The Federation of Northern Ontario Municipalities (FONOM) has elected a new president.
Dave Plourde, who's currently the mayor of Kapuskasing, has been acclaimed in the role following the organization's board of directors meeting on Oct. 3.
He takes over from Danny Whalen, who has served with the organization since 2011 and became president in 2018.
“Danny has left a remarkable mark on FONOM and on Northern Ontario,” Plourde said in a news release.
“His leadership, vision, and tireless advocacy have strengthened our voice and advanced the priorities of our communities. On behalf of the board, I thank him for his years of service.”
Additionally, Maggie Horsfield, deputy mayor of North Bay, was elected FONOM's first vice-president, while Lynn Watson, mayor of Echo Bay, was elected second vice-president.
A veteran of municipal politics, Plourde has served on council since 1994 in addition to various organizations including the Kapuskasing Chamber of Commerce, the Ontario Northland Transportation Commission, the Northern Caucus of the Association of Ontario Municipalities, and the Cochrane District Social Services Administration Board.
He has participated in the Northern Ontario Highway Task Force and the Northern Ontario Wires Board of Directors, and volunteers with the Kapuskasing Midget AAA Flyers, the Northern Corridor Children’s Foundation and the Knights of Columbus.
In addition to election of the new leadership, FONOM received a clean 2024-2025 audit from Baker Tilly and discussed municipal concerns regarding speed camera resolutions.
FONOM is a membership-based organization representing the interests of 110 cities, towns and municipalities across the North. Its mission is to improve the economic and social quality of life for all northerners.