ACL Leader in Focus – Adam Beres

Adam is the Manager of Fleet, Equipment and Purchasing for the City of Welland, whom he has had the pleasure of being employed for three and a half years.

Adam has been in purchasing for approximately 23 years in various private sector fields. He has found the transition to the public sector to be smooth and enjoys the greater structure within the organization.

In his spare time, Adam enjoys playing the guitar, recording original music in his basement studio, camping, and fishing.

In your view, what’s the most important attribute of a leader?

I believe a leader must be willing to work in the trenches with the team and supply the support needed, rather than reviewing only from a traditional high-level through data collection and report analytics. The leader should inspire others and see for themselves the challenges the team is facing and work within to form a solution. The leader should provide additional vision, resources and meaningful creative plans for the project to move forward productively.

How do you define civic leadership?

Civic Leadership (to me) is establishing the needs of those in the community with a goal of increasing the quality of life, not just for those in need but encompasses a variety of individuals from different backgrounds. Civic Leadership is having the vision and compassion to engage the community through social media platforms and hosting in-person workshops where all voices have an opportunity to be heard.

Civic Leadership involves collecting the data from a variety of community engagement events and presenting to decision-makers who may help achieve the goals raised or assist in promoting awareness of these needs.

Why are you personally motivated to explore civic leadership?

I enjoy volunteering and working within my community in hopes of making a difference. Having the pleasure to live in and work for the City of Welland, I have an active interest in the well-being of my community.

What, in your view, is the most significant issue/opportunity facing our community? Why?

Seeking additional support for self-harm clinics and drug rehabilitation programs are significant opportunities for our City. By partnering more with the Region, tracking the location and identifying high concentration areas of found sharps to develop hot-spots and potentially assist with those vulnerable in rebuilding a healthy, productive lifestyle.