Advancing Municipal Digital Transformation

Click HERE to Submit Your Speaker Proposal

2026 MISA Ontario InfoSec Conference and Trade Show
November 2 - 4, 2026 
Deerhurst Resort, Town of Huntsville

We are looking for conference session speakers/facilitators with innovative solutions and great stories and lessons learned to share for this year's program. Our education program will focus on content for managers and front-line/technical professionals, targeted exclusively to municipal IT security professionals.

The submission deadline is August 10, 2026.

Why Speak at InfoSec 2026?

• Ignite Meaningful Dialogue
• Spark innovative discussions that drive improvements in municipal cybersecurity.
• Forge Valuable Connections
• Network with municipal peers and industry experts committed to progress.
• Make a Lasting Impact 
• Empower municipalities with insights that resonate far beyond the conference.
  

 
Past speakers have included:

• City of Kitchener
• City of Peterborough
• City of Pickering
• Municipality of Chatham-Kent
• Town of St. Marys
• York Region, and other organizations.

Submission tips:

• Make sure your title and description accurately reflect your session content. The online program and the InfoSec Conference App will publish your title and description. When considering a title, remember that it should be able to stand alone and convey what your presentation will cover.

• Plan to articulate 2- 3 clearly defined learning objectives that participants can expect to walk away with from your session. Outlining these objectives will encourage the right audience to participate in your session and assist with committee selection.

• Remember that members look for templates, checklists, and lessons learned when designing your session. Although the 'what worked' is essential, the 'what I wish I knew then' is just as valuable.

• For proposals submitted by Partners/Vendors, you MUST include a (confirmed) municipal client co-host/public-sector presenter who will present with you. If no municipal client or public-sector presenter is provided, the proposal will not be considered.

• You may submit a maximum of two proposals from one organization.

Target Audience
Our audience of municipal cyber security specialists is split between senior leaders/managers and front-line/technical leads from municipalities ranging in population size from 20,000 to 500,000+.

Session Formats
We have allocated 45 minutes for each session which includes Q & A.

Proposal Evaluations;
All submissions are considered according to the following criteria:

• Relevance: Does the proposal relate to the target audience? Does it explore concepts of common issues or innovative approaches?

• Applicability: Will tools and templates be included as take-aways? Will a municipal representative lead or co-present?

• Delivery: Does the presentation engage learners through demonstrations, different experiences/experiences shared on a panel?

• Concept: Is the overall submission an asset to the conference program?

• MISA Ontario Membership: All sessions MUST be delivered by a MISA Ontario member municipality/organization in good standing.

Remuneration
MISA Ontario does not charge for this engagement. However, it will provide a complimentary daytime pass for the day you will be speaking.

Marketing and Promotion
All selected presenters will upload a photo and short bio to the conference app, which will be used throughout the promotion cycle leading up to the conference, ensuring you'll get maximum visibility for your participation.

Advancing Municipal Digital Transformation

This year's winners were honored at the MISA Ontario Awards Dinner on Monday, June 8, at the 2026 MISA Ontario Annual Conference and Trade Show in the City of London, Ontario, and hosted by Middlesex County/City of London. 

All award winners are photographed here with Jason White, MISA Ontario President, with names listed from left to right.

2026 Excellence in Municipal Systems and People's Choice Award Winners:

PEEL REGION

Peel’s Enterprise Fabric Lakehouse for Workforce Analytics

• Chine Nkado, Manager, Business Intelligence 
• Felix Da Silva, Advisor, Business Intelligence 
• Download Presentation HERE

THE DISTRICT MUNICIPALITY OF MUSKOKA

Enterprise GIS-Integrated Asset Modernization

• Dee Spina, Manager, IT Projects
  
• Suzanne Olimer, Commissioner, Finance and Corporate Services 
• Steven Melnichuk, Director, Information Services
• Download Presentation HERE
• Also awarded the PEOPLE'S CHOICE AWARD 

REGIONAL MUNICIPALITY OF YORK

YorkInfo Partnership: 30 Years of Cooperation and Collaboration 

• Claudia Letea, Director, Data, Analytics & Visualization Services 
• Deanna Hotoyan, General Manager, Digital, Data, Technology and Customer Experience
  
• Download Presentation HERE

TOWN OF STOUFFVILLE

Service Request Modernization Project 

• Sandra Irvine, IT Project Coordinator 
  
• Cassandra Tornabene, Manager, Customer Service 
  
• Brian McPhail, Chief Information Officer 
• Download Presentation HERE

John Cushing Award of Merit

The John Cushing Award of Merit is presented to recognize long, exemplary, and outstanding service to MISA Ontario.

April Towns, City of Barrie

In 2012, April first stepped into the MISA spotlight, helping organize the InfoSec Conference in Barrie.The following year, she joined the MISA Board of Directors, marking the start of more than a decade of dedicated volunteer service, where she led and contributed to numerous initiatives. After serving as MISA Secretary, she successfully ran for Vice President and went on to become MISA Ontario President in 2024. And her journey hasn’t slowed down since.

Today, she represents Ontario on the Public Sector CIO Committee for the Joint Councils of Canada and also serves on the National CISO Committee on Information Protection—all while continuing to support MISA Ontario in her role as Past President. She has built a career grounded in public service and a deep commitment to advancing municipal IT. Her volunteerism, leadership across committees, and strategic vision truly embody what this award is meant to recognize.

Special Recognition Awards

This prestigious award recognizes individuals or groups who have made a specific and outstanding contribution to MISA or the municipal systems community.

Ben Perry, President and Founder, Perry Group Consulting Ltd.

Ben has consistently shown a strong commitment to strengthening the municipal ecosystem across Ontario. He continues to be a true advocate for connection, collaboration, and shared learning— bringing municipal organizations together and creating space for leaders to exchange ideas, support one another, and move our services forward collectively.

Marco Cheng-Perri, Manager, Digital Transformation, Data and Corporate Performance, Township of King

Advancing Municipal Digital Transformation

MISA Ontario is excited to launch our new Board Member Spotlight Series, a recurring feature that highlights the individuals guiding our organization’s vision and impact.

Through a Q&A format, each spotlight offers a closer look at our board members: their professional journeys, perspectives, and the passion that drives their commitment to our mission.

Stay tuned as we share their stories and insights each month and discover the voices helping shape the future for municipalities!

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Our first spotlight features MISA Ontario Director at Large, Nina Lecic (Town of Erin), whose leadership and commitment bring valuable perspective to advancing our organization’s mission.

MISA Ontario extends our sincere thanks to Nina for sharing her time, insights, and dedication in helping pilot this series.

Joining the Board: Motivation & Insight

1. When did you first get involved with MISA Ontario, and how has serving on the board shaped or deepened your understanding of the realities municipal communities face?

I became involved with MISA Ontario through the last two Municipalities I have worked in. During my time with the Town of Milton, I managed the rollout of the Town’s Digital Records Management solution which won the MISA ONTARIO 2024 Excellence in Municipal Systems Award, as well as the People’s Choice Award. My current role as a Director for the Town of Erin overseeing IT naturally aligned with MISA, and serving on the Board has been a meaningful extension of that work.

Being on the Board has deepened for me an appreciation for the diversity of municipal IT abilities across Ontario. While we often share common legislative frameworks, the capacity, resourcing, and technological maturity of municipalities can vary significantly. Through Board involvement, I’ve gained a deeper understanding of the pressures municipalities face—particularly around digital transformation, cybersecurity, and balancing innovation with fiscal responsibility.

2. What inspired you to say “yes” to serving on this board, and what did you hope to contribute when you first joined?

I said “yes” to serving on the MISA Ontario Board because I truly believe in the power of collaboration and mentorship. Throughout my career, I’ve benefited tremendously from mentors and peers who share knowledge, tools, and lessons learned—and I saw the Board as an opportunity to contribute meaningfully to that same ecosystem.

From the outset, I was interested in helping to broaden MISA’s strategic vision and strengthen how we engage with and support our membership at a time when the organization is at a critical juncture. Municipalities are facing unprecedented pressures, and digital transformation has emerged as the single most important force shaping how we deliver services, engage residents, and operate effectively. I was motivated to support MISA in advancing practical, member-focused strategies that position municipalities to navigate the digital future with confidence.

Board Experience & Key Highlights

3. Could you share your top two lessons from your board experience that you believe would be most helpful for municipal leaders navigating complexity, change, or growth?

1. Think bold, dream large—but ground innovation in what’s achievable.
One of the most important lessons from my Board experience is the value of creating space to think big. Municipalities are under increasing pressure to evolve, and we need to be willing to imagine what’s possible—whether that’s rethinking service delivery, embracing new technology, or transforming how we engage with our communities.

