It is quite rare for an individual to stick with a career from their 20’s up to retirement.

Pam Hainsworth started with the Rural Municipality of Winchester on March 4, 1987 through a Career Start-type funding program, which paid a portion of her wage for the first six months of employment. She started following the closure of the Town of Deloraine Police Department where she was employed as a clerical support from the latter part of 1985.

“Leona Williams was my CAO and I could not have had a better mentor. She literally gave me the best wings possible, and I’ll always be so grateful for that. I started out as an administrative assistant, and learned lots, quickly being appointed assistant to the CAO. When Leona retired in 2000, I transitioned into my current position,” said Hainsworth.

Overseeing an organization’s day-to-day operations has its share of challenges. Hainsworth says during her early days the challenges included things like airport paving (which is again a challenge currently), dredging between Dromore and Hasselfield lakes, and politically navigating with the Oak Creek Board about the water levels at the resort. As well there is always gravel, fluctuations between high water years, and conversely drought, all of which bring their own set of problems.

In 2015, provincially mandated amalgamation took place, and Hainsworth was appointed to the position of CAO for the newly formed Municipality of Deloraine-Winchester, which was consolidation of the former Town of Deloraine and the Rural Municipality of Winchester.

She said amalgamation has been by far the biggest challenge in her years of service. Balancing the needs and resources from all the sectors within the municipality.

“I have been humbled to have been challenged with reaching a myriad of goals and ever changing dynamics and needs of the community, from balancing budgets and service delivery to addressing navigation through all levels of government. Navigating the CAO and elected officials’ roles has also been extremely challenging,” she added.

Hainsworth feels the municipality’s greatest asset is its love of the community and region and always wanting the best for the people they serve. The challenge arises when balancing the two.

Hainsworth’s last day of work is March 19. She says she is humbled to have been surrounded by the most amazing staff members, who really are the heart and soul of any organization, past and present.

“They do amazing things every single day. Even when it is hard, they show up and give me 110% without having to ask. Public service is often the most thankless job, where everyone is a critic and knows how to do what you do, better. It has become even more challenging with the advent of social media,” added Hainsworth.

As a matter of interest, Hainsworth created a list of people who have transected the municipality from a work perspective. She counted 18 full time public works employees, 10 administration, eight economic development officers, a plethora of summer students, contract positions and finally 40+ reeves and councillors.

Reeve Kelly McMechan said he was grateful for Hainsworth’s vast municipal knowledge that council looks for when making decisions.

“I am very happy for Pam and her retirement. I really relied on her knowledge when this council first started,” he said.

Hainsworth’s future plans include ‘not setting an alarm clock’.

“We are going to bike more, including some longer trips. I might read some books and spend some time in my sewing room that I haven’t been able to in about 15 years. I’d like to maybe have a garden. The possibilities are endless and I am looking forward to spending time with my husband and grandchildren.”

Creepele returns

Council and staff now welcome Breigh Crepeele as incoming CAO.

Crepeele is no stranger to Deloraine or the municipality’s administration. She graduated form Deloraine School in 1999, from ACC in 2001 with a diploma in Business Administration and then from Brandon University in 2004 with a Bachelor of Business Administration. In 2013 she graduated with her Certificate in Manitoba Municipal Administration from the University of Manitoba.

Her association with local government started in 2002 working with the Green Team. This was followed by working part-time in the office while attending BU in 2003 to fill in for a maternity leave. She started a full-time position with the Town of Deloraine in 2008 until amalgamation with the Municipality of Winchester in 2015.

Crepeele started working at the Town of Melita in 2018 and became CFO in 2019 followed with becoming the CAO/CFO in 2022.

“The Town of Melita has been very welcoming to me and my experience in Melita has been both fulfilling and very rewarding. Council put their trust in me and let me make the necessary changes for a new accounting structure, which helped modernize financial reporting and developed essential policies and procedures,” said Crepeele.

 She strongly feels that the improvements have enhanced efficiency, transparency, and financial oversight, ensuring better decision-making for the municipality.

Crepeele expressed her gratitude for support from council, staff and the community.

“It has been a pleasure working with everyone and I truly appreciate the relationships I have built along the way. While I look forward to coming back to my home community, I will sincerely miss everyone in Melita and will always be thankful for the experience.” 

Crepeele starts her new position as CAO for the Municipality of Deloraine-Winchester on March 24. She says her initial focus will be on her transition. Though she worked in the administration office for almost 10 years, Deloraine-Winchester is a larger municipality with different aspects she is not yet familiar with.

McMechan said council is happy to be able to welcome Crepeele back to her home in Deloraine.

“I know she will fit in well with council, and we are looking for a smooth transition.”

“I know that there is a great council and staff to work with,” Crepeele stated. “I am up for the challenge and committed to doing my very best. I have goals and ideas but first I want to come in and develop relationships with all necessary parties to ensure our goals for the future are aligned.”

by JUDY WELLS

Recorder staff