The Power of Participation: Reflections from the Chair of 25th Anniversary Planning Committee
Clayton Sereres, P.Geo.
As Professional Geoscientists Ontario marks a quarter-century of self-regulation, this milestone offers more than just a moment of reflection—it is a celebration of community, commitment, and collective progress. At the heart of the 25th Anniversary planning was a first-time Councillor who stepped into leadership with energy, vision, and an unwavering belief in the power of collaboration.
In this spotlight interview, the Chair of the 25th Anniversary Planning Committee, Clayton Sereres, P.Geo., shares his reflections on how this experience has deepened his connection to the profession and to the people who shape it. From navigating his first major volunteer assignment to leading a diverse team of contributors, Clayton reflects on what it means to build something meaningful from the ground up—an event that not only honours the past 25 years, but also sets the tone for the future of geoscience in Ontario.
What follows is an inspiring account of leadership, learning, and the lasting impact of volunteering in a self-regulated profession rooted in public trust.
PGO: Looking back on the planning process, what has this experience meant to you personally, not just as the Chair, but as a registrant of PGO?
Clayton: Can you believe this was my first assignment as a PGO Councillor? I was a little nervous, but I gave myself ample time, mentally prepared, and leaned into my passion for building relationships and motivating people.
It was incredibly rewarding to plan an event so meaningful, not just for Council, but for all registrants, especially at a time when in person gatherings have become more important than ever for building authentic human connections. Some PGO volunteers had only met virtually over the past few years, so this will be a powerful opportunity to reconnect face to face and recognize their contributions. The fact that we combined Geoscientists Canada's Annual General Meeting (AGM), the PGO's AGM, and the 25th Anniversary celebration brought real collaborative spirit and value for attendees.
Taking something from concept to execution with purpose is second nature to me. Like many things in my career, I followed a simple mindset: if I can visualize it, I can accomplish it. But this was a different kind of challenge, one that required a committee of superstars to pull off. The vision came to life through a diverse, creative group that brought real energy to the table through a full year of planning and sixteen focused meetings.
"Volunteering with PGO has broadened my perspective on the profession far beyond my day-to-day work. It has helped me better understand governance structures and appreciate the systems that support self-regulation. It has also provided the opportunity to connect with uniquely experienced individuals from across Ontario. Those relationships have opened the door to meaningful mentoring, both giving and receiving."
PGO: As we celebrate 25 years of self-regulation in geoscience, what do you believe this milestone signifies for the profession, and for the public we serve?
Clayton: Reaching 25 years of self-regulation is a BIG milestone, especially as the number of registrants continues to grow year after year. It reflects the maturity of our profession and the credibility we have built through decades of consistent practice.
For the public, it shows that Professional Geoscientists are trusted not only for our technical expertise, but also for our commitment to ethical conduct and public service. But this milestone is not just about looking back. It is also about what comes next. I believe the future of geoscience will be shaped by how we support one another, how we mentor the next generation, and how we respond to the evolving needs of our environment and communities. If the energy and collaboration I witnessed from our 25th Anniversary planning committee is any indication, I am confident the profession is in very good hands.
There is still room to grow, especially when it comes to building public awareness of the work PGO and its registrants do every day. That is why our committee developed six educational articles, each written from a unique perspective, to help tell the broader story of geoscience in Ontario. These efforts matter, in Ontario and throughout Canada. Every conversation, every collaboration, and every story shared helps us connect more meaningfully with the public, engage future professionals, and strengthen the voice of our profession for years to come.
PGO: How has leading this initiative and volunteering with PGO enriched your own professional journey and connection to the geoscience community?
Clayton: Leading this initiative allowed me to gain a deeper understanding of the history of PGO. It also gave me another avenue to raise awareness of the organization and the role registrants play in protecting the public.
Volunteering with PGO has broadened my perspective on the profession far beyond my day-to-day work. It has helped me better understand governance structures and appreciate the systems that support self-regulation. It has also provided the opportunity to connect with uniquely experienced individuals from across Ontario. Those relationships have opened the door to meaningful mentoring, both giving and receiving.
Conclusion
This interview offers a compelling look at the heart of PGO's 25th-anniversary celebration, highlighting the power of collaboration and the profound impact of volunteering. Through the Chair's personal journey, we see how commitment to a self-regulated profession, rooted in public trust, not only shapes the future of geoscience but also enriches those who contribute to it.