At the same time, bold ideas create impact when they are translated into practical, actionable steps. The key is bridging vision with implementation—breaking big ambitions into achievable initiatives that build momentum and deliver real results.

2. Learn from each other—collaborate, collaborate, collaborate!
No municipality is navigating change in isolation, and one of our greatest strengths is the ability to learn from one another. Through my Board experience, I’ve seen firsthand how powerful it is to share ideas, challenges, and solutions across organizations.

Innovation often comes from adapting what’s already working elsewhere and applying it in a way that fits your local context. By staying connected, open, and curious, municipal leaders can accelerate progress, avoid common pitfalls, and collectively raise the bar for what’s possible.

For municipal leaders, this means actively seeking out partnerships, participating in professional networks, and creating a culture that values continuous learning and experimentation.

4. What has been the most personally rewarding part of your board journey?

The most rewarding part of my Board journey has been the opportunity to collaborate with a diverse group of municipal leaders who are deeply committed to advancing the sector.

I’ve also found it particularly rewarding to contribute to conversations that help shape the future of MISA Ontario—whether that’s identifying priorities, improving how we engage with members, or strengthening the organization’s role within the broader municipal environment.

On a personal level, the experience has reinforced why I chose a career in municipal government. It’s about service, collaboration, and making systems work better for communities.

5. Has serving on the board shifted or reinforced any core leadership values for you? If so, which ones and why?

Serving on the Board has reinforced several core leadership values for me.

First: Ambition and execution
Board experience has deepened my values of innovation and ambition. And while it’s important to have bold ideas; leaders need to create clear, achievable pathways that turn those ideas into tangible outcomes. That balance between vision and delivery has become a defining part of how I approach leadership.

Second: Mentorship and collaboration
Being at the Board table reinforces how much value exists across municipalities. Seeing how different municipalities tackle similar challenges has strengthened my belief that progress accelerates when we actively learn from one another, test ideas, and refine them in our own context. It’s a reminder that innovation is often collective, not individual.

Third: Listening
The diversity of perspectives at the Board table highlights the importance of staying open and curious. As a newer MISA Board member, leadership to be is about creating space for ideas to be shared, challenged, and improved. That includes being willing to test new approaches, learn quickly, and adjust as needed.

6. So far, what board decision, initiative, or conversation stands out to you as having the greatest positive impact on the MISA Ontario community? Why?

The conversation that stands out most to me is the Board’s approach to balancing continuity with renewed vision—particularly as we begin the recruitment process for a new Executive Director for the first time in nearly a decade.

This moment presents a unique opportunity for the organization. There is tremendous value in learning from long-standing MISA members and past leadership—understanding what has made the organization strong, relevant, and trusted within the municipal technology community. At the same time, the Board has been creating space for new ideas, fresh perspectives, and innovative thinking about MISA’s future.

As we look towards what MISA’s next decade will be like, I am empowered by the Board’s ability to ground decisions in the experience and insight of long-standing members while also empowering the Board and future leadership to think creatively, and to dream boldly. MISA is positioning itself to evolve in a way that remains responsive to a rapidly changing municipal technology landscape.

Future Vision & Impact

7. Looking ahead, what impact do you hope MISA Ontario will continue to have for municipalities, and in which areas do you see that impact being most meaningful?

I hope MISA Ontario continues to be the place municipalities turn to for collaboration that improves real service delivery — especially as digital transformation becomes foundational to municipal operations.

I see MISA’s impact being most meaningful in three areas:

1) Cyber resilience and risk readiness. Municipalities need shared learning and strong peer networks to respond to evolving threats and strengthen incident readiness. MISA’s emphasis on cyber resilience programming reflects how important this has become.

2) Translating innovation into action. I’m passionate about the idea that innovation isn’t only for large urban centers — and that smaller municipalities can modernize thoughtfully when they have access to the right examples, and peer support. That’s a big part of why I put my name forward for this work and why I value the MISA community.

3) Sector-wide connection and shared wins. MISA’s events and programming create an environment where municipalities can share what worked (and what didn’t), build relationships, and avoid reinventing the wheel. That kind of collaboration accelerates progress and makes transformation more sustainable.

Ultimately, I hope MISA continues to help municipalities bridge the gap between technology and citizen experience — making public service more accessible, efficient, and responsive.

Beyond the Board: The Person Behind the Role

8. Before joining the MISA Ontario board, how did your career journey evolve, and what personal experience or moment shaped your commitment to community service and volunteer work?

My career has evolved through progressive leadership roles across municipalities of varying sizes. My path has included roles with the Town of Oakville, the Town of Milton, the Township of Puslinch, and now the Town of Erin, where I serve as Director of Legislative Services and Town Clerk.

Volunteerism has been a consistent commitment throughout my career with long standing volunteerism through AMCTO, the Western local government alumni society and now, MISA. Most notably, I have overseen the mentorship program for the Master of Public Administration program at Western past three years where I have matched MPA alumni with MPA students. 

That commitment has shown up through sustained involvement with AMCTO and other sector communities — including mentorship and supporting emerging professionals — because I genuinely believe leadership is about leaving systems stronger than we found them. [misa-asim.ca], [linkedin.com]

9. What is something that might surprise people about you?

My career in local government was inspired at a young age by my dad's journey in fire service. I came to Canada when I was 10 years old, and my immigration journey shaped my core beliefs, reinforcing the importance of delivering services to wide and diverse demographics. While pursuing my degree in political science, I worked various roles for parks and recreation with the Town of Oakville. That experience marked a cornerstone for me - delivering services directly to residents confirmed that local government was the path for me. 

10. How do you stay motivated and inspired in your day-to-day life?

I surround myself with ambitious, driven, empathetic municipal leaders that inspire me and empower me to dream big in my own life!

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We hope you enjoy this first spotlight and look forward to sharing more inspiring stories from our board members in the months ahead.

Advancing Municipal Digital Transformation

Lead the Future of Municipal Tech in Ontario

Executive Director – MISA Ontario

MISA Ontario—the voice of municipal IT leaders across the province—is searching for a visionary Executive Director to champion innovation, strengthen member value, and propel Ontario’s digital government community forward.

As the Association’s chief executive, you’ll shape strategy, elevate partnerships, inspire a talented team, and serve as the leading advocate for municipal technology excellence. If you thrive at the intersection of leadership, technology, and public impact, this is your opportunity to make a province‑wide difference.

What You’ll Lead
• Strategic Direction: Drive MISA Ontario’s long‑term vision, programs, and priorities.
• Governance Leadership: Partner with the Board to fuel effective decision‑making and strong organizational stewardship.
• Financial Oversight: Manage a $1.8M budget, ensure fiscal accountability, and champion sustainable growth.
• People & Culture: Lead and empower a high‑performing remote team.
• Member Value & Events: Shape signature conferences, programs, and services that enrich Ontario’s municipal IT community.
• Advocacy & Influence: Represent MISA Ontario as a respected sector voice—building partnerships, advancing policy discussions, and strengthening government relations.

What You Bring
• 5+ years of senior leadership experience in a non‑profit, association, or related environment (10+ preferred)
• Strong strategic, financial, and operational leadership
• Experience supporting Boards and navigating governance
• Skilled communicator and relationship builder
• Background in government relations, public‑sector work, or municipal environments is a strong asset
• Relevant post‑secondary education; credentials such as MBA, MPA, CAE/CSAE an advantage

Work Environment
• Remote, flexible, Ontario‑based role
• Some travel and occasional evenings/weekends for major events and AGM

Why This Role Matters
This is a rare chance to lead a respected association at the forefront of digital transformation in local government. Your leadership will shape how municipalities across Ontario innovate, collaborate, and deliver modern public services.

Ready to Apply?
Send an updated resume, along with a cover letter to recruiting@misa.on.ca by 5:00 pm ET April 24, 2026. Include “MISA Ontario Executive Director” in email Subject line.

To view the full job posting, click here.

Advancing Municipal Digital Transformation

Connecting Windsor-Essex (CWE) is proud to announce the 
successful completion of its one-year regional cybersecurity training pilot, delivered from 
January 2025 to January 2026, as a part of its strategic commitment to strengthening the 
cybersecurity posture of Windsor-Essex region.

The pilot brought together 18 IT professionals from nine public sector organizations across Windsor-Essex to participate in a coordinated CISSP certification cohort, one of the most globally recognized cybersecurity credentials. 

Participating organizations included the City of Windsor, Windsor Police Service, County of Essex, Essex County Library, Windsor-Essex Catholic District School Board, Greater Essex County District School Board, Conseil scolaire catholique Providence, St. Clair College, and the University of Windsor.

