Vaillancourt bids farewell after 19 years at MRC
Bonnie James
Local Journalism Initiative
Published in the Pontiac Journal on May 21, 2025.
MRC PONTIAC – Annie Vaillancourt, Director of Finance and Administration for the MRC Pontiac, is leaving the county after 19 years of service. She has accepted a new position
as Treasurer and Deputy Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) for the Township of Laurentian Valley in Ontario. Her last day at the MRC will be May 23.
In an interview with the Journal, Vaillancourt said that although she loved her work and colleagues at the MRC, she was ready for a change and a new challenge. While her new role will be similar to the one she’s leaving, she said she looks forward to learning the municipal landscape in Ontario.
“There are a lot of things I enjoyed about working at the MRC,” she said. “I’m an accountant—I like the numbers, the financial part. I enjoy preparing data and preparing the audit.” She also highlighted the teamwork and strong working relationships: “It makes the days go by fast, and it’s a fun place to work.”
Vaillancourt noted the MRC’s significant budgetary growth over the past decade. “The MRC is receiving more and more funding because the provincial government is delegating more responsibilities to MRCs and municipalities. These new files often come with envelopes,” she explained. She pointed to growth in departments like economic development and waste management, which expanded from one staff member to three during her tenure. “Growth always affects the finances. The more people there are, the more work there is to manage, and the more numbers there are to work with.”
When asked what she was most proud of, Vaillancourt said she was glad to have supported colleagues with the financial side of their projects. “It’s always rewarding when we can make things happen.” She also expressed pride in having managed the additional responsibilities delegated by the provincial government. “That alone has been a challenge, and we’ve made it work.”
She offered a few words of advice for her successor: “Be open to change and to learning new things. Stay up to date and ask questions. Maintain good relationships with council and your colleagues.”
The position of Finance Manager is currently posted on the MRC website. The deadline for applications is June 6.
