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Diamond Valley announces resignation of CAO

Chief administrative officer Shawn Patience will be leaving Diamond Valley just months after leading it through amalgamation.
CAO Shawn Patience photo-1
Shawn Patience has accepted a position in Coalhurst that allows him to be closer to home.

Mayor Barry Crane announced today that Diamond Valley council has regretfully received the resignation of chief administrative officer Shawn Patience. 

Patience will continue until April 30 to allow for a seamless transition for the incoming CAO, Corinne Middleton, currently manager of corporate services and finance.  

“This was a very difficult decision as I have truly enjoyed working with a great mayor and council and an incredible staff, all of whom I will miss dearly,” Patience said. 

A Fort Macleod native, Patience said it was becoming challenging to provide the support that his family needs.  

“I was offered a position that would allow me to be closer to home. I am excited about the new opportunity as I know I’m going to be working with another great group of people in Coalhurst,” he said. 

“I am also confident that Diamond Valley is in very good hands. Ms. Middleton will do a great job as CAO and I’m very happy for her to get that opportunity. We have a stellar management team here and a dedicated staff who want to succeed and there is no question in my mind that they will.” 

During his time as Turner Valley CAO, Patience worked with council and staff to deal with several land issues as well as major infrastructure projects, including the reconstruction of Sunset Boulevard. 

He also helped lead the development of the amalgamation plan to the Province. He subsequently led the formal amalgamation of the towns of Turner Valley and Black Diamond and oversaw the organizational restructuring of the new municipality as CAO of Diamond Valley. 

Crane expressed regret at the departure, saying Patience has been a highly effective CAO for the Town of Turner Valley over the past two years. 

“He has represented the community with the highest level of professionalism, leadership and commitment,” Crane said. 

Middleton, who has extensive business and senior municipal management experience, has worked for the Town of Turner Valley since 2018 in her role as manager of finance and corporate services. 

“I am extremely excited to continue to work with both council and administration in leading the amalgamation transition and advancing the strategic priorities of council,” Middleton said. 

Crane expressed council's excitement at the appointment of Middleton in her new role, stating, "She brings a wealth of experience from both private industry and her time managing the municipal finances, including leading council through the budget process. 

“She has a deep understanding of the challenges faced by small towns with limited resources, and she has a focused commitment to providing the residents with value for the services and programs offered. Council fully supports Mrs. Middleton and have a great comfort with her previous record as a leader and agent of change, bringing new thinking and a deep understanding of implications toward decision making.” 

Middleton holds an economics degree from the University of Manitoba and has a CPA designation. She volunteers in her community and is active on the boards of Rowan House and Foothills Ringette Association.  

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