What made this initiative unique was the regional, collaborative approach - bringing together municipal, public safety, and education sector IT professionals to strengthen cybersecurity expertise and build relationships that support stronger information sharing across organizations.

MISA Ontario values the opportunity to bring together its municipal members together from across the province and is proud to highlight success stories from within our community. 

To know more about CWE's recent success, click here.

Follow us on our social media for the latest information. 

• X: https://twitter.com/MISAOntario
• Meta: https://www.facebook.com/misa.on.ca/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/misa-ontario

Submission tips:

• Make sure your title and description accurately reflect your session content. Your title and description will be published in the online program and the Conference App. When considering a title, remember that it should stand alone and convey what your presentation will cover.

• Plan to articulate 2- 3 clearly defined learning objectives that participants can expect to walk away with from your session. Outlining these objectives will encourage the right audience to participate in your session.

• Remember that members are looking for templates, checklists, and lessons learned when designing your session. Although the 'what worked' is essential, the 'what I wish I knew then' is just as valuable.

• For proposals submitted by Partners/Vendors, you MUST include a municipal client co-host who will present with you.

• You may submit multiple proposals on different topics.

• Our audience of 500+ municipal IT professionals is split between senior leaders/managers and front-line/technical leads from municipalities ranging in population size from 20,000 to 500,000+. We have gathered at this annual conference for over 40 years.
• Feel free to challenge your audience with a deep dive into advanced topics or topics unique to various-sized municipalities.

• We have allocated 45 min per session, including Q&A.

• All submissions are considered according to the following criteria:
• Relevance: Does the proposal relate to the target audience? Does it explore concepts of common issues or innovative approaches?
• Applicability: Will tools and templates be included as takeaways? Will a municipal representative lead or co-present?
• Delivery: Does the presentation engage learners through demonstrations, panel discussions, or other interactive activities?
• Concept: Is the overall submission an asset to the conference program?
• MISA Ontario Membership: Is the submission made by a MISA Ontario member municipality/organization

• There is no fee payable by MISA Ontario for this engagement. However, MISA Ontario will provide complimentary day-pass registration for the day you will be speaking.

• All selected presenters must provide a photo and a short bio, which will be used throughout the promotion cycle leading up to the conference, ensuring you'll get maximum visibility for your participation.

Advancing Municipal Digital Transformation

About the Role:

• Reporting directly to the Board of Directors, the Executive Director will:
• Oversee all organizational functions, including strategic planning, financial management, human resources, event programming, member services, communications, and government relations  
• Act as the Association's principal spokesperson and advocate  
• Provide leadership and guidance to an engaged, volunteer Board of Directors

Advancing Municipal Digital Transformation

MISA Ontario would like to thank you for being a valued member! Your participation, support, and engagement help drive our mission forward and strengthen our association. We look forward to another year of working together and continuing to grow, learn, and achieve meaningful impact.

As outlined by our President, Jason White, MISA Ontario is striving toward:  

• Impact through Thought Leadership
• Impact on our Membership
• Impact on Provincial Policy

MISA Ontario will continue to offer benefits in three core areas:

Networks and Communities

• MISA Chat - our real-time online chat platform for municipal members  
• Special Interest Group Meetings focused on municipal technology

Events and Professional Development

• Member discounts on Annual Municipal Technology and Security Conferences

Save the date: MISA Ontario 2026 Annual Conference & Trade Show - June 7-10, 2026 | City of London (More details to follow!)

• Attend and host our monthly webinars
• Post job opportunities for free 

Shared Knowledge and Resources

• MISA Ontario Procurement Guide
• Mutual Aid Agreement for Municipalities
• RFP Rider to extend the exact pricing and services to municipal members: Toolkits, templates, best practices, reports

MISA Ontario will also be working on a new Strategic Plan and is looking forward to your continued support. Your commitment becomes instrumental in helping us thrive and provide valuable resources to our members.

All primary contacts registered with MISA Ontario will receive an email with a renewal invoice during the week of December 15. To ensure the renewal process runs smoothly, please get in touch with your organization's Primary Contact.

We look forward to making 2026 a successful year together. 

If you have any inquiries, please contact Jyotsna Bhargav, Content & Research Specialist at jyotsna@misa.on.ca.

Follow us on our social media for the latest information. 

• X: https://twitter.com/MISAOntario
• Meta: https://www.facebook.com/misa.on.ca/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/misa-ontario

Advancing Municipal Digital Transformation

The Municipal Information Systems Association of Ontario (MISA Ontario) announced the addition of the MISA Ontario Luminary Award, a new distinction recognizing exceptional achievement in municipal technology and digital transformation.

Award purpose and eligibility

The Luminary Award celebrates outstanding contributions across technology infrastructure, cybersecurity, systems design, data architecture, automation, and digital transformation. Eligible nominees must be MISA Ontario members or part of a supporting organization and may be nominated by peers or MISA committees.

Recipients are chosen by a panel of municipal representatives who evaluate nominations against established criteria, including measurable impact on municipal operations or services, innovation, long-term sustainability and scalability of solutions, and demonstrated collaboration across municipalities.

What the award recognizes

The Luminary Award highlights individuals who:

• Deliver clear, measurable improvements to municipal services and operations
• Introduce innovative technical approaches with sustainable, scalable designs
• Actively collaborate with MISA Ontario initiatives and share expertise to accelerate other organizations’ technical goals
  

2025 inaugural recipients and special recognition

The inaugural Luminary Award winners were honoured at the MISA Ontario InfoSec Awards Dinner on Tuesday, October 28, 2025, during the 2025 MISA Ontario InfoSec Conference and Trade Show at the Hamilton Convention Centre in Hamilton.

• Brian Whitelaw, MISA Ontario Alumni; Entrepreneur/Consultant, IT6 Management Consulting Services; Senior Consultant, Perry Group Consulting Ltd. — 2025 Luminary Award recipient

• Brad Hearn, Information Technology Manager, Corporation of the City of Temiskaming Shores — 2025 Luminary Award recipient

• A Special Recognition award was also presented to Phil Walpole, Senior Manager of Business Solutions for the Government of Ontario.

2025 MISA Ontario Luminary Winners:

Brian Whitelaw , MISA Ontario Alumni, Entrepreneur/Consultant, IT6 Management Consulting Services, Senior Consultant at Perry Group Consulting Ltd.

The Inductor Luminary Award honors individuals with exceptional technical contributions to MISA Ontario in technology infrastructure, cybersecurity, systems design, and digital transformation. This year, we celebrate a visionary who has significantly impacted the municipal IT landscape in Ontario.

Our honouree dedicated nearly two decades to the City of London’s IT Services Division, culminating as Associate IT Director. His credentials — CISM, CRISC, CGEIT, PMP, SFIA — reflect his expertise, particularly in cybersecurity and governance. He provided clarity and strategy for complex systems, aiding municipalities in navigating the digital world.

From 2010 to 2014, he served on the MISA Ontario Board, advocating for strong IT governance and cybersecurity. He received the John Cushing Award of Merit in 2014 for his outstanding service.

Currently with The Perry Group, he utilizes his skills in IT governance, cybersecurity, policy development, and organizational assessment, helping municipalities enhance their digital foundations. A generous mentor and collaborator, he inspires others and strengthens the community through shared knowledge.

Brad Hearn, Information Technology Manager, Corporation of the City of Temiskaming Shores

Since 1999, more than 50 Ontario municipalities have connected a physical server to the provincial ICON system using an aging solution that now runs on unsupported operating systems and presents a serious security risk. MISA Ontario formed this special interest group as a project to coordinate members, share information, and serve as the liaison with provincial partners to support a move to a newer virtual solution. 

The initiative requires no central funding—only time for collaboration—though individual municipalities may face costs to migrate their environments.

In the Icon Special Interest Group, Brad has played a crucial role in helping many achieve the provincially mandated goal of migrating from outdated and insecure hardware to supported virtual systems. The impact he has had across the province and the collaboration he has fostered will be appreciated for years to come. For these reasons, congratulations to Brad as one of the first recipients of the MISA Ontario Luminary Award.

Special Recognition Award

Phil Walpole. Senior Manager, Business Solutions (Acting)

Phil Walpole, Senior Manager of Business Solutions for the Government of Ontario, was recognized with the Special Recognition Award in his absence.

In the Icon Special Interest Group, Phil has served as our provincial liaison. He has played a crucial role in the migration of all POA court municipalities across Ontario. Phil has consistently attended our meetings, addressed our questions, and actively participated in our group.  MISA Ontario would like to acknowledge Phil for his invaluable support and participation in this technology transformation. This milestone couldn't have achieved this without him.

