What a Great Idea: Leadership Program for City Councillors and Staff

May 23, 2026

“It was a wonderful learning experience and as always it was an absolute pleasure working with the Goodman team.”

– Mary Murray, Chief Human Resources Officer, City of Port Colborne

A year ago, City of Port Colborne CAO Bryan Boles approached Goodman Group with a thoughtful vision: create a learning experience where City Councillors and staff could come together to strengthen alignment, build understanding and explore leadership through a long-term lens.

On May 23, that vision became a reality as participants celebrated the successful completion of the pilot Executive Leadership Certificate for Councillors.

Developed in partnership with the City of Port Colborne, this custom program was designed to create a shared learning environment where elected officials and municipal staff could engage in meaningful discussions about leadership, governance and the future of their community. By learning together, participants were able to build stronger relationships, develop a deeper appreciation for different perspectives and strengthen their collective capacity to serve residents effectively.

Throughout the program, participants explored a range of topics critical to modern municipal leadership, including:

  • Building trust and accountability
  • Emotional intelligence in leadership
  • Engaging with constituents and community stakeholders
  • Risk and cost management in municipal operations
  • Strategic decision-making in both immediate and long-term considerations
  • The role of artificial intelligence in municipalities

These conversations encouraged participants to think beyond day-to-day challenges and consider how collaboration, perspective and long-term planning contribute to successful municipal leadership.

A key strength of the program was the opportunity for City Councillors and staff to learn alongside one another. The shared experience fostered open dialogue, strengthened alignment and created space for thoughtful discussions about the opportunities and challenges facing municipalities today.

The program was delivered by a dedicated team of instructors, including Ken Chan, Barry Wright, Abdul Rahimi and Anteneh Ayanso, whose expertise and commitment helped create an engaging and impactful learning experience.

We extend our congratulations to the City of Port Colborne, Mayor Bill Steele, CAO Bryan Boles, CHRO Mary Murray, City Councillors, and staff on the successful completion of this pilot program. Their commitment to continuous learning and forward-thinking leadership has reflected a strong investment in the future of their organization and community.

At Goodman Group, we are passionate about partnering with organizations that are committed to strengthening leadership, fostering collaboration and creating meaningful impact. We are proud to have supported the City of Port Colborne in bringing this innovative vision to life and look forward to seeing its lasting impact in the years ahead.

We don’t just develop leadership capacity.
We strengthen how municipalities lead with collaboration, accountability, and community connection.

This is GG Style.