Your candidates for the 2026 MFOA Board of Directors Election are listed below. The Vice-President position has been acclaimed. There are two (2) Director positions available for the term commencing on July 1, 2026 and ending on June 30, 2029. Click on the "More" link to see their full bio.

The election will begin on Monday, April 20. If you are a designated voter for your municipality, you will receive a ballot with further instructions on that day.

The Candidates

IdNameBioImageFileShortBio
34Patrick KellyPatrick Kelly, CPA, CMA has served as a board member of the MFOA since 2021 and currently holds the role of Chief Financial Officer/Treasurer for the Township of Mapleton in Wellington County.

A graduate of Western University and a CPA with more than 20 years of progressive public sector experience, Patrick has consistently led cross-functional teams in developing innovative solutions to complex fiscal challenges. His areas of expertise include long-term integrated financial planning, infrastructure asset management, corporate procurement, governance, strategy, and financial reporting.

Patrick was recently recognized within the municipal sector for championing the establishment of a municipal service corporation (MSC) for the Township of Mapleton. Through modern project financing approaches and a strategic focus on balancing rural community growth with financial capacity, Northern Maple Utilities Inc. (NMU Inc.) was established in early 2025. As a Government Business Enterprise (GBE), NMU Inc. has enabled Mapleton to overcome barriers to growth and has supported strategic investment in water and wastewater infrastructure.

As Vice President, Patrick would continue to support the Executive Director, staff, and incoming President in advancing the MFOA’s vision of 'Leading to Connect, Inform, Equip and Empower Members.' His experience working in both urban and rural lower-tier governments, across three different upper tier municipalities provide a unique perspective that he intends to leverage in advocating for issues impacting the broader municipal finance sector.

Since joining the MFOA Board in 2021, Patrick has been an active and engaged member, serving on the Audit Committee, the Cyber Security Committee, and currently as Chair of the Governance Committee. He recognizes the importance of maintaining the organization’s focus on connecting, informing, equipping, and empowering its members.

As he transitions into an executive leadership role, Patrick is committed to ensuring the MFOA remains well positioned to meet the evolving needs of municipal finance professionals. Over the next decade, the organization must adapt to the expectations of a changing municipal workforce while continuing to uphold the professionalism and discipline for which it is known.

During the 2026–2029 term as Vice President, President, and Past President, Patrick aims to balance member priorities with the current and future capacity of MFOA staff. Through his board and committee involvement, as well as participation in conferences, he has developed a strong appreciation for the essential role MFOA staff play in achieving the organization’s objectives. Particularly during periods of significant change in the sector, strong and effective collaboration between the Board and staff will be critical to successfully advancing strategic initiatives.

Patrick considers it a privilege to be nominated by his peers for this role and, if elected, is committed to serving the MFOA with integrity, dedication, and a strong focus on supporting its membership. Since joining the MFOA Board in 2021, Patrick has been an active and engaged member, serving on the Audit Committee, the Cyber Security Committee, and currently as Chair of the Governance Committee. He recognizes the importance of maintaining the organization’s focus on connecting, informing, equipping, and empowering its members.

As he transitions into an executive leadership role, Patrick is committed to ensuring the MFOA remains well positioned to meet the evolving needs of municipal finance professionals. Over the next decade, the organization must adapt to the expectations of a changing municipal workforce while continuing to uphold the professionalism and discipline for which it is known.

During the 2026–2029 term as Vice President, President, and Past President, Patrick aims to balance member priorities with the current and future capacity of MFOA staff. Through his board and committee involvement, as well as participation in conferences, he has developed a strong appreciation for the essential role MFOA staff play in achieving the organization’s objectives. Particularly during periods of significant change in the sector, strong and effective collaboration between the Board and staff will be critical to successfully advancing strategic initiatives.

Patrick considers it a privilege to be nominated by his peers for this role and, if elected, is committed to serving the MFOA with integrity, dedication, and a strong focus on supporting its membership.		patrick.pngPatrick Kelly, CPA, CMA has served as a board member of the MFOA since 2021 and currently holds the role of Chief Financial Officer/Treasurer
IdNameBioImageFileShortBio
37Trilbee Stirling-KattlerTreasurer and CPA with cross-provincial experience, focused on practical financial leadership, asset management, and supporting sustainable, effective service delivery in rural and northern communities.