Learn more

Details about MISA Ontario’s awards program and past winners are available on the MISA Ontario Awards page.

Advancing Municipal Digital Transformation

Submit Your 2026 MISA Ontario Webinar Proposals

We invite MISA Ontario members to submit a webinar proposal for consideration by the Events & Programming Committee. There is no cost to host one of these webinars. We offer a monthly webinar series throughout the year, excluding July & August. 

Municipalities or affiliates typically host MISA Ontario webinars to share direct experiences and lessons learned with their fellow municipal peers.

Important for MISA Ontario and NPP members:  You MUST submit a proposal that has another Canadian municipality identified as their co-host. Partner submissions must have an identified municipal co-host to be considered.

MISA Ontario provides online registration and marketing for each webinar.

General guidelines:

• You can submit more than one proposal.
• You must be a MISA Ontario member in good standing (or willing to acquire a MISA Ontario membership) to be considered to host a webinar.
• Topics must be relevant to municipal IT professionals. 
• Webinar length can be up to 60 minutes, including Q&A.
• There should be no cost to MISA Ontario to provide the webinar or for members to attend the webinar.

We must receive your proposal(s) by  November 28, 2025 . If you have any questions, please contact us at  info@misa.on.ca  .

Submit Your 2026 MISA Ontario Webinar Proposals

Advancing Municipal Digital Transformation

Jason White has a depth of expertise and experience in IT leadership. Jason has consistently supported organizations across various business functions in achieving their strategic and operational goals.

He has held several IT roles in municipal and affiliate organizations. He is currently serving as Chief Administrative Officer for the Township of Stone Mills. He was previously the Manager of Information Technology Services at Utilities Kingston and, before that, managed IT services at the County of Lennox and Addington.

What stands out in knowing more about Jason is his passion for problem-solving and prioritizing stakeholder needs. We hope to see MISA Ontario reach greater heights under Jason’s leadership. 

His drive for community service is evident through this insightful Q&A.

We thank Jason for taking the time to sit down with MISA Ontario to share his thoughtful direction for the organization and for allowing us to learn more about him.

When did you join MISA Ontario, and what initially motivated you to get involved?

I joined MISA Ontario in December 2013 when I started my first municipal role at the county level. During the recruitment process, I had the pleasure of working with Susan Chase from Newmarket, who was kind enough to provide guidance and put me in touch with Dan Munns, who was the current MISA president at the time. Dan gave me a great overview of the municipal sector, offered his ongoing assistance, and advised me to attend the MISA annual conference in Ottawa in 2014. What initially motivated me to get involved was the immediate sense of community and support I experienced - having seasoned professionals like Susan and Dan willing to mentor someone new to the sector really showed me the value of MISA's collaborative network.

What personal or professional factors inspired you to volunteer and eventually pursue a leadership role on the board?

In the years leading up to my more formal participation on the board, I had been increasingly interested in giving back to the organization that had given me so much. This started with submitting proposals for presentations at conferences, sharing my experiences and lessons learned with fellow members. But participating on the board felt like the natural progression in giving back to the community that had supported my professional growth.

What advice would you offer to someone considering joining MISA Ontario, or to those who are already members, on how to get more involved?

My advice would be to start by submitting presentations about work you're proud of to speak at conferences. It's a great way to share your unique perspective while learning from others' experiences. Getting involved with committees is equally valuable - it allows you to contribute your distinct viewpoint while gaining insights from diverse perspectives across the membership.

Could you share a memorable moment or success story from your journey with MISA Ontario?

One memorable moment that really stands out was a presentation at an InfoSec event from a municipality that had undergone a cybersecurity compromise. The presentation was raw and honest - you could tell the presenter had obviously been put through the ringer dealing with this incident. But what struck me most was how the membership rallied around them.

The room was packed, and while everyone was there to learn about this critical topic, what I witnessed was something deeper. The questions weren't accusatory or judgmental - they were supportive and focused on learning. The membership cared about the cybersecurity topic, absolutely, but they cared even more about their peer who had the courage to share such a difficult experience.

It was a perfect example of MISA's culture in action. Here was someone who could have easily stayed quiet about a challenging situation but instead chose to help the entire community learn from their experience. And the membership responded with the kind of professional support and genuine care that defines our organization. 

Our previous President, April Towns, had the theme “Reconnect.” What will your theme be as president, and what key priorities do you plan to focus on over the next two years?

While it's challenging to sum up a presidency in one word, "Impact" captures what I want to achieve. I envision impact across three key areas over the next two years.

• First, Impact through Thought Leadership - providing content like white papers on emerging topics that affect municipal IT. Whether it's AI implementation, cybersecurity frameworks, or digital transformation strategies, MISA should be producing authoritative guidance that municipalities across Ontario can rely on.
  
  
• Second, Impact on our Membership - supporting the upskilling of our members through enhanced educational opportunities. This means expanding our professional development offerings, creating more targeted learning paths, and ensuring our members have the tools they need to advance in their careers and better serve their communities.
  
  
• Third, Impact on Provincial Policy - contributing meaningfully to provincial policy discussions and providing our members with clear direction on policy implementation. As municipal IT becomes increasingly strategic to government operations, we need to translate policy changes into practical guidance for our membership.

What do you view as the most significant opportunities and challenges facing MISA Ontario right now?

The most significant challenge - and opportunity - facing MISA Ontario right now is the rapid pace of change. The rate of change seems to be on a constant upward trend, and our members need time and resources to help navigate these transformations effectively.

While AI may be over discussed in some circles, the rate at which it has been introduced into virtually every product and service has been staggering. This presents a challenge for municipal IT professionals who must evaluate these new capabilities while maintaining stable and secure operations for their communities.

The opportunity lies in MISA's ability to be that trusted filter and guide. We can help our members distinguish between genuine innovation and marketing hype, provide practical frameworks for evaluating new technologies, and create forums for sharing real-world implementation experiences.

The challenge is keeping pace with this change while ensuring that we provide timely and relevant guidance. We need to be agile enough to address emerging issues quickly, but thorough enough to provide the depth of analysis our members need to make informed decisions.

Looking ahead, what excites you the most about the future of our association over the next two years?

What excites me most is that we have several new board members who will bring fresh perspectives. This is always a great opportunity to introduce new ideas and innovate on existing ones.

Fresh eyes often see solutions that those of us who've been deeply involved might miss. These new board members come from different municipalities, different backgrounds, and different stages in their careers, which means they'll bring diverse viewpoints to our strategic discussions. They might question approaches we've always taken for granted or suggest creative solutions we hadn't considered.

Please describe your communication style, and in what ways has it influenced your approach to leadership?

I love conversation and exploring ideas through dialogue. I can be categorized as a debater, but I debate not to argue a specific side, but rather to better understand different perspectives and arrive at stronger solutions.

You have held several IT roles in municipal and affiliate organizations—from managing IT services at the County of Lennox and Addington to transitioning from Manager of IT Services at Utilities Kingston and now serving as Chief Administrative Officer for the Township of Stone Mills. What has it been like moving from the technology side to the business side?

It's been a challenging change, but one that my experience in IT leadership has helped prepare me for. As an IT leader, you have to spend a considerable amount of time understanding the needs of other lines of business and helping facilitate those objectives. This can be a very transferable skill set.

The biggest adjustment has been shifting from being the subject matter expert to being the facilitator who relies on others' expertise. In IT, I could often provide the technical solution myself. As CAO, my role is to create the conditions for others to succeed.

What hasn't changed is the focus on service delivery and problem-solving. Whether it's ensuring network uptime or managing municipal services, the core principle remains the same - understanding stakeholder needs and delivering reliable solutions that serve the community.

Outside of your professional life, what hobbies or interests help you recharge?

I still homelab IT solutions, and I like to build things like decks and garages or do home improvements. Still feel like a hobby despite spending a significant amount my career doing some in technology matters.

What is something that might surprise people about you?

I was adopted by my aunt and Uncle.

What does “community” mean to you, and how do you express that value in your daily life?

Community is participating with other people that I can count on and being a person that can be counted on. My participation in MISA reflects that.

Don't hesitate to get in touch with our new MISA Ontario President at president@misa.on.ca  and connect with him on LinkedIn.

Advancing Municipal Digital Transformation

The MISA Ontario Board of Directors would like to inform all members that Anne Babej, our Executive Director has resigned. Effective immediately, Jacqueline O’Hara, Community Manager, will assume the role of Acting Executive Director during this transition period.

