Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Accomplishments
Certification
Timeline
Generic
Ashley Saunders

Ashley Saunders

Fort McMurray,AB

Summary


Customer Service & Operations Leader | Indigenous Community Engagement | Strategic Growth

Experienced Customer Service & Operations Leader with over a decade of expertise in the public sector, municipal services, and business management. Proven ability to lead centralized customer service departments, optimize municipal service delivery, and implement policies that enhance efficiency and public engagement. Adept at strategic planning, stakeholder collaboration, and Indigenous cultural advocacy, ensuring public services are inclusive, accessible, and community-driven.

At Fort McKay First Nation, I have spearheaded initiatives to improve customer service accessibility, enhance governance frameworks, and strengthen community engagement. My leadership extends to developing service policies, managing large-scale events, and securing key partnerships to support municipal growth and outreach. Passionate about driving operational excellence and continuous service improvements, I bring a results-oriented mindset to every initiative.

Now seeking to apply my customer service leadership, operational expertise, and Indigenous cultural advocacy to a municipal organization that values innovation, service excellence, and community engagement.

Overview

18
18
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Liaison Chief & Council - Events Management

Fort McKay First Nation
03.2022 - Current

Executive Liaison Chief & Council Indigenous Community Programs & Corporate Events Management

  • Served as a primary liaison between Chief & Council, municipal officials, and community stakeholders, ensuring open communication and policy alignment.
  • Advised on and facilitated the development of governance policies, bylaws, and strategic frameworks to support municipal growth and Indigenous representation.
  • Provided council meeting coordination, including agenda development, minutes documentation, and follow-up actions to ensure informed decision-making.
  • Managed community consultations and engagement strategies, ensuring transparency and responsiveness to community needs.
  • Oversaw centralized customer service operations, enhancing accessibility, response times, and efficiency.
  • Managed front desk operations, payment processing, and communication platforms, ensuring smooth service delivery.
  • Led administration and enforcement coordination, ensuring compliance and municipal accountability.
  • Designed and implemented culturally responsive events and service models, strengthening community connections.
  • Advocated for inclusive service policies, integrating Indigenous traditions and governance structures into municipal operations.
  • Partnered with Indigenous leaders, Elders, and community members to enhance engagement strategies.
  • Successfully planned and executed corporate and community events for 200–4,000+ attendees.
  • Secured over $400,000 in sponsorships for Treaty Days 2024, demonstrating strong stakeholder engagement and fundraising expertise.
  • Designed events to authentically showcase Indigenous culture, increasing engagement and awareness.
  • Developed and refined customer service policies and best practices, driving operational excellence.
  • Utilized data-driven insights to optimize service delivery and improve customer satisfaction.
  • Spearheaded service expansion initiatives, leading to a 50% increase in off-reserve programming.
  • Led cross-functional teams, fostering collaboration, mentorship, and professional development.
  • Built and maintained strong relationships with Indigenous communities, sponsors, and municipal partners.
  • Streamlined internal and external communications, improving coordination across departments.

Entrepreneur of SoapMuchLuv

Soap Much Luv
01.2016 - 01.2022
  • Management: Managed and motivated employees to be productive and engaged in work.
  • Sales & Customer Engagement: Consistently executed sales strategies in a fun, team-oriented environment, meeting and exceeding daily sales goals while building a loyal customer base.
  • Customer Relationship Management: Engaged with customers to uncover needs, provide tailored product recommendations, and capture contact information to foster long-term relationships.
  • Inventory & Replenishment: Supported product replenishment activities, managed inventory at on-site and off-site locations, and ensured a full and visually appealing store environment.
  • Website Management: Designed, maintained, and updated the company website, including visual presentation, marketing placement, and content changes to align with brand strategy.
  • Local Order Fulfillment: Delivered orders to in-town clients, ensuring timely and accurate service to maintain customer satisfaction.
  • Team Leadership: Cross-trained employees to enhance team agility and performance, fostering a collaborative and efficient work environment.
  • Financial Oversight: Managed business budget planning, accounting functions, purchasing, and bi-weekly payroll, ensuring financial accuracy and sustainability.
  • Operational Excellence: Accomplished multiple tasks within tight timeframes, consistently exceeding sales targets through effective leadership and motivation techniques.
  • Customer Satisfaction: Enhanced customer satisfaction by resolving disputes promptly and ensuring high-quality service delivery.

