Our Speakers
Each year i3 Innovate, Ignite, Impact brings together municipal leaders from across the globe to share their knowledge and experience. This year’s speaking bring exciting unique perspectives on leadership, governance, security and futureproofing processes that help build strong, resilient municipalities.
Adam Kozakiewicz
Chief Administrative Officer, CFP
Town of Two Hills
Adam Kozakiewicz, CFP, is a seasoned municipal leader with over two decades of experience in local government administration, financial planning, and strategic development. As Chief Administrative Officer for the Town of Two Hills, he has spearheaded initiatives in governance, asset management, and operational excellence, including the implementation of a new internet utility, GIS systems, and a $3.9 million solar project funded through the MCCAC grant. Previously, he served as CAO for the Village of Willingdon and as a Councillor for the Town of Vegreville, where he contributed to policy development, public engagement, and long-range planning.
Adam holds a National Advanced Certificate in Local Authority Administration II from the University of Alberta, a Certified Financial Planner designation, a Bachelor of Management in Information Systems from the University of Lethbridge, and a Business Accounting Diploma from NAIT. His expertise extends to municipal finance, public procurement, digital technology integration, and infrastructure management, complemented by emergency management training through AEMA.
A dedicated community volunteer, Adam has held leadership roles in various boards, including Vice Chair of Alberta Hub REDA and Chairman of Covenant Health St. Joseph’s Hospital Board. He presented at the I³: Innovate. Ignite. Impact. Conference in Fiji in 2024, sharing insights on sustainable municipal innovations. Adam continues to drive impactful change in rural Alberta communities.
Adrienne Tait
Town of Edson
Adrienne Tait is a dedicated municipal professional whose career is rooted in public service, administration, and communications. As Executive Coordinator to the Chief Administrative Officer, Mayor, and Council for the Town of Edson, Adrienne plays a pivotal role in supporting strategic leadership and ensuring effective governance.
Her responsibilities span confidential administrative support, coordination of public appearances and meetings, oversight of municipal agreements and records management, and has served as Returning Officer, overseeing the Town’s 2025 municipal election.
Asal "Vox" Gibson
CyRoot
Asal “Vox” Gibson is a cybersecurity consultant, educator, and founder of CyRoot LLC and CyRoot Academy, specializing in IT project management and large-scale government technology modernization. With over 15 years of experience across federal, military, and public-sector environments, she has led more than $100M in technical implementations and previously served as an IT Strategist at the Pentagon before moving on to guide emerging technology initiatives in Las Vegas. Vox is the recipient of the Las Vegas Top Tech Award, recognized for her work creating emerging technology solutions for CyRoot Academy. She has deployed multiple times to the Middle East in support of U.S. military missions and currently serves as an Honorary Commander for the 489th Attack Squadron at Creech Air Force Base and a Military Civic Leader in Nevada.
A data-driven thinker with a background in human behavior and population statistics, she focuses on leadership, influence without authority, and building high-trust teams. She also teaches in the Lee Business School at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, preparing the next generation of IT and cybersecurity professionals.
Brian Loewen
Experienced Municipal General Council
Brian Loewen is the Director of Legal Services for the City of Lethbridge, where he oversees bylaw enforcement, information management, supply chain management, and municipal law. With 22 years of experience in municipal law, Brian began his career as a high‑school teacher before becoming a lawyer in 2003. He spent seven years with the City of Edmonton’s legal team before serving as City Solicitor for the City of Leduc, where he was a key member of the municipality’s Executive Leadership Team. Since 2019, he has held the role of City Solicitor and now Director of Legal Services in Lethbridge, again serving as a vital member of the Executive Leadership Team.
Brian’s expertise spans planning, employment, liability, and governance. He is also committed to advancing knowledge in the field, teaching NACLAA courses at the University of Alberta and serving as provincial chair of the International Municipal Lawyers Association.
Caitlin Smith
Mackenzie County
Caitlin Smith has dedicated over 14 years to municipal administration, holding progressive leadership roles within Mackenzie County over that time. She her career at Mackenzie County in Records Management and then as an administrative assistant in the Legislative Services department. She then moved into Planning and Development and Agriculture areas where she has held several roles over the last 12 years.
