Kelly James Pender, MBA

Experienced Municipal Leader | Educator | Mentor:

With over 30 years of municipal organizational leadership in Eastern Ontario and the near north, I have developed a broad scope of knowledge and political acumen, serving communities and political leaders with integrity and confidence.

What sets me apart:

Public sector governance requires quiet, confident leadership and the ability to speak truth to both politicians and citizens. Throughout my career, I have been involved in numerous high-profile, community-changing events, ranging from the 2010 G8 Summit of world leaders in Huntsville, Ontario, to the establishment of a municipal service corporation for the five municipalities in Frontenac County to facilitate housing through the promotion and operation of communal water and wastewater services.

I have successfully navigated highly political situations, earning praise for my ability to bring diverse groups to the table to develop equitable solutions. As a lifelong learner, I pride myself on staying abreast of emerging trends in governance and operations, including leadership, conflict resolution, continuous improvement, and technology.

Current Focus:

As a consultant, educator, and mentor, I have worked on projects as diverse as staff re-organization, council and staff compensation, and as an advisor to the Boards of three health units as part of merger discussions. Providing support and confidential advice to politicians and staff has been a hallmark of my consulting practice.

Professional Credentials:

I hold degrees in History and Geography (B.A.) from Carleton University, Landscape Architecture (B.L.A.) from the University of Toronto, and a Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.) from Queen’s University, plus an honours certificate in Municipal Administration from St. Lawrence College and a Public Sector Leadership Certificate from Western University.

For further information visit my LinkedIn page at www.linkedin.com/in/kjpender.