The Honourable Barry Petten, Minister of Municipal and Community Affairs, presented the 2026 Derrick Bragg Leadership Award to Yvonne Young, Town Clerk-Manager of the Town of Stephenville Crossing. Ms. Young is the second recipient of the award, which was presented during the Professional Municipal Administrators of Newfoundland and Labrador’s Fall Forum in Corner Brook on October 15.
Established by the department in partnership with the Professional Municipal Administrators of Newfoundland and Labrador, the annual memorial award recognizes a town clerk, town manager, town clerk-manager, or chief administrative officer who has demonstrated excellence and made significant, lasting contributions to municipal administration in Newfoundland and Labrador.
Ms. Young was recognized for her strong leadership, advocacy, and more than 47 years of service to the residents of Stephenville Crossing. Described as dedicated, professional, conscientious and committed to her work, Ms. Young is a mentor, visionary, and community builder who is passionate about her work and helping others.
The Derrick Bragg Leadership Award honours the career of the late Derrick Bragg, who was deeply committed to sustaining rural communities and improving the lives of Newfoundlanders and Labradorians. He served 30 years as Town Clerk-Manager of his hometown of Greenspond and as President of the Professional Municipal Administrators of Newfoundland and Labrador from 2009 to 2015. In 2015, he was elected as the Member of the House of Assembly for Fogo Island-Cape Freels and served as minister for several Provincial Government departments until 2023.
Quotes
“Together with the Professional Municipal Administrators of Newfoundland and Labrador, I was pleased to present the 2026 Derrick Bragg Leadership Award to Ms. Yvonne Young, Town Clerk-Manager of the Town of Stephenville Crossing. Her enduring commitment, collaborative approach, sense of fairness, and mentorship reflect the core values of this special award which honours the late Derrick Bragg.”
Honourable Barry Petten
Minister of Municipal and Community Affairs
“The Professional Municipal Administrators of Newfoundland and Labrador and the Department of Municipal and Community Affairs are proud to continue honouring Derrick Bragg’s legacy. Throughout his career as a Town Clerk-Manager, President of Professional Municipal Administrators, and a Member of the House of Assembly, Derrick demonstrated an unwavering commitment to good local governance and a deep passion for serving his community. His leadership and dedication had a lasting impact on those who had the privilege of working with him. Now in its second year, this award continues to honour Derrick’s contributions and celebrates the importance of strong municipal leadership in building a brighter future for Newfoundland and Labrador.”
Connie Reid
President, Professional Municipal Administrators of Newfoundland and Labrador
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