We extend our deepest gratitude to Anne for her outstanding leadership and dedication over the past nine years. Under her guidance, MISA Ontario has seen strong growth in its signature events, most notably the rapid expansion of the InfoSec conference, along with increased member engagement and community vitality. She skillfully led the association through the challenges of the pandemic, ensuring continuity, resilience, and progress. Her strategic insight, steady counsel, and commitment to excellence have left a lasting mark on the organization and its members. While we are saddened by her departure the Board fully supports her choice and wishes her every success in her future endeavors.

Looking ahead, the Board will be initiating a comprehensive recruitment process for a permanent Executive Director. In the meantime, Jacqueline O’Hara will serve as the primary contact for members, partners, and stakeholders.

On behalf of the Board, we thank our members for their continued support and look forward to building upon the strong foundation that Anne has helped establish.

Sincerely,
 
Jason White
 
President, MISA Ontario
 
On behalf of the Board of Directors

info@misa.on.ca

Advancing Municipal Digital Transformation

Click HERE to Submit Your Speaker Proposal

2025 MISA Ontario InfoSec Conference and Trade Show
October 27 - 29, 2025
Sheraton Hamilton/Hamilton Convention Centre

We are looking for conference session speakers/facilitators with innovative solutions and great stories and lessons learned to share for this year's program. Our education program will focus on content for managers and front-line/technical professionals, targeted exclusively to municipal IT security professionals.

The submission deadline is August 15, 2025.

Why Speak at InfoSec 2025?

• Ignite Meaningful Dialogue
• Spark innovative discussions that drive improvements in municipal cybersecurity.
• Forge Valuable Connections
• Network with municipal peers and industry experts committed to progress.
• Make a Lasting Impact 
• Empower municipalities with insights that resonate far beyond the conference.
  

 
Past speakers have included:

• City of Kitchener
• City of Peterborough
• City of Pickering
• Municipality of Chatham-Kent
• Town of St. Marys
• York Region, and other organizations.

Submission tips:

• Make sure your title and description accurately reflect your session content. The online program and the InfoSec Conference App will publish your title and description. When considering a title, remember that it should be able to stand alone and convey what your presentation will cover.

• Plan to articulate 2- 3 clearly defined learning objectives that participants can expect to walk away with from your session. Outlining these objectives will encourage the right audience to participate in your session and assist with committee selection.

• Remember that members look for templates, checklists, and lessons learned when designing your session. Although the 'what worked' is essential, the 'what I wish I knew then' is just as valuable.

• For proposals submitted by Partners/Vendors, you MUST include a (confirmed) municipal client co-host who will present with you. If no municipal client is provided, the proposal will not be considered.

• You may submit a maximum of two proposals from one organization.

Target Audience
Our audience of municipal cyber security specialists is split between senior leaders/managers and front-line/technical leads from municipalities ranging in population size from 20,000 to 500,000+.

Session Formats
We have allocated 45 minutes for each session which includes Q & A.

Proposal Evaluations;
All submissions are considered according to the following criteria:

• Relevance: Does the proposal relate to the target audience? Does it explore concepts of common issues or innovative approaches?

• Applicability: Will tools and templates be included as take-aways? Will a municipal representative lead or co-present?

• Delivery: Does the presentation engage learners through demonstrations, different experiences/experiences shared on a panel?

• Concept: Is the overall submission an asset to the conference program?

• MISA Ontario Membership: All sessions MUST be delivered by a MISA Ontario member municipality/organization in good standing.

Remuneration
MISA Ontario does not charge for this engagement. However, it will provide a complimentary daytime pass for the day you will be speaking.

Marketing and Promotion
All selected presenters will upload a photo and short bio to the conference app, which will be used throughout the promotion cycle leading up to the conference, ensuring you'll get maximum visibility for your participation.

Advancing Municipal Digital Transformation

The Municipal Information Systems Association of Ontario (MISA) recognizes people and organizations for excellence in the use and delivery of technology.  A panel of representatives from various municipalities selects award recipients from all the nominations received based on set criteria.

This year's winners were honoured at the MISA Ontario Awards Dinner on Monday, June 2, at the  2025 MISA Ontario Annual Conference and Trade Show in the City of Windsor at Caesars Windsor. Recipients are listed left to right.

2025 Excellence in Municipal Systems Award Winners included:

Township of King

King's Artificial Intelligence Program

• Marco Cheng-Perri, Manager, Digital Transformation, Data and Corporate Performance
• Jennifer Caietta, Director of Corporate Services
• Download Presentation HERE

Region of Waterloo

Designing a Digital Solution to Enhance Road Safety

• Helen Hiebert, Business Relationship Manager (IT)
  

• Theresa Mendler, Manager of Strategic Community Planning Initiatives

• Terry Yantzi, IT Director (absent)
• Download Presentation HERE

City of North Bay

North Bay Recreational Site Solution (RSS)

• Derek Warmington, Manager, Information Systems

• Tim Price, GIS Coordinator, Information Systems
• Cameron Lacelle, GIS Specialist, Information Systems
  
• Steve Melnichuk, Director, Information Systems
• Download Presentation HERE

People's Choice

• City of North Bay - North Bay Recreational Site Solution (RSS)

City of Kitchener

Cooling Our City:  An Equitable Guide to Tree Planting  Program

• Jason Goetz, Assistant Professor, Geography and Environmental Studies, Wilfred Laurier University

• Melanie Wawryk, Manager Geospatial Data and Analytics, City of Kitchener
  
• Download Presentation HERE

Life Membership

Timothy Schnare, Ericsson

Joel Shapiro, Digital Boundary Group

Life Membership is awarded to MISA member representatives who have demonstrated commitment to the association over several years. Recipients have been active participants in committees and served on the Board of Directors, consistently embodying dedication and excellence.

Tim Schnare is a dedicated and unwavering ambassador for MISA, regardless of which organization he represents - Cisco, OnX, Cradlepoint, and now Ericsson - he has actively contributed to MISA and brought awareness of the value MISA represents wherever he goes. He has also participated in committees, served as the Partner Representative on the Board of Directors, and honoured with the Partner of the Year award.

Joel Shapiro exemplifies the spirit of who qualifies for Life Membership with his long-standing support of MISA Ontario. As a sponsor, exhibitor, workshop leader, speaker, and active member, he has attended approximately 70 MISA conferences nationwide. Joel truly understands the importance of building relationships. His contributions have been further acknowledged by being honoured as Partner of the Year on two occasions, as well as through his service as Partner Representative on the Board of Directors.

Roy Wiseman Award

Matt Caplin, Windsor Police Service

The prestigious Roy Wiseman Award is presented to individuals who serve as role models and mentors through their dedication and visionary leadership. This year, we are honoured to present the award to Matt Caplin, whose tireless service has made a lasting impact on MISA Ontario.

Matt shows his commitment to the organization with his outstanding financial stewardship and consistent leadership. He has been actively involved with MISA Ontario since 2002, serving on the Board since 2014 and holding the role of Treasurer since 2015. His financial acumen has yielded consistently clean audits, solid reserves, and a stable foundation that underwrites investments in program delivery, the development of new partnerships, and staff expansion.

Beyond his Board responsibilities, Matt has enriched MISA Ontario by co-hosting the Annual Conference in 2005, 2017, and now in 2025. 

His dedication was further recognized when he received the esteemed John Cushing Award of Merit for his exceptional service. Always a voice of reason and strategic insight, Matt has developed numerous financial policies to mitigate risk and secure the organization's future growth.

By consistently embodying excellence in leadership and financial management, Matt Caplin joins an elite group of previous Roy Wiseman Award recipients, including Roy Wiseman himself, Kathryn Bulko, Harry Turnbull, and Geoff Hogan.

Regena Lerke Distinguished Service Award and Recognition of Years of Service on the Board of Directors

Jamie Hagg, City of Peterborough

Regena Lerke was a remarkable leader who helped shape MISA Ontario through her dedication, warmth, and readiness to step up when it mattered most. The Regena Lerke Distinguished Service Award honours an individual who embodies her spirit by working "beyond the call" with humour and humanity, creating a significant impact on the organization and its members.

This year, Jamie Hagg, City of Peterborough, received the Regena Lerke Award for Distinguished Service. Over the past eight years, Jamie has consistently served the MISA Ontario Board with thoughtful, calm, and kind leadership. Whether navigating board discussions, mentoring new members, or simply being a reliable pillar for others, Jamie's contribution has made a profound difference in the organization.

Jamie's commitment and exemplary service truly reflect the values that Regena stood for, making him a deserving recipient of this distinguished award.

Jamie also received an award in recognition of years of service on the Board of Directors, highlighted by the following roles:

• Past President: 2023 – 2025
• President: 2021 – 2023
• Vice President: 2019 – 2021
• Director, Central Region: 2017 – 2019

Please visit our awards page to learn more about our awards, including the criteria.

