On October 1st, Whatì could have hung out a sign that read “Under New Management”. Ms Lisa Nitsiza was promoted from Assistant Senior Administrative Officer (SAO) to SAO on October 1, 2015.
In 2013, Lisa started the SAO Trainee Program with the goal of becoming Whatì’s next SAO. Enrolled in the Advancing Local Government Administrators Program (ALGAP), offered by GNWT Municipal & Community Affairs, Chief and Council also made the commitment in 2013 that, if Lisa could satisfactorily complete the program, they would move her into the SAO role.
After two years of hard work and effort on Lisa’s part, Council agreed that Lisa was ready to become the SAO and Lisa became one of ALGAP’s more impressive graduates. At a presentation ceremony held in Yellowknife on October 7th, MACA Deputy Minister Tom Williams presented Lisa with a framed graduation certificate.
Lisa during her acceptance speech stated “I am still adjusting to the new role and so is staff. It’s safe to say that I am comfortable with the position with the help of Larry Baran who will help me transition into my new role in the next few months. It’s not a role that I can deal with head on without the help and support of my mentor Larry Baran and from Chief and Council as well. I do look forward to the challenge on a daily basis other than Acting SAO for a few weeks at a time. Thank you for those who supported me in the past two years and especially to my husband Frankie Nitsiza.”
Chief Alfonz Nitsiza was also present at the ceremony to witness the certificate presentation and noted that he, too, was proud to see yet another successful example of a Tlicho citizen investing in the needed training to develop the expertise to become a leader in their community.
For more information contact:
Lisa Mackenzie Nitsiza
Whati SAO
