Centre Wellington welcoming new township clerk
Tyler Sager to replace Kerri O'Kane, who is retiring after 20 years with township
CENTRE WELLINGTON – After 35 years in municipal government, 20 with Centre Wellington, township clerk Kerri O’Kane is retiring.
Her last day is April 30 and her replacement, Tyler Sager, takes over on May 4.
It’s a career path O’Kane said she never envisioned until she started working as planning coordinator for Guelph/Eramosa in 1989.
“I kind of fell into it,” O’Kane said in an interview.
“[That job was] mostly administrative work and developed a liking for it. Then I developed an interest in governance.
“I worked with a group of great ladies and they encouraged me to go for it. So I went to night school and eventually became deputy clerk.”
She worked for Waterloo Region for a time, for Wilmott Township for lesser time and landed in Centre Wellington in 2006.
She called herself a law-and-order type – a good fit for the role.
“It fits my personality, that attention to detail. The fun part was issuing marriage licences and holding civil ceremonies,” she said.
In a press release, township officials thanked O’Kane for her years of service.
“Kerri’s extensive knowledge, leadership, and commitment to public service have made a lasting impact on the organization and community. She will be greatly missed, and we wish her all the best in a well-deserved retirement,” it states.
With O’Kane leaving, the township is doing an organizational restructuring, delineating finance and IT services, led by Adam McNabb (also chief financial officer and treasurer) from corporate and legislative services to be led by Sager.
He was named managing director of that department as well as municipal clerk.
Sager currently serves as clerk for Perth County.
“I am thrilled to be joining the Township of Centre Wellington,” Sager stated in the release.
"Centre Wellington is a dynamic and growing community, and I am excited to bring my passion for good governance and public service to this role.”
CAO Dan Wilson said Sager “brings a strong combination of legislative expertise, leadership experience, and a deep understanding of municipal governance.
“His background in supporting council, strengthening legislative processes, and fostering transparent and accountable decision-making will be a tremendous asset to the organization.
"We are very pleased to welcome him to Centre Wellington.”
