Title: Property Manager

Company: Region of Peel

Location: Brampton, Ont.

A truly selfless individual, public service is work that Nancy Cotton has always felt good about. Spending many years working for the Region of Peel, with the past eight as property manager, she is dedicated to helping the people that she serves and learning as much as she possibly can in an effort to make a difference.

The Region of Peel is a public service that represents the cities of Mississauga, Brampton and the Town of Caledon. Serving 1.4 million residents and approximately 144,000 businesses, the administration offers various community and infrastructure services. Among the services offered include community health, ambulance services, and water and sanitary sewers, among others. The Region of Peel is dedicated to responsible management, innovative programs and responding to the needs of the community.

As property manager with the Region of Peel, Ms. Cotton is renowned for her endurance, listening skills and ability to be a team player. She has enhanced her knowledge by earning multiple degrees in environmental science, business management and leadership training. Though she obtained a higher education later in life, Ms. Cotton is fulfilled by the experience and cites it as one of her greatest accomplishments. As learning is very important to her, she intends to pursue continual education in every aspect of her life.

Ms. Cotton is a prime example of a well-respected and leading woman in the business world. She believes her success can be attributed to “my passion and making a difference. I have been mentored by male peers who saw something in me that I didn’t see in myself.” Knowing that she is helping others keeps Ms. Cotton focused and unwavering on her path to success, for both herself and those she assists.

The motto that Ms. Cotton abides by and often offers to young women entering the workforce is: “You can do it. Never give up on your dreams. Go after your goals and aspirations.”

In the years to come, Ms. Cotton would like to continue building her portfolio and continue to learn. As the happiness of others is her main priority, she hopes to keep her clients satisfied with the services provided. “I’d like to be remembered as the person who not only got the job done, but did it with a smile on my face,” says Ms. Cotton.

While Ms. Cotton is not busy with tasks for the Region of Peel, she dedicates her time to Coast to Coast, Cure for Kids and Terry Fox Run.

Ms. Cotton’s areas of expertise include preventative and demand maintenance.