South Frontenac welcomes Shelley Stedall as Director of Corporate Services

Starting next week, the Township of South Frontenac will have a new Director of Corporate Services and Treasurer. Shelley Stedall was appointed to the role at the Special Council Meeting held on Tuesday, May 24, 2022.

According to a media release, the Township is excited to “welcome Ms. Stedall to the team” starting on Monday, June 6, 2022.

Having spent over 30 years in the municipal sector, the Township said that Stedall brings a variety of relevant skills and experience to the role, including an extensive background in municipal finance, asset management, strategic planning, capital budgeting, taxation, and information technology. She previously held key leadership positions in varied public sector settings – most recently working with the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing East Region (MMAH) as a Senior Municipal Financial Advisor and serving as the Treasurer and Director of Corporate Services at the Township of North Dumfries. Prior to that, the Township said that she was the Treasurer/Director of Finance for the Municipality of Trent Hills and the Chief Administrative Officer/Treasurer at the Township of Asphodel-Norwood.

“Having had the opportunity to be part of the recruitment process, I can honestly say that the Township’s finances will be in good hands with Ms. Stedall,” said Mayor Ron Vandewal. “Her previous municipal leadership roles combined with her experience providing financial guidance to municipalities through the MMAH will allow her to hit the ground running and maintain South Frontenac’s financial resiliency.”

According to the release, Stedall’s experience is well complemented by her education in business administration and accounting, and her ongoing commitment to furthering her municipal knowledge. She holds certificates in municipal human resources, municipal accounting and finance, municipal leadership and has a Certified Municipal Officer designation through the Association of Municipal Clerks and Treasurers in Ontario.

With a passion for finding efficiencies and implementing best practices, Stedall is more than familiar with the day-to-day challenges of operating a municipality, the Township stated.

“I am excited to join this enthusiastic team and look forward to applying my knowledge and multi-level government experience to South Frontenac in a way that will have a positive impact on staff and the community,” Stedall said. “Identifying opportunities to streamline processes and get the most out of Township resources will remain a key priority as I settle into this new role.”

Reporting to the Township’s CAO, Stedall will be responsible for providing effective strategic leadership and guidance to the senior management team and Council, according to the release. The Township said that the role of Director of Corporate Services/Treasurer must effectively safeguard the Township’s financial assets and ensure compliance with legislation, accounting practices and all Council directives. This role is responsible for financial oversight, fiscal prudence, and business planning by providing accurate and timely information and support to Council and staff.

As a member of the senior leadership team, Stedall will also play a pivotal role in implementing the Township’s strategic plan which places a focus on regional leadership, growth, environmental sustainability, organizational capacity-building, and community vibrancy, according to the release.

“Having recently taken on the role of Chief Administrative Officer, it was important to Council and myself that we find the right person to fill the role of Director of Corporate Services and Treasurer,” said Louise Fragnito, CAO for the Township and former incumbent of the role.

“Shelley’s vast financial experience with small to medium-sized municipalities and her work with MMAH make her well-equipped to oversee South Frontenac’s finances and address pressures associated with our significant growth,” Fragnito continued. “Bringing on an experienced professional like Shelley adds to our collective strength and ability to manage and adapt to those pressures – we are thrilled to have her on the team.”

According to the release, in addition to her experience working with municipalities, Stedall is a strong advocate of professional development and enjoys sharing what she has learned with others through mentorship and contributing to the AMCTO Education Programs. She has also been an active member and two-time president of the Municipal Finance Officers Association for 20 years.

“Council and staff are excited to welcome Shelley to South Frontenac,” said Vandewal. “We know she will be a great addition to the team and will further the Township’s goal of being vibrant and progressive as we continue to grow.”