About Me.

I grew up in Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada.  I studied civil engineering in the early 1980's in Dalhousie University, Nova Scotia.  I obtained a Master of Business Administration with a concentration in Finance from Memorial University of Newfoundland in 1990. 

 

I've worked designing and building roads and residential subdivisions in Newfoundland, overseeing marine construction projects in Nova Scotia, spearheading environmental projects for Canadian National Railway in Montreal, leading strategic information technology consulting projects in Calgary, Alberta, and management consulting in Prague, Czech Republic.  

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Around 2000, I moved to Williamstown where I've lived with my husband, Bill Lenhart, and my daughter, Zeta, until she flew off to college in North Carolina.   Bill and I are still here.

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In Williamstown, I worked at Williams College (Williams College Project on the Economics of Higher Education, Facilities Operations, and the Zilkha Center).  

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My time now is focussed on creative artistic endeavors; getting outside to run, bike, hike, ski; and serving on Town committees.

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The stuff below is in a Blog Post - A vote for Steph is a vote for - so if you read that you can stop reading here.

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My promise:

 

I will work hard to thoroughly understand the issues we are facing. I will listen to you and all of our community to understand the impact of decisions from all perspectives. I will diligently investigate issues. I will be forthright and straightforward in my communication. 

 

And my experience --

 

Municipal engagement:

 

I've been a member of several Town committees over the past 20 years.

• COOL Committee

• Hoosic River Watershed Association

• Conservation Commission

• Planning Board

• Comprehensive Plan Steering Committee

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I've worked on zoning bylaws related to housing and economic development. I've helped the Town save energy through leading the effort to upgrade street lighting. I've participated in the protection of the Hoosic River and its watershed through my work on the Conservation Commission and HooRWA. I've supported the fire station design team reach for net zero goals. I'm co-chairing our Town's Comprehensive Plan - Envisioning Williamstown 2035. I've helped the Town Meeting pass zoning changes that allow accessory dwelling units and two-family house conversions.  I've helped tighten up regulations related to marijuana cultivated so that indoor facilities require renewable energy and the impact outdoor facilities are reduced.

 

I've developed strong working relationships with Town staff and others involved with Town governance. I'm ready to hit the ground running.

 

Breadth of experience:

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Outside of Town governance, I've worked in a variety of fields that have provided me with experiences that will be useful at the Select Board table.

 

I managed facility operations at Williams College so I'm familiar with capital planning and management of infrastructure (roads, fields, water and sewer, utilities).

 

As a civil engineer, I have designed subdivisions, roads and water and sewer projects. I've acted as Owner's Project Representative on civil engineering projects.

 

I've been a management consultant helping oil and gas, telecommunications and agri-business companies assess their information technology strategy. I implemented a work management system for maintenance planning.

 

I've managed environmental assessments for a multinational railroad. I helped a food processing factory in Eastern Europe develop a business strategy in a market economy.

 

I'm able to get up to speed quickly on technical and infrastructure planning challenges for the Town.

 

 

Enthusiasm, Collaboration and Compassion:

 

I am enthusiastic about helping my community reach its fullest potential.

 

When faced with a challenge I approach it from every angle. I talk to people. I research and read. I analyze. I question. The most important issues we will face on the Select Board will be multi-faceted and complex. I will dig deep to get a full understanding of all of the implications.

 

Important work doesn't happen without the active involvement of many. I am so grateful for all the teams that I have been engaged with in Williamstown and beyond - sharing our skills and knowledge and abilities. I understand that collaboration is key to success.  

 

The Select Board, at its core, represents our community. You ask us to think about issues that impact us as individuals, and as a community. You ask us to be stewards of our land and physical resources that support our way of life. Residents turn to the board for explanations, for support, and for understanding. My compassion for you and our community, our environment and our region will underlay my work.

 

I've been listening to and supporting our community for years. I'd like to continue to serve you.

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