Community Leadership | Elect Jay Chatten

Harwood Memorial Hall- 2019

My Community Leadership Experience

With my 40+ years of experience in manufacturing engineering, I bring proven experience managing multimillion-dollar operational / capital budgets, simplifying complex processes, and navigating detailed technical and regulatory documents. I translate these skills to our community to support something I'm passionate about, bettering this community.

I've come to realize that much of my professional expertise translates into what is expected of a Council member, someone who can balance efficiency and has strong attention to detail. I've taken on numerous community leadership roles to build my community expertise and given myself the opportunity to hear from residents about what is impacting their family lives.

I am committed to sharing all my expertise in effort to clearly define a path forward, shaped by input from residents, so decisions are both practical and responsive to the people they directly impact.

Brenda Wood

Executive Director

RTO, zone 8

“Since joining the Regional Tourism Organization 8 board in 2024, Jay has played a key role in the development of governance policies, strategic planning, business planning, budget preparation and reporting, partner relations and risk management. He is a true asset to our board."

Record of Service

Harwood Hall Board of Directors
Chairman
Since 2023

Township of Hamilton Parks & Recreation Advisory Committee
Chairman
Since 2022

Ensure communications with the community on issues and happenings occurring at the Hall.
Maintain the 100 year old historical composure of the facility to support the community of Harwood & the Township of Hamilton.
Ensure that the community has a positive experience when at an event at the Hall.
Successful in operating a community facility while maintaining profit.
Awarded a 2024 Ontario Trillium Foundation Grant for new accessibility entrance.
Awarded the Township of Hamilton’s “Innovation Award” for creativity.
Annually completing applications for provincial and/or federal funds to better the facility and park.

Review spending trends & creation of new community events to increase community involvement. I supported the addition of a Township recreation coordinator and the implementation of summer camps, fire fighter camp & chefs camp.

Provided the Township with funding options for the growth & development in the area of park enhancements.

Region Tourist Organization (Ontario)
Member of the Board of Directors
Since 2024

On the sub-committee to review & update governance policies that relate to the enhancement of tourism in Northumberland County.
A member of the strategic planning committee to ensure all elements of economic development leading to the annual budget are aligned.
Directive to educate the communities on the benefits to tourism.
Completed training in Artificial Intelligence (AI) & Aboriginal Affairs.

Township of Hamilton Council Meeting Involvement

I have attended 90% of the open council meetings in 2025 to ensure my knowledge of current issues and events.
I have attended 100% of the 2026 budget review meetings to ensure a basis of knowledge going into 2026 election year