If you have any questions, please get in touch with MISA Ontario Community Manager,  Jacqueline O'Hara .

Advancing Municipal Digital Transformation

Nominee:  Kush Sharma, City of Hamilton

LinkedIn Profile

Board of Director role you are applying for

Western Region Director

Current Job Title

CISO

Please provide a brief overview of relevant professional experience

Kush is an award-winning leader with  nearly three decades of experience. He is an active member of the global cyber community, supported over 20 Digital Transformations valued at $1B+ each, was named Global Enterprise CIO of the year, and has led teams through cyber breach response first-hand.  His experience market cap is approximately $2.5T and is an innovator specializing in building digital cyber capabilities in complex, decentralized, political organizations with initiatives ranging in value between $500k-$1B.
 
Kush also has experience of $34B in M&A, has overseen 700+ reports, managed $150M in budgets, lead a portfolio of 100 programs, co-authored the world’s first Cyber Accountability Policy via the WEF, and is currently on the National CISO Committee on Information Protection for Canada as Vice-Chair.  

Kush is the inaugural CISO for the City of Hamilton and Digital Infrastructure leader (Data Centers, Network, Databases, Cloud, and Radios).

Kush was the CISO for CP Rail, inaugural CIO for Aptitude 360, inaugural CISO for the City of Toronto, inaugural Security Executive at Saputo, and advised over 50 organizations from the Fortune 500 to Governments during his 14-year tenure with Accenture and Deloitte.

Please provide a brief overview of previous involvement with MISA Ontario (Board experience, Committee involvement, conference or event volunteer)

- Kush is the Director of Municipal Modernization & Partnerships
- Initiated countless initiatives for MISA (~50)
- Lobbying for Municipalities with Federal & Provincial governments
- Lead for CIO and CISO SIGs
- Founder of MISA Cyer Outlook survey
- Lead for TMU cyber range program
- Input on Annual and Infosec content/program
- Vice Chair of national NCCIP committee for Canada

Please provide a brief overview of other board or volunteer experience (if applicable)

- Digital Governance Council - AI Ethics Advisory Panel + Open Finance, Cyber, Privacy, and Smart City Committees 
- siberX CISO advisory board
- cyber security community of practice Province of Ontario
- PTM member - CSE
- NATO canada 
- iSMG 
- Evanta toronto governing body
- DIACC
- PSCIOC (former)

How long have you been a MISA Member?

2020

Kush will take a temporary leave of absence from his paid role as MISA Ontario's Director, Municipal Modernization & Partnerships during the election process (2 weeks).

If successfully elected Kush has committed to resigning from his contracted role with MISA Ontario.

Quick Links

MISA Ontario Board of Director Election Page

Advancing Municipal Digital Transformation

Nominee: Marc Rancourt, City of Greater Sudbury

LinkedIn Profile

Board of Director role you are applying for

Northern Region Director

Nominated by:

- Ron St-Onge (City of Greater Sudbury)

Current Job Title

Manager of Business Systems

Please provide a brief overview of relevant professional experience

Marc brings over 25 years of technology and leadership experience, including 20 years in the municipal sector. Throughout his career, he has provided technology architecture direction, financial oversight, resource management, supplier partnership management, strategy development, and efficiency management for projects, programs, and operations.

As Manager of Business Systems, his current portfolio includes program management for ERP and CRM platforms, as well as administrative systems.

As Project Manager and certified PMP, Marc has led several large modernization projects, including the development of the Corporate IT Strategic Plan and IT Governance Framework, implementation of the PerfectMind Registration and Booking System, and the transition to Outlook and Office 365. These initiatives involved strategic thinking, IT enterprise architecture, cultural shifts and championed technology adoption.

As a Business Analyst and IT Business Relationship Manager, he’s aligned stakeholder actions with IT strategies. His role involved partnering with clients to define business requirements, considering technical, cultural, and risk factors, and ensuring stakeholder buy-in from pre-project stages.

Marc deeply values the peer collaboration and service provider partnerships facilitated by MISA. Connections and insights gained through the Infosec and Annual Trade Show conferences have been instrumental to his professional success and growth. He looks forwards to contributing to the MISA community.

Please provide a brief overview of previous involvement with MISA Ontario (Board experience, Committee involvement, conference or event volunteer)

Marc has attended several MISA Annual Conference and Tradeshows and Infosec conference. He has also contributed to various other municipal peer collaborations (and encourages his teams to do so) such as the Xplor Recreation Ontario Municipal User Group, Windsor-Essex Emergency Medical Services collaborative procurement to name a few.

Please provide a brief overview of other board or volunteer experience (if applicable)

Marc is a member of the Technology Program Advisory Committee for College Boreal where he influences the development of tomorrow's IT workforce.

How long have you been a MISA Member?

The City of Greater Sudbury has been a member if MISA since Marc joining the organization in 2006.

Quick Links

MISA Ontario Board of Director Election Page

Advancing Municipal Digital Transformation

Nominee: Richard Drouillard, Municipality of Chatham-Kent

LinkedIn Profile

Board of Director role you are applying for

Director at Large

Current Job Title

Manager of Security and Risk

Please provide a brief overview of relevant professional experience

I have worked in the municipal space for 20 years in many roles within IT including: DBA, ERP Admin, Project Manager and now Manager of Security and Risk.

Please provide a brief overview of previous involvement with MISA Ontario (Board experience, Committee involvement, conference or event volunteer)

I have had the pleasure of presenting several times at InfoSec and serve on the member benefits committee.

Please provide a brief overview of other board or volunteer experience (if applicable)

I have served on the board of Habitat for Humanity Chatham-Kent in several capacities including Board Chair and several sub-committees.

I have also enjoyed serving on the local Science Fair planning committee for my community.

How long have you been a MISA Member?

7 Years

Quick Links

MISA Ontario Board of Director Election Page

Advancing Municipal Digital Transformation

Nominee: Nina Lecic, Town of Erin

LinkedIn Profile

Board of Director role you are applying for

Director at Large

Nominated by:

- Becky Jamieson (Town of Whitchurch-Stouffville)

- Nicole Cooper (Town of Ajax)

- Morgan Calvert (Township of Adelaide Metcalfe)

- Jeff Davies (Wellington County)

- Rob Adams and Asher Jaffri (Town of Erin)

Current Job Title

Director of Legislative Services and Town Clerk

Please provide a brief overview of relevant professional experience

A tireless advocate of digital transformation, my municipal career has spanned 17 years and four municipalities of different sizes, priorities and budgets- The Town of Oakville, Milton, Erin and the Township of Puslinch. I have led IT in two municipalities including my current role as the Director of Legislative Services and Clerk for the Town of Erin where I oversee Information Technology, Clerks, Human Resources and By-law Enforcement.

We are a municipality of 12,000 residents that is doubling in size allowing us to embark on a tremendous journey of digital transformation. I believe IT is a crucial enabler for all Municipal operations and I enjoy being a driving force in innovation and change management for the municipalities where I work.

Please provide a brief overview of previous involvement with MISA Ontario (Board experience, Committee involvement, conference or event volunteer)

I have participated in MISA through the last two Municipalities I have worked in. During my time with the Town of Milton, I managed the rollout of the Town’s Digital Records Management solution which won the MISA 2024 Excellence in Municipal Systems Award, as well as the People’s Choice Award. In my current role, I lean heavily on the knowledge and expertise of MISA and its members to guide our transformative IT journey. I look forward to sharing our journey and learning from the MISA membership.

Please provide a brief overview of other board or volunteer experience (if applicable)

Volunteerism is extremely important to me and I have consistently sought to make meaningful contributions throughout my Municipal journey. My involvement with AMCTO has been significant and has included: serving on the Board of Directors for two terms, serving as a Director for Zones 2 and 3 for over five years, engaging in the EDI Committee, and serving as a mentor over the past three years. Most recently, I was elected as Chair of the Zone 2 Executive by my local peers. 

In addition to AMCTO, I have volunteered as a Director on the Western Local Government Alumni Society for the past three years, including the annual conference planning committee. Most notably, I have overseen the mentorship program for the past two years where I have matched MPA alumni with MPA students. 

I am drawn to continue my volunteering journey with MISA because of the organization’s commitment to “sharing best practices, collaboration among peers and volunteerism”.

How long have you been a MISA Member?

1 Year

Quick Links

MISA Ontario Board of Director Election Page

Advancing Municipal Digital Transformation

Nominee: Matt Murray, The Corporation of the County of Simcoe

LinkedIn Profile

Board of Director role you are applying for

Central Region Director 

Current Job Title

Manager, Information Services & Applications

Please provide a brief overview of relevant professional experience

My professional journey in the municipal sector began as a GIS Technician in 2008, where I developed a strong foundation in spatial data, asset management, and departmental service support. This experience sparked a broader interest in how technology can drive innovation and efficiency across municipal operations.

