Clerk retiring in spring, cementing a legacy of professionalism and dedication to local government
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 10, 2020
Pelham, ON – Nancy Bozzato, Pelham Clerk since 2010 and a Pelham employee since 1999, is retiring this spring after more than 40 years of municipal service in Niagara.
Her impact as a municipal leader is evidenced by decades of outstanding work, including her most recent success: the safe and successful 2020 Pelham Ward One by-election, which occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic. This achievement was recently, and deservedly, featured in Municipal World magazine.
A third-generation and life-long Pelham resident, Bozzato says she is honoured to have served the residents and community she calls home for so many years.
"Every day has been rewarding, and I am very proud of the work I've accomplished," said Bozzato. "I've had the privilege of mentoring tomorrow's leaders and bringing residents of Pelham the business of the corporation in a clear and accessible manner. It truly has been a fascinating and fulfilling career where every day presents a new opportunity. Pelham is blessed with an engaged community."
One of the most recognized roles of a Town Clerk is planning and executing a municipal election. Bozzato has run or participated in Pelham elections in 2000, 2003, 2006, 2010, 2011 (by-election), 2014, 2018, 2020 (by-election). She has been trusted to assist with recounts in sister municipalities and worked provincial and federal elections to gain more perspective through the election official lens.
Outside of traditional Clerk duties, Bozzato inherited the communications department in 2017 as part of her scope of responsibility. Since then, communications from the Town of Pelham have been repeatedly awarded for their creativity, innovation, and execution. These successes are driven by Bozzato’s leadership, mentoring, and municipal knowledge.
Chief Administrative Officer David Cribbs, whose employment in Pelham began in 2019, has worked briefly but effectively with Bozzato, appreciating the the dedication and skill Bozzato brought to the role.
“Nancy’s family is about to get a big win, but her work family will experience a real loss. Nancy has an encyclopaedic knowledge of this Town, which comes from lifelong residence, a vast network of friends and acquaintances, and the key role she has performed admirably for this community,” said Cribbs. “There are numerous couples out there that Nancy has gracefully married. There are even more people whom she has helped navigate processes at Town Hall to accomplish their goals. Multiple councils have relied upon her skill, procedural knowledge and impressive work ethic. On behalf of the Town’s administration I congratulate Nancy, wish her the very best and thank her for her service to this community.”
During her tenure, Bozzato has seen many changes in municipal governance, especially those altered by technology. Despite the changes, Bozzato was undeterred by the constant shift in technology. Recently, Bozzato led her team away from paper to digital in producing Council reports and agendas and adopted virtual Council meetings live-streamed for the public.
Bozzato has many duties set out in various statutes, including, but not limited to, the Municipal Act, the Assessment Act, the Municipal Elections Act, the Marriage Act and the Drainage Act, and in Pelham, the Planning Act, as Secretary-Treasurer, Committee of Adjustment, a position she has held for Pelham since 1999.
Bozzato's impact is felt throughout the corporation, and her staff, and the corporation as a whole, are privileged to inherit her legacy. Her leadership, ethics, and compassion are the model of excellence on a professional and personal level.
The Town of Pelham will begin the recruitment process for the vacant position in the near future.
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For media inquiries, please contact:
Marc MacDonald
Communications and Public Relations Specialist
905-892-2607 x309
mmacdonald@pelham.ca