The town of Bruderheim is saying goodbye to one of its most prominent community leaders.
Patty Podoborozny, the town's Chief Administrative officer (CAO) for the last seven years, will be leaving her role to become the CAO for the County of Minburn, which is closer to her family.
"It was a very difficult decision to make,” says Podoborozny. “I have a strong connection to the Town of Bruderheim and the people that live, work and play here, but I need to be closer to home in Vegreville for aging parents."
Podoborozny accomplished quite a lot during her time with the town. From helping fundraise for things like the Karol Maschmeyer Arena, the local skatepark, and the Bruderheim Community Park.
“So many initiatives wouldn’t have been possible if it weren’t for Patty’s open mind, her persistence and her ability to access grant funding,” said Karl Hauch, the mayor of Bruderheim. "Patty brought with her a wealth of professional and volunteer experience, which was critical for the town.”
Perhaps her biggest achievement in the town was bringing in the community clinic.
“I think I’m most proud of our team for bringing in the Community Clinic against all odds, and the advancements we’ve made with infrastructure,” said Podoborozny. “Working with Bruderheim has been an incredible experience. The support from Council, staff and the community has been overwhelming throughout the years."
She has also been the recipient of some pretty impressive awards for her work.
Back in 2019, she became the first woman to win the Association for Science and Engineering Technology of Alberta (ASET) Technologist of the Year award. This was for her work with nearby Indigenous communities in maintaining infrastructure and connecting emergency responders to public works.
"I enjoyed working with her," said Hauch. "[Patty is] hard-working, dedicated, committed and we couldn't ask for a better CAO."
"We wish her all the best in her endeavours with her family and work life."
The town will be bringing in Robert Stephenson to fill-in Podoborozny's role.
It's safe to say that Podoborozny won't soon forget Bruderheim.
“It’s been said that our little town punches far outside its weight class and I really believe that. I’m going to miss the people the most.”
Her last day is set for February 3.