Fort Smith’s Mayor Praises Outgoing SAO for Transformational Leadership

The mayor of Fort Smith, Dana Fergusson, has commended the outgoing Senior Administrative Officer (SAO) Tracy Thomas for significantly improving the municipality during her tenure. Thomas will be relocating to southern Alberta at the end of March 2024, after joining the Northwest Territories community in the aftermath of the 2023 wildfires. This period marked a challenging time for Fort Smith, which had been without a permanent administrator for nearly two years.

When Thomas arrived, the municipality was struggling with operations, relying on multiple interim staff to maintain essential services. Fergusson noted that Thomas played a pivotal role in stabilizing the organization, enhancing planning and governance while providing much-needed direction. “When she stepped in, it was a very fragmented organization,” Fergusson stated. “She’s done a really good job for our community. She’s leaving our community in a much better position than when she found us.”

During her time as SAO, Thomas spearheaded an organizational review and completed important initiatives, including a new zoning bylaw and a community development plan. She also facilitated housing and development projects through federal funding, addressing critical needs within the community. One of her notable achievements involved updating the bylaw for excluded employees, which had not been revised for years. This change provided staff with increased job security and a sense of value.

Thomas’ connection to the Canadian Association of Municipal Administrators further elevated Fort Smith’s profile on a national level. She prioritized mentorship and training for municipal directors, which contributed to the development of a dedicated human resources position that the town previously lacked. Under her leadership, Fort Smith successfully negotiated a new municipal services agreement with the Salt River First Nation, resolving a long-standing issue that had affected community relations.

As Thomas prepares for her new role as chief administrative officer for a regional service commission in Alberta, she reflects on her time in Fort Smith with gratitude. “The North has been home for a very long time,” she remarked, having lived and worked across all three territories over the past 25 years. She emphasized the importance of relationships and long-term planning in municipal governance, offering advice to her successor: support staff, respect established processes, and focus on the community’s long-term interests.

Thomas expressed her appreciation for the dedicated team she has worked alongside. “Fort Smith has talented staff, a thoughtful council, and a community that cares deeply about its future,” she said. As she prepares for this transition, her impact on Fort Smith remains evident, with many in the community echoing Fergusson’s sentiment: “We wish her all the best. I’m sad to see her go.”