I later moved into a Business Systems Analyst role, which allowed me to expand my focus to include enterprise applications, business process improvement, and cross-departmental system integration and project management. From there, I advanced to a Supervisor role, where I led the successful delivery of several key IT initiatives—gaining valuable experience in stakeholder engagement, labour relations, and change management.

Today, I serve as Manager, Information Services and Applications, where I lead a team responsible for enterprise software, data governance, integrations, and technology strategy. This role has deepened my understanding of the evolving needs and challenges within the municipal technology landscape, from supporting front-line services to driving long-term digital transformation.

In 2024, with support from Salesforce, I launched and continue to organize the Canadian Municipal Salesforce User Group—a platform that brings together public sector professionals from across the country to collaborate, share insights, and support one another in leveraging Salesforce within municipal environments.

To complement my hands-on experience, I’m also working toward completing AMCTO’s Municipal Administration Program (MAP), which is helping strengthen my knowledge of municipal operations and governance and further aligning my work with broader public service goals.

Please provide a brief overview of previous involvement with MISA Ontario (Board experience, Committee involvement, conference or event volunteer)

While I have not yet held a formal position with MISA Ontario, I’ve had the opportunity to actively support the organization through my involvement with the Central Region. Over the past two years, I’ve worked closely with the current Central Region Director to help organize and coordinate the Central Region one-day events in both 2024 and 2025. These events were extremely well received by attendees and provided valuable opportunities for networking, knowledge sharing, and community engagement within the municipal IT sector.

Through this experience, I’ve gained a deeper appreciation for MISA Ontario’s role in supporting collaboration and innovation across municipalities, and I’m eager to continue contributing to its success.

Please provide a brief overview of other board or volunteer experience (if applicable)

Over the past decade, I’ve been actively involved in several community organizations, taking on a variety of leadership and volunteer roles. For the past eight years, I’ve volunteered with our local minor hockey association, serving as both a coach and executive member. In my role as Ice Scheduler, I was responsible for coordinating ice time across all levels of play—a role that required strong organizational skills and ongoing collaboration with coaches, parents, and facility staff.

Since 2013, I’ve also been a dedicated member of the Coldwater and District Agricultural Society. I served as Second Vice President for three years, followed by four years as President from 2018 to 2022. During my time as President, I helped lead the organization through a strategic planning process and a full review and update of its constitution.

In addition, I’ve served as a Director with the Coldwater Lions Club and continue to support youth sports in my community by coaching local ball hockey and baseball programs for the past three years.

These roles have allowed me to stay connected to my community while contributing to the growth and sustainability of the organizations I care about.

How long have you been a MISA Member?

10 Years

Quick Links

MISA Ontario Board of Director Election Page

Advancing Municipal Digital Transformation

Nominee: Becky Jamieson, Town of Whitchurch-Stouffville

LinkedIn Profile

Board of Director role you are applying for

Vice-President

Nominated by:

- Nicole Cooper (Town of Ajax)
- Chris Walker (Town of Ajax)
- Chris Bailey (Middlesex County)
- Brian McPhail (Town of Whitchurch-Stouffville)
- Morgan Calvert (Township of Adelaide Metcalfe)
- Matt Murray (Simcoe County)

Current Job Title

Commissioner, Corporate Services/Clerk

Please provide a brief overview of relevant professional experience

Becky’s career in municipal government began in an entry-level professional role with the Township of Brock, where her aptitude for leadership and innovation quickly propelled her into senior management. Early in her career, she was appointed Township Clerk and later advanced to the role of Director of Corporate Services/Clerk for the Township of Scugog.

In this capacity, she executed a comprehensive transformation of the municipality’s Technology Division. Notable achievements under her leadership include the development and implementation of a five-year IT Strategic Plan, successful deployment of multiple enterprise-level systems—including a Customer Relationship Management (CRM) platform—enhanced audiovisual infrastructure to support hybrid Council meetings, and significant cybersecurity advancements.

Currently serving as the Commissioner of Corporate Services and Town Clerk for the Town of Whitchurch-Stouffville, Becky provides strategic oversight to a broad portfolio of municipal functions, including Information Technology, Clerk’s Services, Bylaw Enforcement, and Adjudication Services.

Becky is widely recognized across the municipal sector as a respected peer, strategic thinker, and results-driven leader. Her ability to drive impactful technology change in fiscally constrained environments has distinguished her as a leading practitioner in public sector innovation.

Within her first year at Whitchurch-Stouffville, she has led several high-impact initiatives, including the development of a new five-year Digital Strategy, a Council Chamber modernization project, an e-commerce and fillable forms transformation initiative, and the implementation of the CityView land management system.

Please provide a brief overview of previous involvement with MISA Ontario (Board experience, Committee involvement, conference or event volunteer)

Becky has played an active leadership role within the MISA Ontario community, currently serving as the MISA Central Representative for the past two years. In this capacity, she has led efforts to enhance member engagement through improved communications and targeted programming. She launched and continues to facilitate semi-annual regional learning meet-ups, enabling municipal IT professionals to connect, collaborate, and share insights on emerging technologies and strategic initiatives across Ontario.

Becky also serves on the MISA Ontario Governance Committee, where she contributes to the strategic direction and operational governance of the association. She is known for being highly responsive and proactive in communicating opportunities for involvement—such as speaking engagements, award nominations, webinars, and special projects—ensuring members remain informed and empowered to participate.

Under her leadership in Scugog, Becky and her team were awarded the MISA Excellence in Municipal Systems Award in 2022 for their innovative use of technology to enhance customer service delivery.

A MISA member for the past four years, Becky has consistently participated in the association’s flagship events, including the annual MISA Ontario Conference and InfoSec Conference, where she remains actively engaged in professional development and sector-wide dialogue.

Please provide a brief overview of other board or volunteer experience (if applicable)

Becky’s longstanding record of volunteerism and community leadership reflects a deep and sustained commitment to both the municipal and broader public service sectors. She has served for several years as a Director on AMCTO’s Zone 4 Board, contributing to strategic governance and professional development initiatives within the municipal administration community.

She is also an active member of the planning committee for the Western Local Government Program Alumni Conference, helping to shape meaningful dialogue and knowledge exchange among emerging and established public sector leaders.

Beyond her professional affiliations, Becky has demonstrated her civic-mindedness through numerous volunteer roles across community and sport-based organizations. Her involvement includes governance and leadership positions with the Sunderland Ringette Association, the Ontario Ringette Association, the Sunderland Agricultural Society, and the Brock Rugby Club.

Whether serving as a board director, coach, or program volunteer, Becky brings the same dedication and collaborative spirit to her community work that she does to the municipal IT field.

How long have you been a MISA Member?

4 Years

Quick Links

MISA Ontario Board of Director Election Page

Advancing Municipal Digital Transformation

Nominee: Jordan W. Kelly, Town of Newmarket

LinkedIn Profile

Board of Director role you are applying for

Central Region Director 

Current Job Title

Manager, Infrastructure & Client Services

Please provide a brief overview of relevant professional experience

I’m a creative, solutions-focused IT professional with close to 20 years of experience across a mix of environments, from small businesses to large organizations in both the public and private sectors.

What’s kept me passionate about this work is the variety. Every organization brings its own challenges and goals, and I love figuring out how technology can help meet those needs. I’m big on collaboration, always happy to jump in and support the team, and I take a lot of pride in delivering practical, reliable solutions that actually make a difference.

For almost a decade now, I’ve been with the Town of Newmarket. It’s been a rewarding experience, not just in terms of the work we do, but also in the strong partnerships and connections I’ve built across the municipal space.

Please provide a brief overview of previous involvement with MISA Ontario (Board experience, Committee involvement, conference or event volunteer)

I’ve consistently attended the annual and security conferences, along with other MISA events each year. I’m genuinely excited about the opportunity to become more actively involved and contribute in new and meaningful ways.

Please provide a brief overview of other board or volunteer experience (if applicable)

I previously served a 2-year term on my condo board, where I gained valuable experience in governance, collaboration, and decision-making on behalf of the community. 

While I'm still building my broader board portfolio, I see this as a great opportunity to deepen that experience while giving back to a meaningful organization. I’ve also participated in various volunteer initiatives over the years and look forward to contributing to MISA in a more active and impactful way.

How long have you been a MISA Member?

