Lynda Parsons and her husband moved to the Lenswood-Bowsman area in 2001.
In 2015, they relocated to Minitonas-Bowsman and have called the community home ever since. Parsons's first job in the Valley was with Agricore United and later Cargill. She then spent 14 years with Swan Valley Credit Union.
Two and a half decades after moving to the area, Lynda says she couldn't imagine living anywhere else.
"I've invested a lot of time volunteering and supporting local community groups," said Parsons. "I spent 10 years with the Swan River Day Care Centre. I've helped to expand the big daycare and start a new daycare with the Friendship Centre."
Parsons has been heavily involved in volunteering her time with Swan Valley Youth Soccer, the Community Foundation of Swan Valley, and Canadian Parents for French. She's always more than happy to lend a helping hand.
Anytime there has been a call for volunteers in the area, Lynda is there with a smile, ready to give back.
"I live here. I think it's important," continued Parsons. "I feel strongly about being someone who gets involved. Volunteering is time-consuming. We're privileged to have a great group of volunteers in our communities here. It's what keeps our communities going. It's always been important to me."
Passionate about the community and the people that live in it, Parsons has long thought about what it would be like to become the Chief Administrative Officer of a community. So when the CAO position was posted for the Municipality of Minitonas-Bowsman, Parsons knew what needed to be done.
She applied for the job. On November 3, she was appointed as the new CAO for the municipality. In a post, the Council said they were thrilled to have selected someone who not only meets the qualifications but is a part of the community.
Lynda recently celebrated three months in the new position.
"It's been wonderful. I have the privilege of working with a tremendous group of people here in the office and through Public Works," continued Parsons. "I've had wonderful support from the council and the community. I think everyone is excited to have me here, and to be able to move forward, it's great to have their support."
Larry Mychalchuk is the reeve for the municipality. The Council includes Derek and Gary Bartel, Leanne Hutman, Clint Janzen, Ken Reader, and Gale Wagner.
As for Lynda's vision for the municipality, she wants what is best for all members of the community.
"We want to be economically viable and have that prosperity," ended Parsons. "We want to see growth and development. We want healthy living spaces. We want Minitonas-Bowsman to be a place where people want to come."
Lynda thanks everyone for their support, and she looks forward to what's next.