Since mid-2024 she has been the Director of Planning and Development for Mackenzie County. This role involves overseeing all aspects of planning and development, including strategic land-use planning, policy creation, and compliance with the Municipal Government Act in the county.
Prior to this, Caitlin served for 2 years as Director of Planning and Agriculture, where she managed both planning and agricultural initiatives for the County.
Throughout her tenure at Mackenzie County, Caitlin has led major projects such as the Municipal Development Plan update, Land Use Bylaw revisions, and Area Redevelopment Plans, ensuring sustainable growth and resilience for northern Alberta communities. She also represents the municipality in land negotiations, First Nation consultations, and manages multiple consulting partnerships. In addition to her planning responsibilities, Caitlin plays a key role in emergency management and serves on several municipal committees.
Caitlin has studded at the University of Alberta, Portage College and Northern Lakes Collage in Alberta.
When not focused on her work in Mackenzie County, Caitlin spends her free time on the cattle ranch she owns and operates.
Cheriece Johnson
Chief Operating Officer
Government Frameworks
Cheriece Johnson is the Chief Operating Officer at Government Frameworks, leading global operations with a focus on execution, growth, and measurable impact. With over 20 years in solution sales, strategy, and client success, she’s known for driving transformation in companies across Australia, North America, South Africa, Europe, and New Zealand.
Previously the CEO of a software development company—and former lead of its development team—Cheriece brings deep expertise in agile delivery and innovation. At Government Frameworks, she champions the continued evolution of FARMER, aligning technology with council priorities to improve governance and service delivery.
With a background in education, Cheriece blends strategic thinking with a passion for learning and team development. Outside of work, she enjoys reading, hiking, hot yoga, and exploring new places.
Corey Scheck
City of Salina
Corey Scheck is an accomplished IT and security leader with more than 20 years of service to the City of Salina. Throughout his tenure, he modernized the city’s technology infrastructure, strengthened cybersecurity posture, and led major initiatives supporting 12 departments and more than 50 divisions and sub-divisions. Corey oversaw critical public safety systems, ensuring CJIS-compliant operations and delivering exceptional uptime and reliability. He directed citywide digital-transformation efforts, consolidating services, improving network performance, and driving measurable cost efficiencies.
Known for his strategic vision and hands-on technical expertise, Corey championed secure remote-access solutions, high-availability virtualization environments, and long-term technology roadmaps. His leadership helped shape a resilient, future-ready IT environment that continues to support essential government services across the community.
Derek Seckinger
Town of Nipawin
Frank Coutney
Frank’s 35-year career with the County of Wetaskiwin reflects a legacy of dedicated public service, steady leadership and continuous organizational improvement. Beginning his tenure in 1983 as County Treasure worked with multiple departments, gaining operational knowledge of municipal governance, community services and rural infrastructure management. In 1990, he was promoted to Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) for the County. Frank oversaw county-wide administration, strategic planning and essential service delivery for a diverse rural region. In 2003 he was awarded R.W. Hay award of excellence in Rural Municipal Administration and in 2006 the Society of Local Government Manager Award of Excellence.
Frank is currently involved in the development of future municipal leaders through his work with the Government Frameworks CAO Mentoring Program, where he provides guidance, strategic insights, and practical leadership to support emerging and newly appointed CAOs. Known for his leadership during periods of change-particularly post-election transitions- Frank remains dedicated to building strong, resilient, and future-ready municipalities.
Franz Gangl
Vice President of Client Success
Franz is VP, Customer Success at Government Frameworks and an AIIM Certified Information Professional with deep expertise in information management and business process improvement. He specializes in municipal digital transformation, AI-driven process automation, and smart governance, working primarily with municipalities across Canada, the United States, and Australia. Franz has led numerous initiatives that modernize records management, strengthen compliance, and streamline how municipal teams work, with a particular focus on practical outcomes that council, administration, and residents can see and feel.
A pragmatic, change-focused coach, Franz is known for helping CAOs, clerks, and their leadership teams turn strategy into workable roadmaps and real-world results. He has played a key role in designing repeatable frameworks such as FARMER, which align forms, automation, and records with governance and accountability. As a past AIIM instructor and regular conference contributor, Franz brings a clear, accessible way of explaining complex topics, making it easier for municipal leaders to make confident decisions about their digital future.
