The Canadian Association of Municipal Administrators (CAMA) is proud to present the Jennifer Goodine Inspirational Leadership Award—a distinguished honour recognizing a member who demonstrates extraordinary leadership rooted in integrity, compassion, and perseverance, particularly when faced with significant personal or professional challenges.
This award celebrates leaders who turn adversity into opportunity—uplifting others, strengthening their organizations, and inspiring positive change across local government. It reflects the qualities that define Jennifer Goodine’s enduring leadership and legacy: kindness, professionalism, courage, and an unwavering commitment to others.
AWARD OVERVIEW
The Jennifer Goodine Inspirational Leadership Award honours leadership that clearly rises above the expected scope of a CAO or senior municipal leader’s professional responsibilities.
While excellence in one’s role is fundamental to the profession and deeply respected, this Award recognizes individuals whose leadership transcends routine responsibilities and leaves a meaningful, lasting impact on people, organizations, or the broader local government community.
Recipients exemplify:
- Resilience – Navigating adversity with strength, optimism, and professionalism.
- Inspirational Leadership – Motivating and empowering others through compassion, clarity, and integrity.
- Public Service – Demonstrating a deep commitment to the betterment of their municipality and local government profesion.
- Character and Integrity – Leading with humility, empathy, and ethical leadership, particularly in challenging circumstances.
As a prestigious national honour, the Award is not required to be presented annually. It is conferred only when a member clearly meets this exceptional standard.
SELECTION PROCESS
While Jennifer Goodine serves as Executive Director of CAMA, the recipient of this Award is selected at her discretion, guided by the established purpose and principles of the Award.
Following the conclusion of her tenure, the selection process will transition to a peer nomination and Board review process to be determined by the CAMA Board of Directors.
ABOUT JENNIFER GOODINE
Jennifer Goodine has proudly served as the Executive Director of CAMA for more than twenty years, where her leadership has helped shape the future of municipal administration across Canada.
When Jennifer first became involved with CAMA in 2005, the Association was at a turning point. Through her vision, dedication, and collaborative leadership, she helped revitalize the organization, strengthening its governance, modernizing operations, and expanding its national reach. Her efforts laid the foundation for the thriving, connected community of municipal leaders that CAMA represents today.
With an almost 30-year career at the City of Fredericton, Jennifer brings deep-rooted experience in local government, having started as a Committee Clerk before becoming Executive Assistant and ultimately serving as the Office Administrator to the Mayor and CAO. Over nearly three decades, she supported five Mayors, two CAOs, three Deputy CAOs, and seven City Councils.
Jennifer’s dedication to excellence and professionalism in local government has been recognized nationally and regionally. She is a recipient of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal (2012) and the Community Builder Award from the Nunavut Association of Municipalities (2023). Her outstanding service and leadership inspired the CAMA Board to establish this national recognition—the Jennifer Goodine Inspirational Leadership Award—to honour her two decades of exceptional contribution to the Association and the profession.
