Get to know Leanne

We’re not just electing a mayor. We’re electing a leader, a thinker, a fighter, a mother, and above all, a devoted public servant who knows what it will take to steer Guelph through these challenging times.

 

Where it all started 

I learned the value of hard work and service early in life. My father was an RCAF navigator. He flew a decommissioned Lancaster Bomber (FM213, also known as the Mynarski Lanc at Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum) while stationed in Torbay, NL, assigned to Cold War reconnaissance and search and rescue operations. Mom was a coal miner's daughter from Drumheller, AB, the first of her family to pursue post-secondary education to become an ER nurse.

When dad took a job with Air Canada in the early 70s, we cleared land and settled near Arkell. I attended Brock Road School, College Ave, and Centennial CVI.  When I left home at 18 to head down Highway 6 to Hamilton to attend McMaster University, I knew someday I would be back to make Guelph my forever home.

A legacy of service 

For decades prior to being elected to public office, I was involved in community advocacy through my professional work, my neighbourhood association, school councils and numerous community organizations. I have been a volunteer and strong champion for the environment, education, sustainability, water protection, heritage, sound planning and zoning, arts and culture. Community service has been part of who I am since my early years, whether it be through 4-H clubs, sports, school or church activities. As a Rotarian, I live by the motto "Service Above Self" which extends into my personal and political life.

I believe in hard work and continuous improvement. I got my first job at 14 and haven't stopped since. Being a working mother to four children was the most challenging and rewarding time of my life.  

Bringing skills to the table 

I graduated from McMaster University with an Honours BA in History and English, and an MA (Leadership) from the University of Guelph Lang School of Business.

I have worked in the public sector, private sector and non-profit sector, and have owned and operated a successful small business in the past. In my current role as the Manager, Occupancy and Marketing at the U of G, my position in Ancillary Services oversees $55 million in revenue generation, supports recruitment, policy, media and communications. See my Linked In profile to see more about my professional skills and background. 

Politics isn't everything

I am a proud mom and "grammie" to four children, an angel grandaughter, a grandson, and an extended bonus family. In my "spare" time, my husband Arni and I are busy restoring our heritage stone home, in the garden, or cheering on the Raptors and Blue Jays.