Women in Municipal Finance Series: Thinking Outside the Box with Sandra Zwiers
As part of our “Women in Municipal Finance Series”, MFOA is highlighting inspiring and trailblazing women across Ontario’s municipal finance sector. This month, we spoke with Sandra Zwiers, Chief Administrative Officer at the County of Essex. Sandra teaches us the important lesson of patience and that things always happen for a reason.
Finding the Municipal Finance Sector
Sandra: I went to the University of Waterloo for my undergraduate degree and my Masters in Accounting. During that time, municipal finance wasn’t a focus of the curriculum. My co-op placements were in a firm that specialized in municipal auditing, and it was such a blessing for me as it’s truly the foundation for my entire career. I still run into the partner that hired me, and I thank him for opening that door for me.
After a number of years in public practice an opportunity presented itself – either become a partner at a CPA firm or jump ship and go to a municipality. So, I joined the Town of Kingsville in 2003 as the Deputy Treasurer. Shortly after, I moved to the Director of Finance position and stayed there for 14 years. I loved working at the local level, and it was a time in Kingsville’s evolution where there was opportunity to build a team, create processes, and get things running.
During that time, I wasn’t really tied to MFOA. Near the end of my career at Kingsville I began to see the benefits that MFOA provided through networking and training. I got involved at the Board level, and that’s when things took flight in my career.
I was the Director of Finance for a decade and while I loved it, it started to become a bit dry. The foundational work in public practice and MFOA springboarded me and reinvigorated my passion in municipal finance. When you first start attending MFOA’s conference, you sit on the sidelines and don’t say too much. But once you’re more comfortable it’s like a family reunion – the networking and engagement through MFOA is second to none.
From CFO to CAO
Sandra: Soon after joining the MFOA Board of Directors, I was at a point in my career where I really wanted to do more from a municipal finance perspective. I aspired to become a Chief Administrative Officer (CAO), but I was challenged by others. In both public practice and early in my municipal career, finance was a male-dominated environment. In fact, I was the first female Treasurer for the County of Essex.
I applied for the CAO position in Kingsville and was unsuccessful, but I firmly believe that things happen for a reason. So, I set my sights on learning more and being more engaged to make that leap to CAO. I was able to do more for the municipal finance sector through MFOA, and my role on the Board rounded out my skillset and prepared me for a successful advancement to CAO.
I moved from Kingsville to Essex County as the Director of Finance. In my six years, I saw a whole new sphere of municipal services in the upper-tier level like paramedicine, long-term care, and social services. It was also an exponentially larger scale of operations at the County level. It was exciting and cemented my desire to do more for the organization.
In 2023, I applied for the CAO position at the County of Essex and was successful. I was the first female Director of Finance and now I’m the first female CAO. We also have our first female Warden – Hilda MacDonald. It’s a joy to be in this position at this time in the County’s history with a diverse council and Hilda at the helm.
Thinking Outside of the Box
Sandra: I used to think that the finance role was a policing function – very regimented and in-the-box thinking. Over the years, I’ve realized we hold an important facilitative role. When I reflect back at what I’m most proud of, it’s when I was able to help the organization overcome a barrier using ideas outside of the box and doing things from a collaborative, facilitative lens. Being able to sit at the leadership table and provide a different perspective from a finance lens can lead to creative solutions.
When I joined the County of Essex, I stepped into a well-oiled finance machine. The County was in a really healthy financial position of pay-as-you-go and a tax model that raised sufficient funds for investment. My highlight in the Director role was to continue on that investment journey and maximize returns. From a skillset perspective, investment planning is still a new function for the Treasurer role.
Inspiring Inclusion
Sandra: Inclusivity is really important to me and something that I have to be intentional about. Even during the recruitment and hiring process we tend to gravitate to people who are most like us. Getting carbon copies of ourselves is something we should avoid.
I approach inclusion by making sure folks feel like they’re part of a larger team and see the vision. We just passed our first ever strategic plan, so I can articulate across the organization how everyone fits into the strategic picture. There may be a hierarchy and a work chart, but my role is no more important than anybody else’s. Making sure everyone feels included, heard, rewarded and recognized for their work is important.
The staff at both Kingsville and County of Essex are so special to me and great groups to work with. Creating a team atmosphere was easy, because we have great staff. There’s a lot of upcoming development and work in Essex County at the moment, and everyday the team shows up looking to make this place better than it was yesterday.
Embrace Your Differences
Sandra: I used to doubt my ability and contributions so often. I would approach meetings and interactions with others assuming I didn’t know as much and that I didn’t have anything to offer. That insecurity held me back in a lot of ways. Now I’m confident and believe I bring value to the table.
I think it’s a tendency for women to approach situations with the perception or attitude that you’re less – and you’re not! Having the courage and intestinal fortitude to stand up for yourself in a professional way is something I’d encourage for those new to the sector.
I found that as a woman in a leadership role, I bring skillsets that differ from my male counterparts. Instead of conforming, you should embrace it, be proud of it, and be confident in it.
The Importance of Networking
Sandra: The biggest influence in my confidence was getting connected with people who knew more than me. Again, I can’t speak highly enough of what being involved with MFOA did for me as a professional. Surround yourself with people who want to hear what you have to say. Don’t be afraid to pick up the phone and ask for help, because we’re all in the same boat. Getting connected is the reason why I am where I am now. If I stayed in my office, in my box within my own team, I would never have grown my skillset. The larger your perspective, the better you are and the more empathetic you can be to others. The more you know about your operations, the hotter commodity you are in the sector.
