ASSINIBOIA — Kerri Martin, Town of Assiniboia’s director of Corporate Services, serves an important role which encompasses finance and administration.
She works alongside a team that fulfils the roles necessary to ensure the day-to-day operations of the town are looked after. When interviewed, it was clear she enjoys the opportunity to make a difference.
Martin has been in the position for the past two years of her 11-and-a-half-year career with the Town of Assiniboia. A Business Administration Diploma from Sask. Polytech and standard certificate in local urban government authority combined with 17 years of experience in local government are great assets to Martin in her role.
“I started with the Town of Assiniboia in the role of executive assistant and marketing co-ordinator in 2012. The position was changed in 2021 from director of Finance and Administration to director of Corporate Services, this is when I was asked by CAO Clint Mauthe if I would be interested in it,” says Martin.
Martin was born and raised in Regina and lived in Moose Jaw for post-secondary education and work. From there, she moved to Humboldt and worked for the city for six years. The family’s move to Assiniboia came with her husband’s employment as well as wanting to be closer to family. The Martins came to the community in 2012 with one daughter and added another daughter to the family in 2012.
“We have a fantastic team within the Corporate Services Department at the Town of Assiniboia. It encompasses managing financial services, insurance, budget, audit and various tasks and projects while overseeing human resources, who look after payroll, benefits.”
Martin says their teams look after finance, accounts payable and receivables, property taxes, water utility billing, insurance, bylaws and policies, IT and a variety of other items. She also attends regular finance committee meetings in addition to council meetings.
When asked about Assiniboia’s greatest features, Martin responds, saying, “It’s people and the bond of community spirit and pride.”
Martin was asked about other women serving in various roles with the town office and responds, “We have two dynamic women in town council … Mayor Sharon and Councillor Renee.
“We also have a team of strong smart and dynamic women in various departments within the organization. These fabulous women are in various departments that contribute to the overall operations of the town and include recreation and community wellness, public works, marketing and planning as well as admin. and finance.”
The town’s corporate services director values the importance of surrounding herself with a team of positive, talented and humble people.
“You feel safe to ask for help, and also share accomplishments, which are celebrated as a team.”
Martin says she also believes in the optimist creed which talks about making the promise to yourself of being strong and positive and putting energy into greater achievements of the future and being too noble for worry and too strong for fear.
Work-life balance can be challenging for career women and Martin adds, “Work-life balance is something I am always aware of. I approach it with grace. It's about time management, good planning, exercise, sleep and humour. I don’t take myself too seriously. It’s a team effort. I have a supportive family and I have a super supportive team at the office.”
Martin attends the annual SUMA convention with the Assiniboia delegation and finds it a great opportunity to learn and network with other communities.
While there is no annual training required for this position, Martin attends the urban administrators conference which provides annual learning credits and is another good networking opportunity. As a lifelong learner, Martin says reading and staying connected with various other local government people all aid in serving in her role to the best of her ability.
What inspired Martin to take on a career in local rural government? “The variety for sure. We have the opportunity to touch people's lives in so many ways. I started with the City of Humboldt in a newly created position and it was the most exciting and the scariest at the same time because I essentially was given a white piece of paper and was given the opportunity to create, make mistakes, meet people, learn and grow and I will always be thankful for that opportunity.”
There is no easy answer, affirms Martin, when describing the most rewarding aspect of her career with the Town of Assiniboia as she knows there are many.
“It’s the people that make up our amazing Assiniboia team and the greater community at large. I like the variety. Every day is different. I like the challenges and the opportunity to grow and learn. And, helping make our community a great place to live.”
In her spare time, Martin likes to spend time with her husband and two daughters as well as other family and friends. The family enjoys lake time in the summer. She also takes part in spin classes, reading, cooking and attending many community events.
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