I currently hold the role of Treasurer with the Municipality of Red Lake in Northwestern Ontario. My experience spans municipal finance, asset management, procurement, and organizational leadership across small to mid-sized municipalities in both Ontario and Manitoba. Having served in both finance and Chief Administrative roles, as well as in public sector audit and consulting supporting local governments, I bring a well-rounded perspective to serving our communities.

Throughout my career, I have focused on practical financial management, ensuring municipalities have the tools, policies, and systems in place to support sustainable service delivery. This includes work in asset management planning, financial policy development, and system implementation, often in environments with limited capacity.

Representation on the Board
I would represent the interests of northern, rural, and small to mid-sized municipalities. These organizations are often required to manage complex financial and infrastructure challenges with fewer resources, which makes practical, scalable approaches critical. My experience working across two provinces provides a balanced perspective on legislative frameworks, governance, and service delivery realities.

Vision for the Next Ten Years
MFOA’s focus on Sustainable Modernization is well aligned with what municipalities are dealing with on the ground. The challenge will be making that real for members, ensuring that modernization efforts are practical and that sustainability is reflected in everyday financial decision-making, not just long-term plans.

There is opportunity for MFOA to continue strengthening its role in connecting, informing, equipping, and empowering members by focusing on tools and guidance that are usable in smaller organizations, improving access to training and resources, and supporting workforce development across the sector.

As expectations on municipalities continue to grow, MFOA’s value will be in helping members navigate change in a way that is manageable, realistic, and grounded in how municipalities operate.

Commitments for the 2026–2029 Term
As a Board member, I would contribute practical, experience-based input to support MFOA’s strategic priorities, particularly in areas such as asset management, financial sustainability, and system implementation.

I would also support efforts to enhance the member experience by ensuring resources remain relevant and accessible across municipalities of all sizes, and by encouraging stronger knowledge-sharing across the sector.

My focus would be straightforward: align with the strategic plan, contribute where I can add value, and help ensure that MFOA’s work translates into something members can use in their day-to-day roles.

If elected, I am committed to serving in a way that is practical, collaborative, and focused on supporting MFOA members.		trilbee.pngTreasurer and CPA with cross-provincial experience, focused on practical financial leadership, asset management, and supporting sustainable, effective service delivery in rural and northern communities.

I
35Sue DentSue previously had the honour of serving on the MFOA Board of Directors from 2021 to 2024 also serving on the Governance Committee. She would like to return to be a voice that ensures that our small and northern municipalities with our unique challenges and opportunities are not forgotten or overlooked. We have much to add to the conversations!

Sue has 25+ years of municipal finance experience in various sizes and types of municipalities:
  • Town of Blind River - Current (single tier) – 8+ years
  • Town of Saugeen Shores (lower tier) – 7 years
  • City of Kitchener (lower tier) – 10 years

This varied experience has given Sue a unique perspective on the differences in municipalities and emphasizes that there is no 'one-size fits all' solution.

Sue believes strongly in the work that MFOA has done and continues to do and will support MFOA staff over the coming years in this work. She has always been a strong supporter of the training that MFOA provides. She would continue to actively encourage MFOA to expand their eLearning opportunities. This would be valuable for those who are unable to take time away from the office or are restricted due to their remote locations and/or smaller budgets. In the coming years, MFOA needs to continue with its research and policy development and to advocate for all municipalities with respect to current and proposed legislation. She will continue to support the MFOA staff to the best of her ability as they continue to advocate for all municipalities.		sue.pngSue previously had the honour of serving on the MFOA Board of Directors from 2021 to 2024 also serving on the Governance Committee. She would
36Lindsay KayI am currently the Supervisor of Accounting and Financial Reporting for the City of Mississauga and represent the interests of large urban municipalities and early to mid career professionals.

I am actively engaged with the Municipal Finance Officers’ Association. In 2023, I joined MFOA’s New Professionals Network Committee and worked to represent the interests of new professionals within the municipal finance sector. In 2024, I was selected to serve as an MFOA Board Observer, participating in monthly board meetings and contributing to strategic discussions with municipal treasurers from across Ontario. I have also co led an MFOA conference session focused on financial reporting automation and process improvement. These experiences have given me valuable insight into the Association’s governance, strategic priorities, and member needs.

