2024 Speakers - Saskatchewan Economic Development Alliance

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2024 Speakers

Our 2024 Speakers

Myke Agecoutay

Myke served as Chief of the Muscowpetung Saulteaux Nation from 2016 to 2018. Prior to serving as Chief, he was an elected Band Councillor/Headman for the nation from 2012 to 2014. From 2003 to 2010 he was the elected Tribal Vice Chief of the File Hills Qu’Appelle Tribal Council (FHQTC). Myke was also instrumental in the development and administration of the QBOW Child & Family Services. He is the former Board Chairman of the following significant organizations: Silver Sage Housing Corporation, Regina Treaty Status Indian Services, All Nation Healing Hospital, and the Leading Thunderbird Lodge. Myke now serves as the company’s first CEO.

Gina Alexander

Gina is the Executive Director of Community Safety and Well-Being, serving the Ministry of Justice and Attorney General. Her responsibilities cover province wide programs and initiatives including Victims Services, Restorative Justice Programs, Interpersonal Violence and Abuse, Hub Tables and the Northern Alcohol Strategy. Prior to this current assignment, she was the Executive Assistant to the Deputy Minister to the Premier of Saskatchewan where she was responsible for the co-ordination and implementation of various meetings, committees and government wide initiatives. Between 2007 and 2015 Gina was responsible for the delivery of province wide programs including court annexed civil and family mediation, fee for service mediation, facilitation and training. Gina’s extensive mediation and facilitation experience includes high conflict family mediation, civil mediation, organizational and multi-party facilitation. She has provided mediation, conflict resolution and leadership training to thousands of participants.

Charles Bighead

Charles has been involved with Saskatchewan First Nations eHealth systems since 2000 where he began as the Regional Network Administrator for Health Canada. In 2005 Charles joined the Northern Health Strategy for a two-year multi-jurisdictional project called “Shared Paths”. The purpose of the project was to address jurisdictional barriers (F/P/FN) and advance common eHealth solutions for northern Saskatchewan health organizations. In 2007 joined the Northern Inter-Tribal Health Authority (NITHA) where he is presently positioned as their eHealth Advisor. Charles’ main duties involve building First Nations capacity for eHealth systems. Charles is a member of the Beardy’s & Okemasis Cree Nation and resides in Prince Albert, SK. His background includes Emergency Medical Technician (EMT), Computer Science (UBC) and Silviculture.

Lindsay Brumwell

Lindsay Brumwell is a dynamic public affairs strategist with a proven track record of 18 years, specializing in guiding enterprises through complex political, social, and regulatory challenges. Lindsay’s work spans across vital sectors such as energy, agri-value, mining, and transportation, reflecting her versatile approach to solving multifaceted issues. Lindsay knows firsthand that the key for organizations to effectively influence public policy is finding the intersection between business strategy and the public trends driving political thinking. Armed with this knowledge and know-how, she has been instrumental in steering monumental projects to success amidst the flux of external dynamics, adeptly engaging with a spectrum of stakeholders from local communities to high-ranking officials and bureaucrats. Before establishing LB Strategies, Lindsay held senior corporate, government and public relations roles with reputable companies such as CN, Federated Co-operatives Limited, BHP Canada, and the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority. In her off-time, Lindsay is usually found walking her two fluffy dogs and escaping to northern Saskatchewan or another country.

Monica Brunet

Monica Brunet is a Métis woman who grew up in the heart of Metis territory. She was born and raised in a rural community near Batoche, SK. These experiences drive her passion for making a difference in the lives of Metis people with endearing spot for women and youth. In the late 80’s Monica and her husband moved to Alberta to pursue their careers which entailed business ownership and working with chartered banks. They returned to Saskatchewan 15 years later with 2 children and with a whole lot of experiences. Since 2003, Monica has been employed with the Clarence Campeau Development Fund (CCDF) as well as the Sask Metis Economic Development Corporation. Within those organizations, she held many positions including the Director of Economic Development and Community Relations where she spent time collaborating with Government, Industry and community liaisons in pursuit of building relationships and opportunities for Métis Entrepreneurs, Métis owned business and Métis Communities across Saskatchewan Ironically, Monica was an entrepreneur by the age of 18 and she truly knows the trials and tribulations people go thru in starting a business and these experiences have played a vital role in assisting the many clients she has worked with over the years. Monica is currently Director of Citizen Engagement, Metis Nation – Saskatchewan.

Annie Charles

Annie Charles is a proud Woodland & Atikamekw Cree woman who also honors her German heritage. Born on Treaty 6 territory in La Ronge, Saskatchewan, she is a dedicated member of the Cree First Nation of Waswanipi, Quebec. Raised on Treaty 4 territory in Regina, Annie now resides on Treaty 6 territory in Saskatoon. Her professional journey includes a significant role as the Economic Development & Relationship Consultant with FHQ Developments Ltd, where she supported economic development to the 11 Nations of the File Hills Qu'Appelle Tribal Council. Annie also contributes her expertise as a board member of the Saskatchewan Indigenous Economic Development Network (SIEDN). Currently, Annie leads as the Executive Director of Indigenous Destinations Saskatchewan (IDSK), a pivotal organization dedicated to fostering Indigenous tourism across the province. Her passion lies in intertwining economic development with community growth through the lens of Indigenous tourism. She is committed to empowering Indigenous communities and businesses, recognizing the profound link between economic development and community development.

