Who I am?

George Stanko, P.Eng — Candidate for mayor of Sarnia

Profile

I am a results-oriented Chemical Engineer with more than 35 years of experience in manufacturing, global supply chain management, quality control, and plant startups. Throughout my career, I have built a reputation as a strategic planner who listens, collaborates, and delivers practical, effective solutions.

I have spent over 50 years as a resident of Sarnia, raising my family here and actively contributing to the community I love. I am a father of two sons and a proud grandfather of two. My late wife, whom I cared for at home for 12 years during her illness, rests at Our Lady of Mercy Cemetery — a daily reminder of how deeply connected my life is to our city.

My journey has instilled in me the deep value of dedication and care. Stepping away from executive engineering to serve as a full-time caregiver grounded me in the real, day-to-day challenges faced by our families, seniors, and caregivers throughout Sarnia.

I believe in teamwork, consensus building, and helping others thrive. Sarnia is ready for meaningful transformation. With my technical training, MBA foundation, and track record in complex negotiations and statistical management, I am ready to bring steady, accountable, and transparent leadership to City Hall.

Professional experience

I am a licensed Professional Engineer (P.Eng.) with Professional Engineers Ontario. My professional track record in Sarnia includes:

  • 35 years in the chemical industry, including senior roles with Monsanto and Dow Chemical Canada

  • Leadership in manufacturing operations, global planning, and complex supply chain management

  • Direct oversight of cross-functional teams with an unwavering priority on safety, quality, and fiscal discipline

  • Serving as President and Chairman of the Board of CORE BioFuel Inc., driving clean-energy technology and industry innovation

My technical career and years as a devoted family caregiver have reinforced my resilience, empathy, and readiness to deliver accountable governance to Sarnia.

Academics and professional development

Academics

MBA, first year

University of Windsor

BASc, chemical engineering

University of Windsor

Professional development

  • Dale Carnegie Course

  • W. Edwards Deming Seminar: Quality, Productivity & Competitiveness

  • Tennessee Associates: Statistical Management for Productivity through Quality

  • Train the Trainer

  • Kepner–Tregoe Analytical Problem Solving

  • Lambton College Fire School

  • Facilitator Institute: The Interaction Method

  • CPR / First Aid, WHMIS

Community service and civic involvement

True leadership is demonstrated through direct service to others. Over the years, my community involvement across Sarnia has included:

  • SMAA youth baseball coach

  • United Way Day of Caring volunteer

  • Habitat for Humanity build volunteer

  • GRACE Committee member

  • Knights of Columbus, St. Michael — active member and volunteer

  • Weekly shut-in community visitor

Why I am running for mayor

Sarnia deserves principled leadership grounded in proven experience, fiscal responsibility, and true compassion. My background in complex problem-solving and decades of civic involvement equip me to serve our city with transparency, efficiency, and dedication.

Together, we can build a safer, stronger, and more prosperous Sarnia where local businesses expand, neighbourhoods thrive, and municipal government works collaboratively for every resident.

My promise:

Sarnia will be an innovative city with a diversified economy, welcoming neighbourhoods, and an outstanding quality of life at every stage. Growth will always be responsible, transparent, and shared by our entire community.

My ask:

On October 26, 2026, vote George Stanko for mayor of Sarnia.