History

The St. John’s Chapter was established November 2002 with key founding members from the Federal Government. Sonya Janes, Gary Snow and Connie Pearcey were instrumental along the tremendous support of FMI National of successfully implementing the Chapter in St. John’s.

2002-2003 proved a successful year for a Chapter in its infancy with four sessions of insightful speakers such as Sheila Fraser, the Auditor General of Canada at that time.

The following year saw the addition of 3 board members, two of which represented the Provincial Government: Mark Penney, Dave Tite and Bess Norman. Five sessions were held with an average attendance of 20 people. Word was spreading and the St. John’s Chapter began to grow.

2004-2005 saw the addition of two more Provincial Board members in Paul Tucker and Lisa Palmer. The Board continued to provide high quality breakfast training sessions and prepared itself for hosting the Public Sector Management Workshop in St. John’s June 2006. A committee was created and with the support of the honorary co-chair, the Deputy Minister of Finance, the event in 2006 was a smashing success.

In 2010 fmi*igf St. John’s presented Terry Paddon with the Lifetime Membership Award for his invaluable contribution to the Chapter. From left to right: Lisa Palmer, President; Terry Paddon; Janice Butt, Vice President; and John Martin, Past President.

Over the years since PSMW 2006, the board has seen comings and goings and has experienced tremendous growth in membership. In 2010, FMI St. John’s observed the appointment of the local board President John Martin to National FMI President.

The evolution of the board continues: 2012-13 board consists of 10 dedicated financial professionals from the Public Sector as well as Provincial and Federal Governments. The membership has expanded to include all three levels of Government, Accounting Firms, Crown Agencies and Corporations and other Private. The topics and sessions are relevant and valued as evidenced by the average attendance experienced in recent years.

FMI St. John’s continues to work hard to deliver quality products and under the leadership of current President Pinki Kumar look forward to preparing to host PSMW 2016.