James Holyman
LGASA
James S.B. Holyman MBA, GradDipRiskMgt, GradCertHRMgt, B.Bus(Acc), BA EnvDes, GAICD, MAHRI
About Me
I am many things. Son, father, husband, uncle, grandfather, friend, colleague, “boss”, mentor, an employee, team member, wheelchair basketballer, community member, etc. All these things require careful thought, collaboration, relationships, foresight, integrity and trust.
I derive energy and joy from creating original and novel ideas and solutions to local government challenges, particularly when developed through evidence and collaboration. This includes using my intuition and instincts to evaluate and assess ideas or plans.
I don’t mind pondering the possibility of greater potential and opportunity in a given situation. I am also capable of and don’t mind pushing projects and tasks through to completion to ensure that the desired results are achieved, a completer finisher (however … my wife does not agree!).
My expertise and track record embraces the delivery of change across businesses and government. I have developed strategies and encouraged innovation within organisations ranging from significant statutory authorities, through to city councils and the LGA South Australia where I lead the development of statewide policy.
I have been a local government CEO and have guided council growth through strategy, innovative approach to coastal management, enhancements to tourism, major property developments, including a review of all council assets, housing strategy for key workers and a clearer focus on meeting the needs of Indigenous Australians.
Jason W. D. Cassidy
CEO, Shinydocs Corporation
Collaborating Around the World to Advance Automated Information Management
“It isn’t obvious or easy how to keep people productive and be compliant with millions (or billions) of corporate documents and data points. I research and collaborate every day seeking more simple approaches with the greatest outcomes.”
—Founder and CEO, Shinydocs Corporation
Lew Rojahn
Acting Manager – Customer Care
Lew has been part of the Local Government scene for over 40 years working across all parts of Queensland as both a Chief Executive Officer and a Consultant with a short foray into the Queensland State Public Service.
He was also appointed to the role of Town Manager at the Comalco mining town of Weipa in Cape York where the Local Authority was run as a Department of the Mine and not as an elected Council.
Lew has worked with various indigenous Councils across Cape York and Gulf areas before moving to the Department of Local Government for 5 years. He now works on short term projects for other shires and organisations, including two terms on Norfolk Island. He has worked in many remote areas of Queensland and enjoys the opportunity to work with and improve Councils that don’t get the benefit of mainstream management.
He lives in Cairns, North Queensland with his family and enjoys the privilege of 8 grandchildren. On a good day you’ll find him and his partner, heading off on a Harley Davidson to discover the next adventure.
Michele Sorensen, RMA
Chief Administrative Officer
Nipawin
Michele Sorensen has called the Town of Nipawin her professional home for nearly three decades, serving in a variety of roles that have given her a deep understanding of municipal operations and the community she proudly serves. Over the years, she has both contributed to and witnessed many changes that have shaped the Town, from infrastructure projects to community initiatives, taking pride in helping Nipawin grow and adapt to new opportunities.
Now serving as Chief Administrative Officer, Michele is focused on guiding the municipality through its next chapter, embracing modern technology and digital tools such as Laserfiche to enhance efficiency, transparency, and service delivery. Her extensive experience, institutional knowledge, and commitment to innovation allow her to lead with vision, integrity, and heart. Michele’s leadership ensures that Nipawin honors its past while building a strong, sustainable future for generations to come.
Milton Konstantinidis
GBE
Milton Konstantinidis is the President of Galaxie Business Equipment Inc., where he has worked for over 32 years. Since 1997, he has been active in the Document and Records Management field, assisting both private companies and municipalities in developing and improving their information management practices.
His work has included projects focused on records retention, workflow design, and the transition from paper-based systems to digital environments. Milton offers practical insight into the challenges organizations face in meeting records compliance requirements, while keeping user experience at the forefront — a factor critical to the success of these initiatives.
Paul King
Former Mayor, Viking Alberta
Retired
With a career spanning more than three decades in Alberta’s municipal sector, Paul brings deep experience in leadership, agriculture, environmental management, and rural governance.
He began his career in 1990 with Camrose County, following ten years in the private sector with Canada Safeway and the completion of a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture with a minor in Economics. His first role in local government was as Assistant Agricultural Fieldman, a position he held for six months before advancing to Fieldman. Three years later, he moved into senior leadership as Manager of Agriculture and Environmental Services, a role he served in for approximately 15 years.
