Diane Kalen-Sukra
Passionate.Engaging.
Inspiring.
Diane combines insightful humour, hard research and in depth analysis to share her experiences, best practices and innovative solutions to today's complex sustainable community building challenges.
Rob Buchan, PhD
CAO, District of North Saanich
Diane Kalen-Sukra has a passion and obvious depth of knowledge on critical matters facing our civil service cultures, governance and sustainable community building efforts. She is an engaging speaker and her message is both sobering and motivating!
Narissa Chadwick, MA, MCIP
Senior Planner, Province of BC
Diane Kalen-Sukra has a magical way of weaving together ancient philosophy and real life experience to reveal both the challenges and the opportunities that exist for communities striving to support sustainable futures. She boldly identifies influences inhibiting the efficient and effective function of communities and provides compelling evidence in support of an integrated approach to planning. Her presentation was refreshing, enlightening and entertaining.
Julie Douglas, Communications Director, City of Campbell River
Diane Kalen-Sukra is a big picture thinker with an infectious energy for change. Her presentation at the annual conference for local government administrators showcased both the strength of community values and the fragility of contemporary democracy. Tap into Diane’s insights to connect more deeply with the role of local government on the cutting edge of social change – and be part of tipping the balance for the better.
Donald N. Leitch, CAO & Clerk, Municipality of Central Elgin
Diane Kalen-Sukra combines her talent for speaking with her knowledge of municipal governance to deliver a highly interesting and effective message. Speaking on the toxic culture facing many Canadian municipalities at a workshop for Ontario municipal CAOs, Diane connected with her audience, leaving listeners motivated to pursue solutions for good governance founded on values. With a diverse background as a community organizer, media producer and senior municipal public servant, Diane brings real world knowledge to her presentation. An inspiring call for change!
Norm McInnis, MA, CLGM
CAO, City of Fernie
After sixteen years as a Chief Administrative Officer in Alberta, I can spot local government professionals that push boundaries and look for better ways to serve community. I encountered Diane Kalen-Sukra when she was a municipal CAO. The awards and notoriety of her local government, especially at UBCM, only increased my sense that Diane was special. I later heard her speak at a local government management conference under the manner of her newly minted consultancy, Kalen Consulting. Diane’s talk communicated her rigorously researched philosophy of local government and community building--a philosophy that I wholeheartedly share.