Two Pelham staffers make annual Niagara’s ‘Top 40 Under 40’ List

For the second year in a row, two Town of Pelham staff, Amanda Deschenes and Sarah Leach have been recognized as one of Niagara’s Top 40 Under Forty for 2022.

One of Niagara’s most prestigious awards, chosen by Niagara’s Business Link Media Group, the 40 Under Forty Award, recognizes individuals who have demonstrated an extraordinary level of success in the private, public, and not-for-profit sectors.

Deschenes and Leach are the only town/city hall employees on the entire list.

With previous experience in the tourism and not-for-profit sectors, Deschenes joined the Town of Pelham in 2021 as the special events and festivals programmer. Her resiliency and creative energy proved extremely valuable as events began to return to pre-pandemic capacities.

“Bringing elements of events together to create memorable experiences, those unique moments within the event that linger in the memories of those that attend, has been the most rewarding part of my career,” said Deschenes. “I am thankful to have achieved this recognition and look forward to creating memorable events in Pelham.”

Leach, the Deputy Clerk in Pelham since 2021, began her career with the Town in 2016 and progressively advanced through positions. In her current role, Ms. Leach assists with performing statutory duties of the Municipal Act. Ms. Leach played an integral role in developing and executing the first by-election within Canada during the pandemic, which garnered an E.A. Danby Award for the Town of Pelham.

“Since the beginning of my career with the Town, I have been encouraged, challenged and supported to continue to grow and apply my skills within the organization,” said Leach. “I am honoured to be recognized and fortunate to work collaboratively with staff and residents.”

“It is not surprising to see both Ms. Deschenes and Ms. Leach recognized; they have a proven track record of exemplary work and are a pleasure to work with,” said Town of Pelham CAO David Cribbs. “We should all be pleased that Pelham continues to attract and hire high quality individuals.”

Amanda Deschenes, left, and Sarah Leach, right.