Sylvan Lake, Alberta, Canada
I am a strategic municipal leader, entrepreneur, and community builder who is passionate about creating spaces where people thrive. Over the past two decades, I’ve served in roles that span public service, business ownership, and volunteer leadership. Each role has been shaped by a commitment to collaboration, innovation, and resilience. My passion for community building began long before elected office. In 2005, I co-founded Incline Industries Skateboard and BMX Park, and in 2008, helped launch Shake The Lake, a volunteer-run action sports and music festival that drew thousands to Sylvan Lake and became a celebrated local tradition. In 2010, at age 27, I was elected to Sylvan Lake Town Council and later served two terms as Mayor, leading transformative projects like the NexSource Centre (Indoor recreation) , Pogadl Park (Outdoor recreation), and Lakeshore Drive revitalization. In my time of leadership, 97% of residents rated their quality of life as good or very good, and I was honored with the Alberta Urban Municipalities Association Award of Excellence in 2020. After my time in elected office, I served as Chief of Staff for the City of Red Deer before returning to Sylvan Lake in 2024 as General Manager of Community Services and External Relations. I later stepped in as Acting Chief Administrative Officer during a critical leadership transition. Today, as Executive Director of Strategic Initiatives, I lead cross-departmental efforts to advance Council priorities in strategic planning, tourism, economic development, and communications. I work alongside administrative and elected leaders to align priorities, build collaborative teams, and deliver meaningful results for the community. Beyond municipal leadership, I co-founded Next of Kiln Studio, a creative hub that became a beloved space for connection and self-expression. After years of growth and recognition including "Best New Business" and "Marketing Excellence" awards, we recently transitioned ownership to new leaders who will carry the vision forward. This entrepreneurial journey reinforced my belief in adaptability, customer experience, and fostering creativity; values I bring into every leadership role. Above all, I am a father of two, husband of one, and a lifelong volunteer who believes that strong communities are built with vision, trust, and action.
As Executive Director of Strategic Initiatives for the Town of Sylvan Lake, I lead a dynamic division focused on advancing Council priorities through strategic, cross-departmental collaboration. My role centers on driving initiatives that enhance communication, customer service, sustainability, tourism, and economic development. I work closely with internal and external stakeholders to shape the Town’s long-term vision, foster innovation, and ensure the successful implementation of key projects that make a meaningful impact in our community. With a focus on strategic leadership and public sector innovation, I’m committed to building a stronger, more resilient Sylvan Lake through thoughtful planning and execution.
As a member of the Executive Leadership Team, the General Manager of Community Services and External Relations provides corporate oversight, direction, and strategic leadership to the FCSS, Parks and Protective Services, Recreation, Culture and Tourism divisions, and oversees communications for the Town of Sylvan Lake.
From October 2024 through January 2025, I was selected by the Mayor and Council to serve as Acting Chief Administrative Officer for the Town of Sylvan Lake. I was entrusted to lead municipal administration through a leadership transition, ensuring continuity of operations, compliance, and strategic alignment. As the primary liaison between Council and staff, I fostered collaboration and stability, prioritized clear communication, empowered the team, and maintained public confidence while preparing the organization for permanent CAO leadership. I’m proud to have partnered with administration and the Senior Leadership Team to sustain service delivery and strengthen organizational resilience during a critical period of change.
Next of Kiln Studio is a charming paint-your-own-pottery studio in Sylvan Lake, Alberta. Established by the McIntyre family, Next of Kiln Studio opened its doors in 2023, offering people of all ages an opportunity to get creative and make lasting memories. Located right beside Sylvan Lake’s popular public beach, we provide fun, creative, family activities for locals and visitors alike! We host parties, classes, birthdays, and rent out our studio space for special occasions. At Next of Kiln, we aim to help you create lasting memories and one-of-a-kind art pieces that you get to bring home, from our family to yours!
