Town Presents Annual Matthew Claus Award to Community Development Officer, Deanna Butz

STONY PLAIN, AB: The 2026 Matthew Claus Award has been awarded to Community Development Officer, Deanna Butz. The award was presented at the Town’s annual Long Service Awards and Recognition Banquet.

Deanna is known for her exceptional ability to build meaningful relationships with colleagues and members of the public. She takes the time to connect and get to know colleagues on a personal level, whether they are new to the team or have been here for years, she is always fostering a welcoming and inclusive environment for everyone. Her compassion shines through daily, knowing when a kind word, smile or well-timed joke can help bring people together, even in hard moments. 

She leads with reliability, professionalism and willingness to help others whenever she can. Her commitment to support teammates, share knowledge and a positive attitude demonstrates her unwavering dedication to the organization. She is always seeking to learn and grow, consistently thinking beyond her role for opportunities to bring new ideas to the Town, connect residents to services, and advocate for volunteerism. 

“Deanna’s commitment to the Town of Stony Plain and the community is evident and ongoing through her more than 18 years of service,” says Town Manager, Tom Goulden. “She embodies the spirit of the Matthew Claus Award and what it truly means to serve the public with pride, integrity and empathy. Her presence will continue to make a lasting impact on our organization and the community.”

Deanna has played an integral role in developing the Town’s external Inspired to Lead program, a three-month program designed to empower volunteers and strengthen community connections. In addition, she participated in the Town’s internal LEAD program, enhancing her leadership skills through interactive sessions, practical application, and reflective practice. Her dedication to both programs reflects a strong commitment to leadership, mentorship, and continuous learning. 

She takes challenges in stride, never wavering to accept new leadership roles, approaching difficult tasks with confidence and is the first to offer a helping hand to a colleague. Deanna is a dedicated volunteer with the Light Up Your Life Society, where she gives her time to support end-of-life care in the Tri-Region. Community development is part of who she is. Her ongoing desire to make a meaningful difference extends far beyond the workplace. 

Matthew Claus, former Manager of Planning for the Town of Stony Plain, passed away on April 19, 2016. Matthew took pride in his work, treated his co-workers with respect, and believed in public service. The Town of Stony Plain founded the Matthew Claus Award to honour his legacy. The award is presented annually to an employee who demonstrates the qualities Matthew Claus was known and respected for.