40 Under 40 nods to Pelham staffers
Pelham's Leah Letford and Marc MacDonald have been recognized as two of Business Link Media Group’s Niagara 40 Under Forty.
The 40 Under Forty Business Achievement Awards recognize individuals who have demonstrated “an extraordinary level of success in the private, public, and not-for-profit sectors,” according to a Town statement.
Letford, the Town’s Special Events and Festivals Programmer, joined the Town of Pelham in 2020 with a background in the tourism and hospitality sector. Letford lead the planning and execution of award-winning events in 2020, such as Canada Day the Niagara Way, and Christmas in Pelham.
“Working behind the scenes to bring unique event experiences to the community has been very rewarding,” said Letford. “I am grateful for the support that I have received throughout both my professional career and my volunteer experiences.”
In a time of uncertainty and isolation, Letford has adapted in-person events to hybrid content to enhance special events and festivals.
MacDonald, the Town’s Communications and Public Relations Specialist, has been with the municipality since 2017. He has produced award-winning work on the Town of Pelham’s redesigned website, corporate communications plan, and COVID-19 Reopening Plan. He was also recognized in 2020 by the Association of Marketing and Communications Professionals for individual achievement in communications.
“Whenever you receive recognition such as this for the work you produce, it’s very humbling,” said MacDonald.
CAO David Cribbs said that he was “not particularly surprised” to learn of the awards.
“Mr. MacDonald has served the community extremely well throughout the pandemic by creating clear, concise and high-quality communications,” said Cribbs.
“Ms. Letford, in turn, has brought energy, enthusiasm, creativity and vitality to RCW operations. Cribbs said that the municipality benefits from a “virtuous circle.”
“It’s a great community and great municipal employer, which in turn allows Pelham to attract quality staff, which in turn help make it a great community and great municipal employer."
The Town of Pelham has hired Kenny Ng as Planner in the Department of Community Planning and Development.
Ng began his role with the Town on May 17, bringing experience and specialization in land development planning, according to a Town statement.
A graduate of the University of Waterloo’s Planning School, Ng minored in geography and environmental management and completed co-op placements at the Town of Milton and the City of Toronto.
“We are confident that Kenny’s work experience and sound knowledge of the technical components of this position provide him with a solid foundation to thrive in this new role,” said Barb Wiens, Director of Community Planning and Development.
“Kenny joins the Town at an exciting time and will have an opportunity to jump into a variety of projects right out of the gate.”
Ng also has experience working as a student planner with the Local Planning Appeal Tribunal (LPAT) Support Centre. At the LPAT Support Centre, Ng specifically assisted the public in navigating their way through the appeal process, and provided guidance to the public on how to prepare for LPAT hearings.
From his LPAT experience, “Ng understands the importance of the planning process and is cognizant of the impacts that development has on a community and its existing features,” said the statement.