10 Years

Quick Links

MISA Ontario Board of Director Election Page

Advancing Municipal Digital Transformation

Nominee: Chris Bailey, County of Middlesex

LinkedIn Profile

Nominated by
Morgan Calvert, Becky Jamieson, Nicole Cooper

Board of Director role you are applying for

Western Region Director 

Current Job Title

Director of Information Technology Services

Please provide a brief overview of relevant professional experience

I began my IT career in the private sector over 20 years ago. After gaining valuable experience there, I transitioned to the public sector in 2009, taking on an IT role with Middlesex County. Since then, I’ve progressed through several stages of my career, from hands-on technical roles to leadership positions. For the past eight years, I’ve been in management, and I’ve served as the Director of Information Technology Services for over three years.

In my time as a leader, I’ve been actively involved in initiatives that align closely with MISA’s mission. These experiences, combined with my long-standing involvement in MISA events, make me a strong candidate for a position on the MISA Board.

Please provide a brief overview of previous involvement with MISA Ontario (Board experience, Committee involvement, conference or event volunteer)

I attended my first MISA conference in 2012 and have been actively involved ever since. With the exception of one year when I welcomed the birth of my daughter I have participated in at least one MISA event annually. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of speaking at both the MISA Annual Conference and the InfoSec Conference, and I’ve consistently volunteered my time to support the incredible MISA team whenever needed.

In 2021, I was honored to receive the Regena Lerke Distinguished Service Award, recognizing my contributions to MISA Ontario and the broader IT community. The following year, I served as Chair for the 2022 Annual Conference, hosted in Middlesex-London. This event marked MISA’s return to in-person gatherings post-pandemic and was widely regarded as a resounding success.

How long have you been a MISA Member?

15 Years

Quick Links

MISA Ontario Board of Director Election Page

Advancing Municipal Digital Transformation

Nominee: Steven W. Melnichuk, The Corporation of the City of North Bay

LinkedIn Profile

Board of Director role you are applying for

Treasurer

Current Job Title

Director, Information Systems

Please provide a brief overview of relevant professional experience

A seasoned IT executive with almost 30 years of experience in technology leadership, governance, and infrastructure management, specializing in municipal and public-sector digital transformation. 

With extensive expertise in financial oversight, strategic planning, and operational efficiency, I have a proven track record in budgeting, procurement, and ensuring compliance with regulatory frameworks, including cybersecurity, critical infrastructure protection, the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (MFIPPA), and the Municipal Act. 

I hold several certifications including Certified Municipal Officer (CMO), Certified Information Privacy Manager (CIPM), Project Management Professional (PMP), and Lean Six Sigma Black Belt Certification.

Dedicated to advancing municipal IT collaboration and innovation, I actively engage with MISA Ontario and other industry associations to support the growth and modernization of municipal technology services.

Please provide a brief overview of previous involvement with MISA Ontario (Board experience, Committee involvement, conference or event volunteer)

I've been actively involved with MISA Ontario, contributing to the municipal IT community through collaboration, governance, and digital transformation initiatives. Since 2014, I’ve had the opportunity to engage with MISA members, share insights, and support the organization's mission of advancing technology in municipalities.

A highlight of my involvement has been presenting at two MISA conferences, where I spoke on AI in municipal operations and cybersecurity challenges in the public sector. These presentations focused on how AI can enhance service delivery and decision-making, as well as the increasing cybersecurity threats municipalities face and how to mitigate them. Being able to share knowledge and exchange ideas with fellow municipal IT leaders has been both rewarding and invaluable.

Beyond conferences, I’m an active participant in MISA Ontario's ICON SIG and the Security SIG, where I work alongside municipal peers to address key technology challenges, share best practices, and collaborate on security and digital initiatives. These groups provide a valuable forum for municipalities to learn from one another and develop collective solutions to emerging IT issues.

Now, I’m looking to take my involvement further by running for Board Treasurer. With my experience in IT governance, financial oversight, and municipal legislation (including MFIPPA and the Municipal Act), I want to help ensure MISA Ontario remains strong, well-supported, and positioned for the future. I'm passionate about fostering collaboration, driving innovation, and supporting the municipal IT community.

Please provide a brief overview of other board or volunteer experience

Blue Sky Net – Board Experience

I served as a board member for Blue Sky Net, a non-profit organization focused on expanding broadband access and supporting digital transformation in Northern Ontario. My role involves providing guidance in IT governance, cybersecurity, and municipal technology strategy, helping guide initiatives that improve connectivity and digital capacity for municipalities and businesses. This experience deepened my understanding of broadband policy, funding models, and municipal digital service challenges, complementing my broader work in municipal IT.

How long have you been a MISA Member?

10 Years

Anything else we should include?

Over the past year, I have actively taken on the responsibilities of the MISA Treasurer role, providing backup and coverage whenever the current Treasurer is unavailable, such as during vacation.

In this capacity, I have gained firsthand experience managing financial processes, ensuring continuity in financial oversight, and maintaining accurate records. I have also worked with the Executive Director, accountant, and auditors to support financial oversight, reporting, and compliance, reinforcing my understanding of MISA’s financial operations and governance. This experience has allowed me to contribute effectively to the organization’s fiscal stewardship.
 

Quick Links

MISA Ontario Board of Director Election Page

Advancing Municipal Digital Transformation

Nominee: Marc Coyle, City of Belleville

LinkedIn Profile

Board of Director role you are applying for

Vice-President

Current Job Title

Director of Information Technology

Please provide a brief overview of relevant professional experience

33 Years IT Management City of Belleville
EOITC Representative
PSCIOC & Joint Councils Board

Please provide a brief overview of previous involvement with MISA Ontario (Board experience, Committee involvement, conference or event volunteer)

MISA Canada Treasurer 10 Years
MISA Ontario Bard Member 8 Years (Various Roles)
MECG Volunteer and MC

Please provide a brief overview of other board or volunteer experience

Loyalist College Program Board

How long have you been a MISA Member?

Over 25 Years

Anything else we should include?

Long time advocate for Municipal Technology, especially in leadership and innovation. Presenter at MISA Prairies, OSUM and MISA Canada conferences.  Member of the Canadian playwrights guild and Ontario's Cyber security expert panel.

MISA Ontario is at a crossroads. Our leadership, planning, and future stability must evolve to meet today’s municipal IT challenges. I am running for VP to deliver the results our association urgently needs. Here’s my clear, 5-step plan to strengthen MISA Ontario for the long term:

1. MISA Staffing
   As MISA continues to evolve, our staff will remain the driving force behind its success. To sustain our momentum, we must implement succession planning for all our key roles, ensuring we modernize operations, broaden our influence, and strengthen our advocacy for municipal IT professionals.

    

2. Develop a New Strategic Plan
   Our current strategic plan has expired. Without a clear, updated vision, we drift. I will lead the charge to engage members, set fresh priorities, and craft a bold, achievable roadmap that puts MISA back in a position of leadership and influence.

    

3. Enhance MISA's Value through Shared Resources
   MISA must move from simply talking about issues to actively helping municipalities solve them. I propose building a library of essential templates — like cybersecurity policies, response plans, and governance models — so every member has practical, ready-to-use resources.

    

4. Expand and Tailor Education for Municipal IT Professionals
   MISA’s education must reflect the real-world needs of municipal IT. I will work with educational providers to deliver municipal-specific training in critical areas like budgeting, leadership development, and how to present technical initiatives effectively to council.

    

5. Secure MISA’s Future through Municipal Certification
   Right now, we rely too heavily on event revenue. I will advocate for a certification or affiliation model that encourages — and eventually requires — municipal IT departments across Ontario to join MISA. This will stabilize our finances and expand our voice.

We need a vision, leadership, and practical plan to strengthen MISA Ontario for the next decade. Let's build a stronger, more valuable MISA — together. 

If you are voting this year, please consider Marc Coyle for VP.

Quick Links

MISA Ontario Board of Director Election Page

Advancing Municipal Digital Transformation

Nominee: Jason Geberdt, County of Huron

LinkedIn Profile

Board of Director role you are applying for

Secretary

Current Job Title

Manager of IT Infrastructure and Operations

Please provide a brief overview of relevant professional experience

I have 27 years of experience in the IT industry and I have had a management role for the last 7 years. I hold a Masters Degree in Information Technology and have held my CISSP designation since 2012.

Please provide a brief overview of previous involvement with MISA Ontario (Board experience, Committee involvement, conference or event volunteer)

I have been the Secretary since 2023 and I am the chair of the Members and Benefits Committee.

Please provide a brief overview of other board or volunteer experience (if available)

I am the secretary for the Kincardine Theatre Guild Board of Directors and I have previously been on the Kincardine Knox Presbyterian Church Board of Managers holding many positions including Chair.

How long have you been a MISA Member?

20 years

Quick Links

MISA Ontario Board of Director Election Page