Rural Community Events Management

Safe Community Wood Buffalo
01.2016 - 03.2019
  • Community Programming & Events: Collaborated with rural community schools to design and deliver engaging programming, events, and town activities that addressed community needs.
  • Rural Community Engagement: Deep understanding of the challenges and successes unique to rural healthcare and communities, contributing to informed and impactful initiatives.
  • Community Development Activities: Attended and facilitated community development and engagement activities, building strong connections with local stakeholders.
  • Interpersonal Skills: Leveraged excellent listening skills and a keen understanding of people to inspire action and foster community relationships.
  • Independent & Team-Oriented: Demonstrated self-motivation and the ability to work independently while being an integral part of a cohesive team.
  • Regional Travel: Regularly traveled to rural communities within the region, ensuring on-the-ground support and accessibility.
  • Skillset: Proficient in project management, written and verbal communication, and computer tools to streamline operations and communication.
  • School Outreach: Conducted school presentations, organized events like bike rodeos, and managed logistics for successful engagement activities.
  • Operational Efficiency: Handled day-to-day responsibilities with accuracy and efficiency, consistently improving productivity through quick learning and adaptation.
  • Volunteer Coordination: Managed volunteer efforts to maximize resource use and community impact, ensuring smooth operation of community programs.
  • Positive Energy: Maintained enthusiasm and energy in fast-paced environments, inspiring participation and collaboration.
  • Coordinated volunteer efforts, ensuring efficient use of resources and maximum impact on the community.

Group Home Counselor/Manager of Operations

Central Residential Service Board
01.2014 - 12.2016
  • Resident Supervision: Oversaw the daily activities and safety of clients & staff within a structured and supportive group home environment.
  • Client Observation: Monitored and documented clients' mental attitudes and behaviors to identify changes and address their emotional and behavioral needs effectively.
  • Individual Support: Conducted one-on-one sessions to assist residents in coping with emotions, fears, and challenges, fostering a supportive and empathetic atmosphere.
  • Resident Care: Managed meal preparation, medication administration, and personal care to ensure residents' physical and emotional well-being.
  • Activity Coordination: Planned and facilitated daily activities and field trips to promote resident engagement and personal growth.
  • Behavioral Interventions: Developed and implemented activities and strategies to address residents' behavioral and emotional needs, improving socialization and interpersonal skills.
  • Record Keeping: Maintained accurate records and case files, documenting residents' personal and eligibility information, services provided, and relevant correspondence.
  • Crisis Management: Responded to emergencies and challenging situations with professionalism, ensuring the safety and stability of the group home environment.
  • Addressed behavioral and emotional needs of residents through activities and interventions, increasing resident socialization, interpersonal, and social skills.
  • Team Collaboration: Worked closely with other staff members to align care plans with residents' needs and organizational objectives.
  • Maximized performance by monitoring daily activities and mentoring team members.
  • Oversaw inventory management, optimizing stock levels, and reducing waste

Community Peace Officer COP #1

Regional Municipality Wood Buffalo
06.2007 - 12.2013
  • Law Enforcement & Compliance:
  • Enforced municipal bylaws, Provincial Acts, and legislation with 6 years of experience ensuring compliance through investigations, violation tickets, charges, and processing of summons and subpoenas.
  • Investigation & Case Management:
  • Answered inquiries, initiated and finalized complaints, and conducted detailed investigations to resolve issues effectively. Maintained accurate files, compiled records, and submitted comprehensive reports to support enforcement actions.
  • Court Representation:
  • Liaised with prosecutors and represented the municipality in court proceedings, demonstrating professionalism and expertise in legal matters.
  • Conflict Resolution:
  • Utilized advanced negotiation skills to de-escalate potentially dangerous situations, ensuring public and officer safety during conflict scenarios.
  • Training & Mentorship:
  • Assisted in the training of new Peace Officers and recruits, sharing knowledge on law enforcement procedures and best practices to enhance team performance and operational safety.
  • Community Engagement & Safety:
  • Conducted routine patrols and responded promptly to emergency calls, enhancing community safety and fostering trust. Supported special investigations and crime prevention programs to address community concerns.
  • Interagency Collaboration:
  • Acted as a liaison between law enforcement agencies, facilitating seamless cooperation and coordination during joint operations and investigations.
  • Record Keeping & Reporting:
  • Maintained detailed incident reports, arrest records, and investigation documentation to ensure transparency and accountability.



























