News Release

FREDERICTON (GNB) – Two awards for excellence in public administration were presented today by Lt.-Gov. Jocelyne Roy Vienneau at Government House on behalf of the Institute for Public Administration of Canada.

The 2016 Lieutenant-Governor’s Award for Excellence in Public Administration was presented to Nancy Matthews, principal of Riverview Middle School, and the new Donald G. Dennison Award for Public Administration was presented to John Dolimount, director of Northwest New Brunswick District, Canada Border Services Agency.

The awards are presented to individuals whose careers exhibit the highest standard of excellence, dedication and accomplishment. They are intended to underscore the need for creative and highly-skilled public sector practitioners and academics.

“Nancy Matthew’s career in education shows dedication, leadership and inspiration,” said Roy Vienneau. “I am also delighted with the creation of the new Dennison Award which, this year, recognizes excellence in John Dolimount’s career.”

Matthews has been a public servant for almost 25 years. Her first role was as human resources and payroll supervisor. She has served as principal of Riverview Middle School for the last 10 years. Throughout her career, she has been committed to advocating the values and ideals of the public service by working to help students, families, the community and her staff.

Throughout her previous roles as a classroom teacher, district mentor, school vice-principal, district education supervisor and district director of finance and administration, and in her current role as a school principal, she has always been willing to listen the ideas others and to work collaboratively to create an environment that promotes the best learning situation for students.

Matthews is also a role model for continuous learning as she is currently studying at the doctorate level in education at the University of New Brunswick. She has had four educational articles published, the newest being published this fall, and received the 2015 New Brunswick Vince Sunderland Award for Outstanding Leadership for her commitment and dedication to leadership.

The new Donald G. Dennison Award for Public Administration recognizes a public sector practitioner who is making a positive and noticeable difference within the public sector in New Brunswick. Recipients are chosen for their leadership, teamwork, innovation and creativity as well as their contribution to their organization. They are known for excellence in their field of expertise.

Dolimount has been with the public service for 35 years and is currently the director of Northwest New Brunswick District, Canada Border Services Agency. He has been an executive for more than half of his career. He started his career as a customs inspector in the port of entry in Fortune, Newfoundland and Labrador, and held increasingly senior positions through the years.

Dolimount has significant experience in the area of operations and administration and constantly demonstrates leadership. He is focused on his workforce and the mandate of the agency, within his district, the Atlantic region and nationally. He is highly regarded as a visionary and for his ability to motivate.

He played a key role in the development and implementation of a program that provides a risk-based, alternative approach for clearing commercial cargo and conveyances in the marine mode for certain vessels destined for the Arctic. His leadership style motivates, challenges and empowers his employees.

The Institute for Public Administration of Canada is a private, not-for-profit organization dedicated to advancing excellence in public service through learning, networking and celebrating achievement among government, colleges, universities and others in public administration.