It’s no secret that public sector organizations have a reputation for being process oriented, with a more conservative culture and traditional hierarchical structure. Some might say this perception can create limitations when it comes to innovation and thinking outside the box in certain business areas, including training and development. Erin Mahoney, commissioner of the environmental services department at York Region, is taking this notion and tossing it in the trash—or closest recycling bin. Through a more progressive and strategic approach, Erin and her team have created, and are in the midst of rolling, out a new leadership plan that is unlike most existing in the public sector today, proving that when it comes to leadership development, there is plenty of room for innovation.
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David Szeptycki is the head of strategy and policy implementation within York Region’s environmental services department. He works in the commissioner’s office and leads cross-functional special project teams to deliver on departmental priorities. He oversees the development of council reports and provides strategic policy advice on a broad range of public works services. David regularly engages with the Ministry of the Environment, Ministry of Infrastructure, neighboring regional governments and local municipalities to advance municipal government priorities. He is also responsible for implementing environmental service’s sustainable leadership program, which endeavors to increase innovation and collaboration across the department. In 2011 and 2012, David led a creative and energetic team that raised more than $800,000 for United Way York Region. He was recognized in 2012 as United Way York Region's Volunteer of the Year. David will be presenting on August 18, 2014, at the 2014 American Public Works Association’s (APWA) Congress and Exposition in Toronto, Ontario, on social media’s influence on public works.
The Regional Municipality of York has been named one of the top employers in the Greater Toronto Area and the country for its progressive human resources practices. This serves to confirm what its dedicated staff have always known: York Region is not only a great place to live, it's a great place to work.
Lauren Edwards is the sustainable leadership coordinator working in the commissioner’s office of York Region’s environmental services department alongside David Szeptycki, head of strategy and policy implementation. Lauren has a comprehensive background in human resources from York Region, with a focus on recruitment and labor relations. She has been seconded from the region’s HR services branch to coordinate a number of high-profile department initiatives, including a department-wide skills inventory for staff, a strategy for utilizing and managing big data, and a leadership development plan for the department’s management.
