ATHABASCA — It’s a long way from pool manager to interim CAO and a long way from Grande Cache to Athabasca, but Dawn Phillips made it.
Phillips started in May as the new director of agriculture and community services for Athabasca County, taking over from Ron Jackson who was the director of agriculture and emergency services – same job, new name.
She started her municipal career in her home town as the pool manager for 16 years leaving in 2004 for the Town of Camrose where she was the facilities director for three out of 13 years there. In 2018, she became the director of recreation for the Town of Taber, finally landing in Athabasca County in May.
“I started taking municipal management courses shortly after completing my management degree in 2008,” Phillips said in an e-mail interview July 9. “I have always had ambition and drive to learn more and move up in the municipal world. I love to learn and am always taking courses in a variety of areas, both professionally and personally.”
Even before moving here, she had ties to the region earning her Bachelor of Management degree through Athabasca University. She also has a certificate in Municipal Management and Leadership from the University of Alberta (U of A) as well as a National Advanced Certificate in Local Administrative Authority Level 1 (NACLAA) from the U of A.
“I am currently working on NACLAA Level 2,” she said.
Wanting to expand her repertoire she applied for the director of agriculture and community services position for Athabasca County.
“I was looking for an opportunity within the municipal world that would diversify my experience. I love having the opportunity to take on new roles and learn more. I felt that my work experience and volunteer experience gave me a good foundation with this position and I knew that I would also learn a lot of new skills,” said Phillips. “The second reason was location. Athabasca is a beautiful area and I love the small town and rural community. Growing up in Grande Cache, this really feels a lot like home.”
She added she and her husband are looking forward to seeing more of the region.
“The Athabasca region is beautiful. I love the outdoors and look forward to touring more of the area. My husband and I love to camp and we love to drive through the country to check out the various lakes and sites.”
Phillips was hired to oversee agriculture, the regional fire departments, enforcement and transportation services, Family and Community Support Services (FCSS), and emergency services by former CAO Ryan Maier who resigned suddenly June 24 and Phillips was tapped to fill in by a majority vote at the council meeting the same day.
“I was happy to be asked to take on the interim CAO role,” she said. “This is something I have been training for and it is a great opportunity to learn more and be involved in the organization at a higher level.”
Looking at her original position Phillips has set goals for the department, she said.
“My short-term goals are to learn how the job has been done, to learn about the county and to meet members of our community and our volunteers in the fire departments,” said Phillips. “I was fortunate to have the opportunity to work with Ron Jackson before he retired and he shared a lot of helpful information to get me started. I have a great team and continue to work with them to learn more about their roles.”
And after her stint as the interim CAO, she does have some long-term plans.
“My only mid-term and long-term plan at this point is to work with my team and grow with the department. I am very community and customer service oriented, and I think that the Agriculture and Community Services staff members have this same attitude.”
