NEWS RELEASE
ONTARIO MUNICIPAL ADMINISTRATORS' ASSOCIATION
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The Ontario Municipal Administrators’ Association (OMAA), is pleased to announce the presentation of the OMAA Robert Baldwin Award to Bob Shelton, recently retired Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) for the Town of Newmarket.
Mr. Shelton is well known throughout the municipal sector, having served the Town of Newmarket for over 40 years, including 16 years as CAO for the municipality. He was a visionary that achieved success measured by recognition of Newmarket as a Top 10 Community to Live in Canada and over the past six years has remained in the top 25, according to Money Sense Magazine.
Newmarket has been recognized as one of five places in Canada to receive the Google eTown Award. Under Mr. Shelton’s leadership, Newmarket has received over 50 awards ranging from environmental leadership, service excellence, innovation, and community building.
Mr. Shelton is a past president of the Ontario Municipal Administrators’ Association. In 2012, the Canadian Association of Municipal Administrators (CAMA) recognized him with a Queen’s Jubilee Award for his excellence in public service and administration and in 2015 for Progressive Leadership Development.
In the words of former Mayor Tony Van Bynen, “Above all else, the relationships Bob has built at the Town over the years has been the foundation of Newmarket’s success. Under Bob’s leadership, members of Council, staff and committees have worked cohesively for many years.”
President of OMAA and CAO for the District of Muskoka, Michael Duben notes: "Bob is a leader in our community and exemplifies the professionalism, integrity and innovative spirit that our organization promotes for CAOs. Our association is proud to present this Award to Bob in acknowledgement of his stellar career in municipal government.”
The OMAA Robert Baldwin Award was presented at the annual Spring Workshop on May 10.
The OMAA Robert Baldwin Award is Ontario’s highest award for municipal public service granted by the Association recognizing a career of achievement and service in the field of municipal administration, significant and lasting contributions to municipal and local government in Ontario and service to the community, the Province and Canada by those who work in municipal government.
The award was inspired by the achievements of Robert Baldwin who wrote the first Municipal Act, supported women’s rights, religious tolerance, bicultural nation and was one of the first proponents of responsible government in Canada.
The Ontario Municipal Administrators’ Association membership is comprised of individuals who exercise all- encompassing management responsibilities for Ontario municipalities. OMAA strives to enhance good governance for Ontario municipalities by supporting the professional management role of the CAO.
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