Praise is being heaped upon Jeromy Farkas for his 20 months at the helm of the Glenbow Ranch Park Foundation (GRPF).
Farkas has stepped down from his role as chief executive officer and is now focusing entirely on his campaign for Calgary mayor.
Under his leadership, the foundation expanded community partnerships and secured new funding for park conservation and programming.
“One of the first things he did was really look at the team underneath him and gave them the type of leadership they were looking for — and made them better employees,” said GRPF chair Georg Paffrath. “They looked to him for guidance, but at the same time, he ran interference so they could do their jobs.”
“He also challenged the board and brought it up a level.”
Paffrath will serve as interim CEO and focus on continued financial sustainability and business continuity until a suitable candidate is found. He’s no stranger to the role — he’s stepped in twice before.
"We want to ensure we don't have to reinvent the wheel as a new top executive comes in, so the transition between myself and a new CEO has to go as smoothly as poissble because we don't want to slow down."
He uses the example of the transition to Farkas from Michelle Delorme, now the town director of Parks & Active Living.
"I think the transition between Michelle and Jeremy was quite good because of the efforts Michelle put into it. It helped us."
Mayor Jeff Genung praised the leadership skills and municipal government expertise Farkas brought to the foundation.
“His aspirations to move on and run for mayor just show the drive that he has,” said Genung. “He really poured his passion, heart and all that energy into pushing and driving the foundation ahead.”
During his farewell speech, Farkas called the park a modern miracle and credited the visionary Harvie family for making it possible. He also praised Cam Crawford, who worked with the Harvie family for more than 30 years on various projects, including the creation of Glenbow Ranch Provincial Park. Crawford has served on the foundation’s board since its inception.
"I just find the existence of the Glenbow Ranch Provincial Park to be absolutely astounding," said Farkas. "And that's reinforced absolutely every day that I am blessed to be here."
Farkas spoke highly of his first true taste of working with people in the Cochrane area and now better understands the pride attached to being a Cochranite.
"You've all stepped in in such a big way to support me in this world, especially a guy coming from Calgary into a small town. I've been so humbled and honoured by the fact that so many of you reach out to offer your coaching, your mentorship, your volunteerism, and you have an amazing corporate community. You punch way above your weight class."
Ne matter what the future holds after the Calgary election, he said he remains committed to be a steward, volunteer and contributor to the park and its foundation.
A former Calgary city councillor, Farkas finished second in the 2021 mayoralty race to another former city councillor, Jyoti Gondek.