October 6, 2025
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
UMNB Honours Three Outstanding Municipal Officials at its Annual Conference
Saint John, N.B – The Union of Municipalities of New Brunswick (UMNB) honoured three outstanding individuals during its Annual Conference this weekend. Senator Dawn Arnold (Moncton), Mayor Bonnie Morse (Grand Manan), and Councillor Ken Chorley (Hampton) were all recognized for their outstanding contributions to the municipal sector.
“I want to congratulate this year’s UMNB Awards recipients for their dedication to their communities and to the success of the local government sector” said Brittany Merrifield, President of UMNB. “We are fortunate to have dedicated people like Bonnie, Dawn, and Ken who give so much of their time and energy to better the lives of the citizens they represent.”
The Union gives out three annual awards to recognize exemplary achievements in local government: the Louise Breau Award, the Raymond Murphy Memorial Award, The Arthur Slipp Municipal Leader of the year.
This year’s recipients:
- The Arthur Slipp Municipal Leader of the Year-Mayor Bonnie Morse (Village of Grand Manan)
- The Raymond Murphy Memorial Award-Councillor Ken Chorley (Town of Hampton)
- The Louise Breau Memorial Award-Senator Dawn Arnold (Former Councillor and Mayor, City of Moncton)
About this year’s nominees:
- Mayor Bonnie Morse first served on Grand Manan council from 2012-21 and was elected as mayor in 2021. Mayor Morse is passionate about her community. She has provided strong leadership on initiatives such as getting a new hangar for the air ambulance service on the island and working with GNB to oversee a new model for managing local infrastructure. She has also provided leadership to the region as chair of the Southwest Regional Service Commission. Mayor Morse exemplifies patient leadership and community minded focus.
- Councillor Ken Chorley is one of the New Brunswick’s most experienced municipal officials, with over the 35 years of service. Ken Chorley served as a councillor on Hampton Town Council between 1989-1998, 2001-2008, and 2021-Present. From 2008 to 2020 Ken served as Mayor. Councillor Chorley has been a driving force in recreation projects like the first illuminated ball field, the first outdoor pool, and the new summit centre. He also played a pivotal role in the conversion of the Kings County Court House into Hampton’s new townhall. In addition to his local work, Councillor Chorley spent 12 years on UMNB’s board of directors providing mentorship and leadership to municipal official across NB.
- Senator Dawn Arnold is an accomplished public servant with over 30 years of experience. She served as Mayor for the City of Moncton from 2016 until 2025 and was the first woman to hold the position. Under Senator Arnold’s leadership, Moncton has undergone a remarkable transformation from regional hub, to one of Canada’s fastest growing urban centres. She prioritized development of the city’s downtown, sustainable development, and economic growth. Senator Arnold was also a driving force in the merger of UMNB and the Cities Association that took place in 2024. Senator Arnold was appointed to the Senate in March of 2025.
More information on UMNB’s Awards can be found here.
About the UMNB: The Union of Municipalities of New Brunswick (UMNB) is a bilingual association of 60 local governments of all sizes, representing over 80% of New Brunswick’s population. Together, our members tackle local challenges and share solutions to make life better for their citizens
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