Yorkton City Councillor Randy Goulden has been acclaimed as new interim president of the Saskatchewan Urban Municipalities Association (SUMA). The decision was made during SUMA’s Board of Directors Meeting on Friday, February 18.
“I am honoured to represent Saskatchewan’s hometowns as interim president until SUMA’s membership can elect their new president on April 5 at SUMA’s 2022 Convention and Tradeshow,” Goulden said in a release.
Goulden has been a member of SUMA’s Board of Directors for more than 20 years, representing SUMA’s East Central Region.
The election of interim president follows the resignation of SUMA President Rodger Hayward, mayor of Naicam. Hayward announced in December that he would be resigning from the position of President, effective February 18, as he was presented with a new job opportunity.
“Saskatchewan’s hometowns deserve a champion dedicated to their needs,” Hayward said.
“With my new job opportunity, I am not able to dedicate the time the position of SUMA President deserves, and it is for that reason I made the difficult decision to resign.”
Hayward has been on SUMA’s Board of Directors since 2010, first elected to represent Saskatchewan’s hometowns as SUMA’s Northeast Regional Director.
He then served as Vice-President of Towns before being elected SUMA President in 2021.
“After 12 years on the SUMA Board of Directors, I can say the strength of SUMA lies in our ability to work together, and with that strength we can create change for the betterment of our hometowns,” Hayward added. “I will miss the opportunity to contribute to the future of SUMA, but I know that with the unwavering commitment of SUMA’s Board of Directors, and the dedication of our municipal leaders, the future of our hometowns is in good hands.”
SUMA is now accepting nominations for the position of SUMA President. According to SUMA’s bylaws, nominations must be submitted 15 days prior to the date of the Presidential Election, which is scheduled for April 5.
All elected officials on council in a SUMA member municipality in good standing are eligible to run for the position of SUMA President.
