After more than a decade of involvement with one of Ontario’s leading municipal leadership organizations, Denise Corry has been named chair of the Ontario Municipal Administrators’ Association (OMAA).
Corry, the first female and longest-serving chief administrative officer for the Town of Huntsville, has been involved with the association for about 12 years, contributing through committee work, professional development initiatives, and municipal leadership advocacy across the province.
Her appointment to the chair marks a significant milestone, both personally and professionally, placing a Huntsville municipal leader at the helm of an organization that represents senior municipal administrators from communities across Ontario.
The Ontario Municipal Administrators’ Association supports excellence in municipal leadership and governance by providing training, networking and policy collaboration opportunities for CAOs and senior municipal staff. The organization plays an important role in helping municipal leaders navigate increasingly complex challenges facing local governments, including infrastructure pressures, housing growth, economic development and financial sustainability.
Corry said her long-standing involvement with the organization has provided valuable opportunities to collaborate with peers from municipalities of all sizes and regions.
As chair, she will help guide the association’s strategic priorities while continuing to advocate for strong local government administration and professional municipal leadership throughout Ontario.
“We’re thrilled to welcome Denise Corry as our new President as she steps in at an exciting moment for the organization. Denise takes over the leadership position just while we launch a bold strategic plan and refresh our brand, bringing clear vision to guide that change. She offers outstanding governance experience and a strong track record of thoughtful leadership on the board. Her energy and enthusiasm will accelerate our progress and inspire members as we move into this next chapter,” stated Scott Vokey, Executive Director of OMAA.
Her appointment also reflects the growing profile of smaller and mid-sized Ontario municipalities within provincial municipal organizations, as communities like Huntsville continue to confront many of the same growth, infrastructure and governance challenges faced by larger urban centres.
The appointment was welcomed by Parry Sound—Muskoka MPP Graydon Smith, who shared a video congratulating her on her appointment outside of the Ontario Municipal Administrators’ Association (OMAA/Civic Ontario) conference, held from May 20–22, 2026, at the JW Marriott The Rosseau Muskoka Resort & Spa in Muskoka Lakes.
“Very, very excited to be working with OMAA,” said Corry. “I’ve been with the organization for about 12 years now, and super excited about assuming the role of chair moving forward for the next year. Couldn’t have gotten here today without the support of so many people. So yourself, Minister, and all of the support that you’ve given me over the years, as well as the Town of Huntsville.”
Corry said she’s a firm believer that success is based on hard work and opportunity, “and I feel I’ve been given so many opportunities, so I thank you and certainly shout out to my amazing community for supporting me. This organization is so important to senior administrators. It’s a support mechanism. We help work on things that are important to the province because our role is to make sure that what the province wants to see move forward actually happens,” said Corry, who reiterated her gratitude to Smith.
“Well, and we can’t do it without you, right? We can’t have that provincial/municipal relationship without having people working together on both ends… congratulations on becoming chair,” responded Smith, who told Corry that they’ve known each other for a long time and quipped about bad haircuts in high school.
“I want to congratulate you on what’s been a fantastic career, and only upwards and onwards for you. Keep up the great work, and we’ll keep working together,” concluded Smith.
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Seems like the hardest working people always take on more work! Denise will do well in this added role.