Fort Smith mayor says outgoing SAO ‘left us in a much better position’

The senior administrator of Fort Smith is departing after two years in the role. The town’s mayor says the move has been an emotional one.

SAO Tracy Thomas is moving to southern Alberta at the end of the month, having joined Fort Smith just after the 2023 wildfires – a period when the town had gone nearly a year without a permanent administrator.

Mayor Dana Fergusson said the office was strained at the time, with multiple interim staff keeping operations afloat. In her view, Thomas helped strengthen planning, governance, and internal structures at a time when the municipality needed stability and direction.

“When she stepped in, it was a very fragmented organization – lots of people still trying to do their best job but not having that leadership position like an SAO. They were without guidance,” she told Cabin Radio, adding that the year had been “really hard on our community.”

“She’s done a really good job for our community … She’s leaving our community in a much better position than when she found us,” Fergusson said of Thomas.

During Thomas’ tenure, she led an organizational review, completed a new zoning bylaw and community plan, and advanced housing and development initiatives through federal funding.

Fergusson said one of the most meaningful internal improvements came from updating the bylaw for excluded employees, which had not been revised in years. Giving staff greater job security helped employees feel valued and appreciated, she said.

Moreover, Thomas’ affiliation with the Canadian Association of Municipal Administrators also helped Fort Smith gain recognition at a national level.

Thomas also prioritized mentorship and training for directors, the mayor said, and helped secure resources the town previously lacked, including a dedicated human resources position.

Among accomplishments under her leadership was a new municipal services agreement with Salt River First Nation, which Fergusson said resolved a long-standing issue.

“We wish her all the best. I’m sad to see her go,” Fergusson said. “We’d gladly have her back if she ever chose to come back this way.”

Thomas moved to the North with her children more than 20 years ago and – having lived and worked in all three territories – was familiar with northern challenges before coming to Fort Smith.

“I wasn’t born here, but the North has been home for a very long time. Typical northern story – came up north for a year, stayed almost 25,” she said.

“Like any leadership transition, there was work to do. The focus was on rebuilding stability, filling key positions, and strengthening planning and governance. The challenges were definitely real, but the progress has been very rewarding.”

Thomas said the most meaningful part of the job was seeing staff contribute more openly and watching projects shift “from planning into action.”

Before arriving in Fort Smith, Thomas had held senior roles across the North with both non-profits and municipalities.

She is now moving to Alberta to become the chief administrative officer for a regional service commission, a move she said aligns with her experience and brings her closer to family.

Thomas said her key lesson from the role is the importance of relationships and long-term planning in municipal governance.

Her advice for the next town SAO is to support staff, respect established processes, and keep decisions focused on the community’s long-term interests.

“I’m grateful for the chance to have worked with such a dedicated group of people,” she said.

“Fort Smith has talented staff, a thoughtful council, and a community that cares deeply about its future. I’m excited to see where that energy takes the town next.”

Correction: November 26, 2025 – 13:08 MT. This article initially referred to the town’s mayor as a member of staff, which isn’t the case. We also said nearly two years had gone by without a permanent administrator, whereas it was actually a period of nearly one year. We’ve updated this report accordingly.