THUNDER BAY – Crimebeat – The City of Thunder Bay announces the appointment of Sheelagh Hendrick as Acting Crime Prevention Council Coordinator, effective Sept. 19, 2011. Ms. Hendrick is a long-time City employee ,and Deputy City Clerk since 2008. She brings a background in community development to the position and experience in community recreation. In 2000, she was seconded to be the City’s first Community Relations Coordinator, a position created to work with the health community recruiting physicians and health care professionals.
Hendrick collaborated and provided leadership in the establishment of the Thunder Bay Physician Recruitment and Retention Council, and served as its first chair. She later supervised the Community Relations Coordinators and Family Physician Recruiters who came after her. The Ontario Medical Association named her the 2009 recipient of the prestigious Community Service Award, a nomination by the Thunder Bay Medical Society. The award recognizes a non-physician who has made a significant contribution to the health and welfare of the local community.
Hendrick was also instrumental in the creation of the award-winning P.R.O. Kids, which makes recreation activities accessible to economically disadvantaged children and youth.
“There are a number of disciplines, or pillars, that are critical to crime prevention through social development – and community recreation is one of those,” said Tim Commisso, City Manager. “With her strong background in community development and evidence-based decision making, Sheelagh will be a valuable addition to the Crime Prevention Council as it moves into the implementation of its newly formed strategy.” The strategy will be presented to City Council in late September.
All correspondence formerly directed to Amy Siciliano, who is currently on maternity leave, should now be directed to Sheelagh Hendrick. All other lines of communication with the Crime Prevention Council will remain the same.