Education

Diploma - Event Planning & Management

LaSalle College
Vancouver
12.2025

Certificate - Executive Assistant

IAP Career & College
E-learning, Online Education
03.2023

Diploma - Leadership And Management

Alison
E-learning, Online Education
03.2023

Diploma - Operations Manager (OPS)

Alison
E-learning, Online Education
03.2023

Diploma - Law Enforcement & Administration

Academy Canada
Corner Brook Newfoundland, Canada
09.2006

Skills

  • Inspirational leadership with a proven ability to motivate teams and drive organizational growth
  • Strategic planning and decision-making to achieve operational excellence
  • Expertise in developing and implementing policies, procedures, and bylaws
  • Extensive experience planning corporate events for 200–4,000 attendees
  • Skilled in managing logistics, stakeholder engagement, and budgeting for events
  • Secured significant sponsorships ($400,000 for Treaty Days 2024) through effective networking
  • Demonstrated success in enhancing program offerings, increasing participation by 50% in one year
  • Adept at managing multiple complex projects within tight deadlines and budgets
  • Strong interpersonal skills with a focus on community engagement and partnership development
  • Successfully managed and allocated $15 million Treaty Day budget, ensuring transparency and financial accountability

Accomplishments

Customer Service & Operations Leadership:

  • Successfully led centralized customer service operations, streamlining processes to improve response times and service accessibility.
  • Developed and implemented municipal service policies and procedures, optimizing service efficiency and compliance.
  • Managed front desk operations, payment processing, and bylaw dispatch services, ensuring seamless public service.

Community & Indigenous Engagement:

  • Designed and executed culturally responsive programs, ensuring public services reflect and respect Indigenous traditions and values.
  • Collaborated with Indigenous leaders, Elders, and municipal officials to enhance service accessibility and engagement strategies.

Event & Stakeholder Management:

  • Planned and executed corporate and community events for 200–4,000+ attendees, fostering partnerships and enhancing community outreach.
  • Secured $300,000+ in sponsorships for Treaty Days 2024, demonstrating strong relationship-building and fundraising abilities.

Service Expansion & Innovation:

  • Led a 50% increase in off-reserve programming within one year, expanding service reach and community impact.
  • Streamlined internal and external communications as the first point of contact for executive leadership, managing 100+ client accounts.
  • Spearheaded database updates and process improvements, increasing efficiency and service delivery quality.

Entrepreneurial Leadership & Business Management:

  • Successfully built and operated two family-owned businesses, exemplifying strategic planning, customer service excellence, and financial acumen.

Certification

Administrative & Professional Skills Community & Personal Development


  • Event Planning & Management Diploma
  • Leadership & Management Diploma
  • Operations Manager Diploma
  • Law Enforcement & Administration Diploma


Administrative & Professional Skills

  • Administration Assistant
  • General Receptionist
  • Payroll Management
  • Typing Keyboarding
  • Internet Fundamentals
  • Professional Services


Community & Personal Development

  • Indigenous Canada
  • Anger Management
  • Introduction to Psychology


Law Enforcement & Security

  • Public Security Peace Officer Program – Legal Studies
  • Public Security Peace Officer Program – Officer Safety
  • Public Security Peace Officer Program – Human Relations
  • Traffic Stops Tactics
  • PPCT Defensive Tactics Basic Certification
  • ACS Red Light Camera
  • Non-Crisis Intervention
  • Dangerous Goods Awareness (Certified Twice)
  • Alcohol & Awareness


Safety & Investigation

  • Accident Investigation
  • Passport to Safety
  • Multi-Mode Radar

Timeline

Liaison Chief & Council - Events Management

Fort McKay First Nation
03.2022 - Current

Entrepreneur of SoapMuchLuv

Soap Much Luv
01.2016 - 01.2022

Rural Community Events Management

Safe Community Wood Buffalo
01.2016 - 03.2019

Group Home Counselor/Manager of Operations

Central Residential Service Board
01.2014 - 12.2016

Community Peace Officer COP #1

Regional Municipality Wood Buffalo
06.2007 - 12.2013

Administrative & Professional Skills Community & Personal Development


  • Event Planning & Management Diploma
  • Leadership & Management Diploma
  • Operations Manager Diploma
  • Law Enforcement & Administration Diploma


Administrative & Professional Skills

  • Administration Assistant
  • General Receptionist
  • Payroll Management
  • Typing Keyboarding
  • Internet Fundamentals
  • Professional Services


Community & Personal Development

  • Indigenous Canada
  • Anger Management
  • Introduction to Psychology


Law Enforcement & Security

  • Public Security Peace Officer Program – Legal Studies
  • Public Security Peace Officer Program – Officer Safety
  • Public Security Peace Officer Program – Human Relations
  • Traffic Stops Tactics
  • PPCT Defensive Tactics Basic Certification
  • ACS Red Light Camera
  • Non-Crisis Intervention
  • Dangerous Goods Awareness (Certified Twice)
  • Alcohol & Awareness


Safety & Investigation

  • Accident Investigation
  • Passport to Safety
  • Multi-Mode Radar

Diploma - Event Planning & Management

LaSalle College

Certificate - Executive Assistant

IAP Career & College

Diploma - Leadership And Management

Alison

Diploma - Operations Manager (OPS)

Alison

Diploma - Law Enforcement & Administration

Academy Canada
Ashley Saunders