Meet City Council

Photo and Bio coming soon

Mayor Spearman is an ex-officio member of the following Council committees: 

• Community Infrastructure and Strategic Growth Standing Committee (First alternate, Chair back up)
• Community Safety and Social Services Standing Committee (First alternate, Chair back up)
• Community and Corporate Services Standing Committee (First alternate, Chair back up)

• Follow Mayor Spearman on Facebook
•  Follow Mayor Spearman on X 
•  Follow Mayor Spearman on Instagram
• Request a letter of recognition
• Invite Mayor Spearman/Council to an event
• Contact Mayor Spearman at 403.948.8820 or mayor@airdrie.ca

Photo coming soon

Elected to Airdrie City Council in 2010, Ron has been a dedicated advocate for the Airdrie community for over a decade.

A resident of Airdrie since 1978, he has witnessed and contributed to the city’s growth and transformation. Beyond his public service, Ron manages Tiger Propane, a locally owned family business that plays an essential role in supporting the community’s energy needs. He is also a licensed private pilot, the reigning ATB chicken wing eating champion, and a proud member of 100 Men Who Give a Damn, a group focused on making a meaningful impact through collective giving.

As a father of six children and grandfather to seventeen, family values and community connections are at the heart of his work and life.

Councillor Chapman serves on the following Council committees:

• Community Infrastructure and Strategic Growth Standing Committee (Chair)
• Community Safety and Social Services Standing Committee (Alternate)
• Policing Committee
• Airdrie Board of Youth Affairs

Connect with Councillor Chapman

• Follow Councillor Chapman on Facebook
• Follow Councillor Chapman on X
• Contact Councillor Chapman at 403.992.4604 or ron.chapman@airdrie.ca

Photo coming soon

Candice Kolson is a four-term elected member of Airdrie City Council, a dedicated community leader and a proud recipient of the Airdrie Women’s Award for Amazing Legacy.

A single, widowed mother of two, she brings heart, resilience and purpose to every role she takes on, whether it's in public service, business or family life.

Since 2009, she has owned and operated the Airdrie Farmer’s Market, a cornerstone of the community and a thriving local hub. As a passionate entrepreneur and businesswoman, she is committed to supporting local enterprise and fostering a strong, connected Airdrie.

Councillor Kolson  serves on the following Council Committees:

• Community Safety and Social Services Standing Committee (Chair)
• Policing Committee (Vice Chair)
• Subdivision and Development Appeal Board (Chair)

 Connect with Councillor Kolson

• Follow Councillor Kolson on Facebook
• Follow Councillor Kolson on X
• Contact Councillor Kolson at candice.kolson@airdrie.ca

Photo coming soon

As one of Airdrie's newest faces to Council, Chris Glass brings a pragmatic, strategic and inclusive perspective to the role. With over 30 years of combined experience in continuous improvement and labour relations, Chris is committed to collaboratively pushing Airdrie towards its full potential.

Since moving to Airdrie in 2006, Chris has poured himself into community life beginning as the Head Coach of the George McDougall Mustangs football team. With a taste for community building, Chris has gone on to serve on multiple community boards and organizations including Airdrie CultureFest, airdrieFEST and the Airdrie Field Turf Society which spearheaded the installation of the turfed field at Ed Egger Athletic Park. He is also the host of 'Airdrie Inside', our city's local podcast that highlights the homegrown heroes who make Airdrie so special.

Over the years, Chris has been recognized with several community awards, including Airdrie’s Best Citizen, the Mr. Airdrie Memorial Award, as well as being among airdrielife’s “Men We Admire.” Beyond his civic involvement, his aviation career has spanned roles with WestJet, aerospace technology and solutions, as well as into marketing and media, where his podcast Open Skies explores untold stories of airlines worldwide.

Chris lives in southwest Airdrie with his wife Kim and their three children—Maliyah and twins Rhianna and Lincoln.

Councillor Glass serves on the following Council committees:

• Community and Corporate Services Standing Committee
• Community Infrastructure and Strategic Growth Standing Committee (Alternate)

Councillor Glass serves on the following external boards and committees: 

• Airdrie Housing Limited Board of Directors
• Rocky View County and Airdrie Intermunicipal Committee (Alternate)
• Rocky View Foundation Board of Directors

Connect with Councillor Glass

• Follow Councillor Glass on Facebook
• Follow Councillor Glass on Instagram
• Contact Councillor Glass at chris.glass@airdrie.ca

Photo coming soon

Kristen’s work is defined by her belief that strong communities are created through collaboration and empowerment. With over 10 years of experience in community development, she has led and supported numerous transformative projects, including creative placemaking, cultural events, social programs, downtown revitalization, and circular-economy initiatives.
Kristen spent 14 years as an entrepreneur in Airdrie, operating an award-winning creative business that connected her deeply with residents, non-profit organizations, and businesses. She volunteered and donated to many non-profit organizations and community initiatives. These experiences cemented her belief that everyday people have the power to create meaningful change.
With a master’s degree in Regenerative Sustainable Community Development and professional certifications in Cultural Planning, Community Economic Development, Sustainable Tourism, and Project Management, Kristen brings a deep understanding of how collaboration and community-led action strengthen cities. Her municipal experience spans roles in Culture, Tourism, Economic Development, and Community Development across the Town of Sylvan Lake, the Town of Strathmore, and the City of Airdrie.
Additionally, she serves as the Executive Director of a Business Improvement Area in Calgary, where she supports more than 220 businesses and advances main street revitalization, land use planning, policy development, and regional partnership-building.
Across every role, Kristen brings a community-led approach rooted in listening, collaboration, and action. She is widely recognized for her ability to move ideas into implementation, making her a powerful advocate for strong, resilient, and future-focused communities. Kristen is honoured and proud to serve our beautiful city of Airdrie.

