheim,” she said. “I wish Patty all the best in her in her new venture.” Former Strathcona County Councillor and former MLA, Jacquie
Fenske, remembered working with Podoborozny at the County of Strathcona. “I’ve known Patty for many years since she worked with Strathcona County in Public Works, and she has just taken on task after task and has set the bar high for anyone who follows her. I know that the people in Bruderheim will miss her,” she said. Bruderheim Director of Legislative Services, Sherry Cote, has worked alongside Podoborozny for the past nine years and said she was amazed when thinking about all they have accomplished over the years. “Patty was here for a few months before I came in to help out at the office, so we've worked together for a long time,” she said. “I was kind of reflecting on some of the things that she's done. We started writing them down, and we had two 12x12 pages and we still weren't done all the things that we've accomplished since she's been here. It's just amazing.” Others who attended included former Strathcona County Councillor Paul Smith, Lamont Councillor Linda Sieker, Chipman Councillor Trudy Smith, Regional Fire Chief Shayne Miliken and Canadian Rockies Hemp Corporation Chief Executive Officer Aaron Barr.