Overseas Manager Exchange Program

Focus on your management skills and develop your career in local government through a two-week reciprocal exchange with a partner manager in Aotearoa New Zealand.


Applications for the 2026/27 program will open soon.


About the Program

Gain professional, personal, and cultural experience that can be applied back at your local government and going forward in your career!

Offered in partnership with Taituarā — Local Government Professionals Aotearoa, this opportunity is open to LGMA regular members who have held membership for 2 or more years prior to the commencement of the exchange.


This program is one of a range of LGMA initiatives that provide leadership and development opportunities specifically tailored to the local government environment. Exchange partners work out a program of engagements and events that meet the learning interests of the guest.


Key components and benefits include:


  • The successful LGMA manager will travel to Aotearoa New Zealand for a hosted two week visit to attend the Taituarā Conference (September 9-11, 2026 in Ngamotu New Plymouth) and to visit local governments in that country; in return, the LGMA manager will host their exchange partner in British Columbia for two weeks to attend the LGMA Conference (June 15-17, 2027 in Nanaimo) and visit local governments in BC. 


  • Network and establish long-lasting relationships. A number of past exchanges have resulted in a connection throughout the partners' careers.


  • Gain an awareness of "best practices" being employed by your host local government (this should be one of your key objectives for a successful program outcome), along with a deeper understanding of you own local government issues. The exchanges provide ample timing to learn and share ideas and past participants have returned to their local governments inspired and armed with a better perspective and increased local government knowledge.   


  • Report back on your experience and take the opportunity to share what you've learned with your colleagues.


  • The successful BC candidate is selected by the LGMA Board of Directors.


Further Information and How to Apply

The program covers return economy airfare to the host local government in Aotearoa New Zealand, travel to the Taituarā Conference, and incidental overnight accommodation associated with this travel to a maximum of $5,000 CDN. It also provides for the participant's registration fees and accommodations for the Taituarā Conference, and 6 nights additional accommodation directly related to the exchange program. Any costs above this amount are the responsibility of the participant.


Some conditions apply including that the selected manager: submit a post-exchange report focusing on lessons observed for potential application to BC; identify specific opportunities to ensure those lessons are transmitted to the LGMA membership and local governments in BC; and may be asked to give a presentation on the experience at an LGMA event and/or provide an article for the LGMA Exchange magazine.


2026/27 Program Overview & Application Package coming soon

Stories from BC Exchange Managers

Since its inception in 2007, LGMA members have great benefited from this experience. Here's what past participants have said:

 

  • "I return with new insights, renewed purpose, and a deep appreciation for the power of international collaboration in local government."
  • "New ideas brought back to Council and our staff challenged our assumptions about how things 'must' be done." 
  • "The exchange, for me, has built a bridge within the global community of local government and inspired me to seek new solutions to old problems." 


Read past BC manager reports below:


2025-26

  • Linda Glenday, CAO for the District of Squamish, attended the Taituarā Conference in September 2025. She will in turn host her partner, Jenni Cochrane, Group Manager Customer Experience, Matamata-Piako District Council, in June 2026. Download the 2025 Exchange Manager’s Report.


2024-25

  • Bob Payette, CAO for the District of Metchosin, attended the Taituarā Conference in September 2024. He hosted his partner, Morag Taimalietane, Principal Advisor Customer and Community, Kapiti Coast District Council, in June 2025. *Bob is happy to speak to anyone considering applying for a future offering! Download the 2024 Exchange Manager’s Report.
  • For the exchange partners view, you can find Morag Taimalietane's 2024 Exchange Manager Report on the Taituarā website.


2023-24

  • Renée LaBoucane, Manager, Strategic Initiatives for Strathcona Regional District, was the successful representative and attended the Taituarā Conference in November 2023. Renée hosted her partner, Sarah Matthews, General Manager Finance & Environment for Taupo District Council, in June 2024. Download the 2023 Manager Exchange Report.


2019-20

  • Ramin Seifi, General Manager, Engineering and Community Development for the Township of Langley was the successful 2019-20 representative. Ramin attended the SOLGM Summit in September 2019, and in turn hosted Rex Capil, Group Manager Community & Futures, from Southland District Council for two weeks in June 2023. Download the 2019 Manager Exchange Report. 

2018-19

  • Matt Vader, Manager of Strategic & Support Services, District of Lake Country, was the successful 2018-19 LGMA representative. Matt attended the SOLGM Summit in September 2018, and in turn, hosted Glenn Young, Utility Manager, Manawatu District Council, for two weeks in June 2019. Download the 2018 Manager Exchange Report.

2017-18

  • Regina Sadilkova, Director of Development Services, Thompson-Nicola Regional District, was selected as the 2017-18 LGMA representative for the Overseas Exchange Program. Regina traveled to New Zealand to attend the SOLGM Conference in September 2017, and in turn hosted Liam Nolan, Head of Vertical Capital Delivery and Professional Services-City Services with Christchurch City Council, for two weeks in May 2018. Download the 2017 Manager Exchange Report and Appendices.

 

2016-17

  • Rob Buchan, CAO, District of North Saanich, was selected as the 2016-17 LGMA representative for the Overseas Exchange Program. Rob traveled to New Zealand to attend the SOLGM Conference in September 2016, and in turn hosted Fiona McTavish, General Manager Strategy, Bay of Plenty Regional Council for two weeks in May 2017. Download the 2016 Manager Exchange Report.