His strong operational background and steady leadership paved the way for executive progression. After a short tenure as Assistant CAO, he was appointed Chief Administrative Officer, a role he held for more than 10 years, guiding Camrose County through significant change, growth, and modernization over a total career of 33½ years.
Beyond administration, he is deeply rooted in community life. He is happily married, with three children and three grandchildren, and continues his public service as the Mayor of Viking, elected by acclamation.
His journey reflects commitment, integrity, and a lifelong dedication to strengthening rural Alberta.
Philip Hicks
CEO and Founder
GovernmentFrameworks.com
Philip Hicks is the CEO and founder of GovernmentFrameworks.com, dedicated to enhancing governance in municipalities to drive better outcomes for both residents and administrators. With over 20 years of experience, Philip has concentrated on optimizing planning, processes, automation, records management, and corporate performance reporting.
He pioneered the introduction of FARMER technology to local governments, addressing a critical compliance and process challenge. FARMER’s innovative impact enables local governments to achieve flawless records management, reduce thousands of hours in manual labor, improve compliance, and elevate service levels for residents.
As the architect of the FARMER solution, Philip’s innovation now supports thousands of users daily across Canada, the USA, Australia, and New Zealand.
Outside of work, Philip enjoys skiing the powdery slopes of the Rocky Mountains in winter and golfing the long green fairways of Canada’s summer days.
Rod Hawkins
CAO Mentorship Program
Rod began his career in municipal government at the age of 20 as a computer programmer with the MD of Provost. Over the next six years, he gained experience across every department before being appointed Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) at just 26.
After eight years as CAO, Rod transitioned into entrepreneurship, expanding his leadership perspective beyond government. Four years later, in 2002, he returned to municipal service as Assistant CAO at the County of Wetaskiwin, where he relocated and spent the next 21 years, serving the final five as CAO.
Today, Rod remains active in the municipal community as a mentor through the CAO Mentoring Program with Government Frameworks, helping to guide and support the next generation of municipal leaders.
With over 35 years of hands-on municipal experience, Rod now brings his deep knowledge of leadership, governance, and administration to support communities and emerging leaders through consulting. His goal is simple: to help others succeed by sharing practical insights, mentorship, and strategic support rooted in lived experience.
Sheila Gibson
Mackenzie County
Sheila Gibson has dedicated 7 years to municipal administration in Mackenzie County. During that time, she has had various roles. She began her career at Mackenzie County in the Legislative & Support Services as front desk Administrative Assistant and then as an Administrative Officer in the Project & Infrastructure department. She then moved to Administrative Officer to the CAO.
Sheila has held the role of Administrative Officer for the last year And a half. In her role, Sheila supports other staff and senior leadership by assisting with departments on various projects. She is known for her knowledge on Asset Management and was lead on implementing programs such as MuniSight.
Sheila has been instrumental in the roll out of FARMER project at Mackenzie County working with the CAO and other staff as well as the Government Frameworks team to ensure the project continues to move forward to provide enhanced Automation, efficiency, and governance for the residents and staff at the Municipality…
When not focused on her work in Mackenzie County, Sheila likes to spend her time, reading, baking and building Lego.
Sumon Acharjee
City of Markham
Sumon Acharjee is the Chief Information Officer for the City of Markham, Ontario Canada, joining in November 2021. He brings over 15 years of CIO experience across leading public sector institutions, including Queen’s University’s Smith School of Business, North York General Hospital, and Sheridan College. With more than 30+ years in IT leadership, Sumon has delivered innovative solutions across diverse industries such as healthcare, education, financial services, consumer products, and automotive.
Wayne Douglas
Director of Building Services
Yarrabah Aboriginal Shire Council
I have worked in the construction industry for over 44 years. My trade as a carpenter/Joiner has led me to working abroad in Singapore & Port Moresby but North Queensland is where I have gained much of my experience. Before I took a Senior Supervisor role in QBuild delivery team to look after both Lockhart River and Yarrabah communities, all my experience was in the private sector. An agreement in early 2024 between Qbuild and Yarrabah Aboriginal Shire Council led me to “temporarily” fulfil the Director of Building Services role for council. After 6 months I was convinced to stay by the then CEO of YASC. I am passionate with my work and love to succeed in positive outcomes for the community I serve.