Rotary Club of Chestermere honours Mayor Dean with Paul Harris Fellow Award

The Rotary Club of Chestermere has recognized Mayor Shannon Dean with the prestigious Paul Harris Fellow Award, highlighting his years of service to local families and the city’s not-for-profit community.
The presentation took place during the November 25 Chestermere City Council meeting, where Rotarians Bill and Maury Quinney presented the award on behalf of the club.
The Paul Harris Fellow is Rotary’s highest honour for a non-Rotarian, named after Rotary’s founder and traditionally bestowed on individuals who demonstrate exceptional commitment to “service above self.” It is also tied to significant support for the Rotary Foundation’s humanitarian work around the world.
According to council highlights from the City of Chestermere, the recognition celebrated Mayor Dean’s long-standing support for youth sports, his partnerships through Camp Chestermere, and his direct assistance to local families over many years in various community roles. City of Chestermere+1 Before being elected mayor in 2024, Dean was deeply involved with Chestermere’s not-for-profit sector as an executive director, consultant, volunteer and counsellor, experience he has often credited with shaping his approach to public service.
Councillor Janelle Sandboe, who coordinated the logistics for the council presentation, is herself closely connected to local community organizations, with a background in fundraising and volunteer roles across several Chestermere groups, including the Rotary Club of Chestermere.
For the Rotary Club, the award is a way to publicly acknowledge a mayor who has consistently championed collaboration with community partners and supported residents well before taking office. For Mayor Dean, it represents a bridge between his history in the not-for-profit sector and his current role leading Chestermere’s council.
The recognition underscores the ongoing partnership between the City of Chestermere and local service clubs, and highlights how volunteer-driven organizations like Rotary continue to play a vital role in the life of the community.