My vision for the MFOA over the next decade is for the Association to remain a strong and trusted resource for municipal finance professionals as the sector continues to change. With ongoing legislative changes, accounting standard implementations, new and evolving technologies, and a wave of retirements among long tenured professionals, the Association will play a critical role in advocacy, professional development, and workforce transition. I believe MFOA should continue to invest in high quality training, facilitate knowledge sharing across municipalities of all sizes, and support the attraction and development of the next generation of municipal finance professionals.

As a Director for the 2026-2029 term, I will focus on supporting the value MFOA delivers to its members with a strategic vision to connect, inform, equip, and empower. I will advocate for continued training and professional development, encourage connection and collaboration across the membership, and help leverage the expertise of MFOA’s staff and committees to support the Association’s long term success and the municipal finance sector it serves. I would be honoured to continue contributing my skills, experience, and perspective to support the MFOA’s goals and ensure it remains a respected leader within the municipal finance profession.

After graduating from Western University, I began my municipal career supporting local governments with asset management plans, helping strengthen tangible capital asset inventories and long term financial sustainability. I subsequently earned my CPA designation through public accounting, with a focus on auditing municipal governments, which provided a strong foundation in Public Sector Accounting Standards and municipal accountability.

Since joining the City of Mississauga in 2020, my work has focused on external financial reporting, PSAB compliance, tangible capital asset reporting, revenue recognition, process improvement, and leveraging technology to modernize and automate finance workflows. I currently lead the preparation of the City’s consolidated financial statements and Financial Information Return, act as a primary contact for external auditors, and oversee a team responsible for technical accounting, data quality, reporting automation, and continuous improvement initiatives. This experience allows me to represent the perspective of a large municipality while remaining grounded in the operational realities faced across the sector.		lindsay2.pngI am currently the Supervisor of Accounting and Financial Reporting for the City of Mississauga and represent the interests of large urban municipalities and early
38Vineet BhatiaIn Muskoka, Vineet has led major modernization initiatives, including the development of the municipality’s first multi-year budget framework and an integrated asset management approach that supports clearer service-level conversations and stronger long-term affordability. His work includes guiding capital financing strategies, advancing reserve and investment policy, and supporting organizational decision-making with scenario-based analysis and practical tools that help leaders navigate complex trade-offs. He brings a collaborative leadership style grounded in service excellence, accountability, and continuous improvement—connecting finance to outcomes residents can understand and trust.

Vineet’s experience also includes prior roles with the Ontario Public Service, where he contributed to fiscal management and controllership in complex policy environments. This background strengthens his ability to interpret change, manage risk, and support decision-making in environments shaped by evolving legislation, public accountability, and competing priorities.

Looking ahead, Vineet believes the MFOA should continue evolving into Ontario’s most trusted hub for municipal financial sustainability, where members come for leading practice, timely interpretation of change, and a strong peer network. His vision emphasizes sustainability-first finance, with stronger integration of budgets, asset management, reserves, debt capacity, and service levels into a single story municipalities can clearly communicate. He also supports future-ready professional development through practical learning pathways that keep pace with changing legislation, technology, and risk, as well as shared toolkits that make forecasting, benchmarking, and performance reporting more consistent across municipalities. A key priority is ensuring equitable support across municipality types, so MFOA programming and resources remain relevant for small, rural, northern, and fast-growing communities alike.

If elected for the 2026 - 2029 term, Vineet will focus on three outcomes: (1) advancing practical, ready-to-use templates and guidance for multi-year budgeting, long-range financial planning, reserve and debt policy, and Council-facing reporting; (2) strengthening learning pathways and mentorship through peer roundtables and targeted programming for early-career to senior leaders; and (3) enhancing member responsiveness through regular engagement and feedback mechanisms that translate member needs into timely programming. He is also committed to a strong, practical advocacy voice with the Province on legislative, regulatory, and funding changes impacting municipal finances, ensuring member realities are reflected in policy decisions and implementation timelines.		vineet.pngIn Muskoka, Vineet has led major modernization initiatives, including the development of the municipality’s first multi-year budget framework and an integrated asset management approach that

Vice President - Acclaimed

 

Director - Two (2) to be elected

 

Recent Job Postings

View All     Post a Job

Employment Opportunities