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full time. In all, she would work with the Chamber and FMCA for 10 years before moving on as executive director of the FMCA in 2015. “I was taught by my mother,” says Maloney. “She groomed me for the position.” Although Maloney admits that she never consciously thought about following in her mother’s footsteps, she is quick to add that she has benefitted from the close working relationship. “Fortunately, we had worked together for so long that by the time she retired, we were able to conduct a seamless transition,” says Maloney, who adds that the FMCA kept Slater on an as- needed basis for the first year. “We never hid the fact that she was my mother. She went to both boards to get their permission before hiring me.” “Lana was hired initially as a receptionist,” says Iggulden. “She worked her way up through the organization. There is no doubt that she was the right person for the job. It was a unanimous decision.” As to how much of Slater resides in Maloney, Iggulden says that the two are of the same stock. “Lana has her own personality but she also has the same beliefs and values as Diane,” he says. “My connection to Lana really came from Diane and interfacing with her at a variety of events,” she states. “When speaking to her on one occasion, she noted she was just like her mom: determined. I think Lana will benefit from embracing her mother’s best Mayor Blake is a little less subtle. And permission was soon granted.

traits and leaving the less productive ones to someone else.” Maloney herself is quick to highlight the differences between herself and her mother. “I’d like to say that I am the same but I can’t,” she explains. “She would react very quickly to things and sometimes that would get her into trouble. I’m more likely to sit back and read the situation.” “My goal is to continue to work with the FMCA and to make it thrive,” says Maloney. “This is our 30th anniversary this year. I don’t want to destroy her legacy but, at the same time, I need to be amenable to change. And I think I am more amenable than she was.” Another way in which the two differ is adapting to change. But in some ways, adds Maloney, they are like two peas in a pod. “My mother was very circular in her thinking and I am the same way,” she says. “When people come to me and want to partner with the FMCA, I always ask myself if this is the best thing for the construction industry and for the community.” Even today, on her own, Maloney calls upon her mother for advice. “There are some things that have had to change,” she explains. “Like our Futures Projects Summit, for example. Over the last couple of years, the economic environment has necessitated that we make some changes to it. But in my head, I am still asking myself whether my mom would be okay with the changes. She is still involved in the decision-making process because she is still in my head — and my heart.”

out of it, of course. But we weren’t able to convince her. Nonetheless, she continued to work with us after she retired.” Iggulden wasn’t the only one surprised to hear the news. “Diane was one of those people I believed would never retire,” says Allen. “I think she thought that she had put in a lot of years already and that it was time to move on. But she never stopped being active and was involved in a lot of community initiatives up until the day she died.” Being who she was, Slater started working on her retirement plan very early in the game. She had things well in hand by the time the official date came around in 2015. “Diane was also extremely tough mentally and had no illusions about her health,” says Gibson. “Like everything else she did, she planned and executed to ensure the leadership of the FMCA would remain strong by developing Lana Maloney as her very capable successor. Diane truly was a remarkable leader in serving the members of the Fort McMurray Construction Association.” Maloney’s ascension to the position of executive director of the FMCA was one skillfully orchestrated. and had moved to Edmonton,” recalls Maloney. “My husband and I ended up moving back to Fort McMurray and at that point, she needed some additional help. I ended up working with her part time.” “By the time my mother took on the Chamber position, I was married

And the rest, as they say, is history.

Maloney would end up joining the Chamber of Commerce and FMCA

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