Councillor Shima serves on the following Council Committees:

• Community and Corporate Services Standing Committee
• Community Infrastructure and Strategic Growth Standing Committee

Councillor Shima serves on the following external boards and committees:

• Airdrie Library Board

• Follow Councillor Shima on Facebook
• Follow Councillor Shima on Instagram
• Website: kristenshima.com
• Contact Councillor Shima at 403.473.0630 or  kristen.shima@airdrie.ca

Photo coming soon

Councillor Simisola Obasan is a proud Airdrie resident, devoted wife, mother, lawyer, local business owner, and partner at a respected Airdrie law firm. She is widely recognized for her unwavering commitment to excellence in legal practice and strong advocacy for her clients.

Beyond her work in private practice, Simi is a passionate educator and an Instructor of Law at Bow Valley College. In this role, she mentors and teaches internationally trained lawyers as they navigate the Canadian licensing process, supporting them in building meaningful and successful legal careers.

Simi holds Bachelor’s Degrees in Law and Public Administration, a Master’s Degree in Communication and Language Arts, a Certificate in Entrepreneurship from Harvard University, and professional certifications in Artificial Intelligence and Data Science from the University of Calgary in partnership with Microsoft.

Her deep commitment to service is evident through extensive volunteer work, community involvement, and her multiple awards and recognitions for her outstanding volunteer service, community leadership, and meaningful contributions to strengthening the social fabric of Airdrie. Driven by her passion for justice, education, and community empowerment, Simi believes strongly in living a life grounded in impact, leadership, and meaningful service to the community.

Councillor Obasan serves on the following Council Committees:

• Community Infrastructure and Strategic Growth Standing Committee 
• Community Safety and Social Services Standing Committee
• Community and Corporate Services Standing Committee (Alternate)

Councillor Obasan serves on the following external boards and committees:

• Rocky View Foundation Board of Directors

• Follow Councillor Obasan on Facebook
• Follow Councillor Obasan on X
• Follow Councillor Obasan on YouTube
• Follow Councillor Obasan on Instagram
• Follow Councillor Obasan on LinkedIn
• Contact Councillor Obasan at 403.948.8800 or  simisola.obasan@airdrie.ca 

Photo coming soon

Councillor Chad Stewart has proudly called Airdrie home for nearly three decades. Since moving from Nanaimo, BC, with his wife Summer in 1996, he has dedicated his life to leadership, community service, and creative expression.

In 1998, Chad began a remarkable twenty-six-and-a-half-year career with Eaton, where he developed skill in leadership and problem-solving abilities which eventually propelled him into management. For twenty-two of those years, he led teams through complex challenges, ultimately retiring as a Production Manager in May 2024. He also attained two certificates of business management from The University of Athabasca.

Never one to stand still, Chad returned to school in 2007 to become a Primary Care Paramedic, and a year later joined the Rocky View County Fire Service, where he continues to serve proudly. Balancing two very different worlds—corporate leadership and emergency response—gave him a deep appreciation for teamwork, resilience, and community service.

In 2016, Chad tapped into his creative side and began writing. What started with self-help and inspirational works soon evolved into a passion for fiction. His debut novels were published in 2019, and since then, he has written five full-length novels, with a sixth currently at the editors and a seventh in progress. His writing spans genres from action-adventure to horror and poetry, which he credits with helping him maintain focus and mental clarity.

Chad and Summer have raised four children—now ages twenty-five, twenty-three, twenty-one and seventeen—and continue to share a love of travel, new experiences, and making memories together. Chad enjoys fitness, biking, hiking, reading, and spending time with family and friends. Together, he and Summer are avid Comic-Con attendees and enthusiastic holiday celebrators—especially when it comes to Halloween and Christmas.

For Chad, every day is a chance to grow, create and give back. His guiding belief is simple yet profound: life is short, and every day is an opportunity to live it to the fullest.

Councillor Stewart serves on the following Council Committees:

• Community and Corporate Services Standing Committee (Chair)
• Community Safety and Social Services Standing Committee

Councillor Stewart serves on the following external boards and committees:

• Airdrie Library Board
• Inter-City Forum on Social Policy

• Follow Councillor Stewart on Facebook (link coming soon)
• Follow Councillor Stewart on X (link coming soon)
• Contact Councillor Stewart at 403.604.8017 or chad.stewart@airdrie.ca 

City Council appoints a Chief Administrative Officer to lead the administration of the municipality.

The CAO's responsibilities include:

• ensuring that the municipality's policies and programs are implemented
• advising and informing the council on the operation of the municipality
• performing other duties assigned by the council
• ensuring appropriate staffing is in place

City Council works with the CAO to keep informed on what the municipality is doing and will depend on the administration to provide information so they can make sound decisions.

Airdrie's Chief Administrative Officer - Horacio Galanti

City Manager Horacio Galanti brings over 20 years of municipal experience to Airdrie.

Education

Mr. Galanti is a Professional Civil Engineer (P.Eng) with licenses in British Columbia, Alberta and Cordoba, Argentina. Horacio is a Director with the Institute of Corporate Directors, holding the ICD.D designation and a Governance Professional of Canada, holding the GPC.D designation.

Mr. Galanti is a Credentialed City Manager with the International City Managers Association, as he holds the ICMA-CM designation.

He also serves on the Board of Directors of Governance Professionals of Canada, Alberta Data Partnerships, and the APEX Supplementary Pension Plan.

Personal Achievements

Mr. Galanti is well-known in the mountain climbing world and has been the leader on multiple expeditions to the highest mountains on each of the seven continents, the north and south poles, as well as Mount Everest summits from both faces via Nepal and Tibet. He also enjoys ultra-mountain trail running and has completed the Canadian Death Race Solo multiple times.