Village of Barons CAO eager to embrace retirement

Posted on February 9, 2023 by Sunny South News

By Erika Mathieu
Sunny South News

After 21 years of service to the Village of Barons, long-time administrator, Laurie Beck, is officially retired.

Friends and colleagues gathered for an open house with snacks and visiting at the Village’s office on Jan. 31 to wish Beck the best in her retirement.

Beck started with the Village in 2001, during which time the Village shared administration with the Village of Carmangay, meaning Beck was splitting her time between the two municipalities until 2007. After a short hiatus, Beck returned as the administrator in Barons, where she was employed until Jan. 31.

Before taking on roles in in municipal government, Beck worked for the province for 10 years in the Alberta Alcohol And Drug Abuse Commission (AADAC). After relocating to Carmangay, she was brought on as administrator for the Village in 1997. She also has provided administrative coverage to both Champion and Nobleford during her career.

Beck said, “It’s been quite a journey. I have learned lots in my professional life. The companionship of my peers, the residents, and staff have also helped me grow as a person.”

Barons’ mayor Ed Weistra, worked alongside Beck for nearly a decade, praising her for her vast technical knowledge and kind demeanour. Speaking to their tenure together as colleagues, Weistra said

“It is more than just a professional relationship. Laurie is a fantastic person and a wealth of knowledge. She’s just an awesome human being,” noting her compassion and kindness.

“There was so many people she was so kind to,” said Weistra.

Beck said the past few years have incorporated succession planning and preparing staff for her departure. Beck noted the Village opened up a position for an administrative assistant to start transferring the knowledge of the Village’s processes. A major project initiated during this time was the digitization of the Village’s bylaws and council meeting minutes, which had previously only existed as hard copies.

Beck noted she will still lend a hand as needed in the future, but said she is eager to rest and catch up on old projects in the coming weeks.

“I wish the new administrator (Jen), residents and council all the best in the future.”