The Chief of Staff provides professional executive advice, corporate guidance, and support to the Mayor, while managing the Office of the Mayor and Council. The Chief of Staff is also responsible for establishing and maintaining effective working relationships and acting as a point-of-contact between the Mayor's Office and the City Manager's office, senior staff, the community, stakeholders, and other orders of government. The role of Chief of Staff as well as the Office of Mayor and Council, are new to the City of Red Deer. It has been an invigorating challenge to establish and work inside this new organizational structure. One of the first duties I was entrusted with, was facilitating the hiring of the new City Manager - which proved successful. Our small but mighty team in the Office of Mayor and Council has been busy since, establishing internal cooperation agreements, creating new policies and procedures to empower our work, and bringing forward timely reports and updates to Council bylaws. Our office also leads the City's provincial and federal advocacy efforts; organizes Council retreats, team building, and professional development; helps to build strategic intermunicipal relationships; and takes an active role in community relations. In my time of service as Chief of Staff, community engagement and relationships have improved. Trust with local groups has been established and celebrated. The Mayor has been noticeably more visible, accessible, communicative, and engaging. New internal working tools and tactics have been put into place and internal collaborative structures have positively evolved. I am grateful for the opportunity to serve Mayor Ken Johnston, the Council for the City of Red Deer, and the City Manager. I am thankful to work alongside the "dream team" inside the Office of Mayor and Council, as well as the dedicated and professional administration, organization-wide.
I am truly honoured to have served my community as Mayor! Growing up in Sylvan Lake, I quickly developed a vision for the community and a passion to improve the quality of life for our residents. Having an opportunity to shape the future of my home town was a tremendous responsibility that I did not take lightly. Sylvan Lake residents had elected a capable and passionate council, which, when paired with a professional and skilled administration, enabled us to accomplish great things. During the time I served as Mayor, Sylvan Lake presented its first ever 3 year operating budget. The budget reflected the goals and vision set by council and contributed to council's values of transparent and open government. We also enhanced communication, ensuring that the municipal Vision, Values, Goals, Budgets, Meeting Minutes and more were available online. Furthermore we created feedback tools for residents to take advantage of, contributing to better engagement on issues of interest. We carried out bylaw amendments that embodied greater accountability, community collaboration, and continuous improvement of our local government. With a strong focus on building community and a sustainable future, it was a deep honour to work in the best interest of Sylvan Lake. I love Sylvan Lake and it was a distinct privilege to serve our residents as Alberta's youngest Mayor, at the time. During my 2 terms of service as mayor, a community satisfaction survey reported that 97% of residents rated their quality of life as good or very good.
Elected in 2010 by the residents of the Town Of Sylvan Lake. Responsible for in depth research and presentation of relevant data pertaining to municipal initiatives and direction. Regularly chaired/lead committee meetings, facilitated group discussions and worked to build consensus among council and community members. Regularly met with residents on personal time, to engage in dialogue and to be accountable to the people I represented. Constantly looked for ways to improve public engagement, communication and municipal accountability. Regularly attended council meetings, committee meetings, and public events on behalf of the Town Of Sylvan Lake. Communicated and represented the needs, wants, perspectives and best interests of a diverse and rapidly growing community.
I am excited to be a co-Founder of the original Shake The Lake festival in 2008. Ultimately, I became responsible for the concept, planning, and full production of a successful annual all-ages, free-admission festival. I was responsible for meeting all financial needs, and assembled a team to conduct fundraising, advertising, liaising with sponsors, municipal relations, and working with the media.- I was responsible for brand management, content co-creation for print, web, radio , social media and advertising. My team and I were responsible for submitting applications for grants, special event permits, and sponsor agreements. I was ultimately for overall the safety and welfare of nearly 10,000 spectators, athletes, vendors, & festival goers, each year. As a team, we for recruited volunteers including department managers to ensure the festival is a success. I oversaw all general aspects of festival organization, implementation, follow up, and future vision. Through all this, I gained extensive experience in leading a diverse group of volunteers that led to amazing outcomes. I am honoured to have been part of something bigger than myself that was constructive, inclusive, and positive for the region!