Lane Christiansen

Meet Lane Christiansen, the Manager of Agronomics and Market Development at Federated Co-op Limited. Hailing from Canwood, SK, Lane now resides there with his wife and daughter while actively contributing to the legacy and sustainability of the family farm and ranch, which has stood proudly for 112 years. Lane earned his stripes with a bachelor’s degree in agriculture, majoring in Agronomy from the University of Saskatchewan. His diverse experience spans research, retail, agronomy, and specialty crops, reflecting his comprehensive understanding of the agricultural landscape. In his current role, Lane plays a crucial part in supporting Co-op retails, collaborating closely with industry experts to champion best practices in agronomy, with a keen focus on sustainability. Lane is particularly enthusiastic about the Co-op Grown With Purpose program, and he looks forward to sharing insights and discussions about it today. Join Lane as he intertwines his passion for agriculture, and commitment to sustainable practices to help shape the farming future and Grown With Purpose program.

Colleen Christopherson-Cote

Colleen Christopherson-Cote has been working in community economic development for over 20 years in both urban and rural communities across Saskatchewan. She has extensive knowledge on the complexity of human service systems and the intricacies of how public policy and practice indirectly and directly impact community, particularly those who are most vulnerable, marginalized and oppressed. She specializes in building intersectoral collaboratives and currently works as the coordinator for Saskatoon Poverty Reduction Partnership. Over the past 15 years she has held contracts as the Director of Evaluation and Analysis with the Saskatoon Housing Initiatives Partnership, the community co-lead for the Evaluation and Analysis working group of the SSHRC-funded Community First: Impacts of Community Engagement (CFICE), co-coordinator of the Saskatoon Safe Community Action Alliance, coordinator for the Saskatoon Early Years Partnership and most recently as the Incident Command for the Saskatoon Interagency Response to COVID19 Vulnerable Sector Strategy. Colleen weaves webs of relationships that not only break through the confines of system silos but also disrupt the hierarchies within them that so often prevent timely, holistic action on critical issues. Colleen's colleagues celebrate her ability to find clarity in chaos, to pull diverse perspectives into a unified vision, and to carve collective paths forward, even when it’s not the path of least resistance. Colleen is committed to learning and embedding the discipline of anti-racism into her practice, including a deep understanding of how “whiteness,” privilege and colonial biases impact her work, ability to learn and capacities as a parent and community leader.

John Desjarlais

John is Néhinaw (Cree)-Metis from Kaministikominahikoskak (Cumberland House), Saskatchewan. John has a B.Sc. in Mechanical Engineering, and an MBA from the University of Saskatchewan and started his career in 2001 in the mining industry and worked in a variety of roles including environment and safety, maintenance and reliability engineering management until moving onto executive leadership in economic development and construction. As a management consultant, John serves as the Executive Director of the Indigenous Resource Network and volunteers as Past President of APEGS. John also has extensive regulatory, volunteer, governance, and civil society experience serving on a variety of boards, committees, and other initiatives.

Chris Doll

Christopher Doll joined Des Nedhe group in 2020. Focused on acquisitions, joint ventures, and development of the business park at Grasswood, he has previously worked in the consulting, finance, and environmental industries completing projects across Canada and internationally. Christopher holds a Master of Business Administration from the University of Saskatchewan. He is a former Huskie, competing for the Track and Field Team. He is actively involved in his children’s sports and enjoys mountain biking, hiking, and travel.

Toby Esterby

Toby Esterby is the Chief Operations Officer of the Saskatoon Community Clinic & Director of Westside Clinic, Founder/CEO of Amplify SK, and currently serves as the Treasurer of Quint Development Corporation, a Community Economic Development organization situated in the core neighbourhoods in Saskatoon. A former municipal city councillor and lifelong community advocate, Toby is engaged in provincial conversations across Housing & Homelessness, Health Care, and Economic Development sectors.

Chris Fields

Chris Fields is an informative, entertaining, and insightful strategic humorist with a serious message: dare to be different and reach highest aspiration or join the burgeoning ranks of the unnoticed. Chris’ 31 years of award-winning community economic development experience has been dedicated to reconnecting people to the power of community-building. His dry sense of humour and no nonsense, cut-through-clutter style challenges conventions and leaves people with inspiration to “make community-building personal.”training to thousands of participants.

Andrew Fraser

Since January 2024, Andrew has served as the acting Assistant Deputy Minister, leading the Saskatchewan Region for the department directly reporting to the President. His role involves spearheading regional economic development programs, representing Saskatchewan's interests in national decision-making, and providing leadership on economic development issues. Previously, he directed governmental affairs at PrairiesCan, focusing on Parliamentary relations and advancing the Prairie Provinces' priorities. Andrew also held positions at Western Economic Diversification Canada, Industry Canada, Natural Resources Canada, and Environment Canada, working on various policy areas. He holds a Masters Degree in Public Administration from the University of Victoria and a Bachelor of Arts Degree in International Relations from the University of British Columbia. Andrew, originally from Vancouver Island, resides with his wife and two teenage children.

Steve Johnston

With extensive experience in senior leadership roles within the non-profit and social enterprise sectors, Steve has actively contributed to addressing community challenges in Toronto’s Regent Park and Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside. Additionally, contributing to policy work with the City of Vancouver focused on community economic development. At CIRES, Steve’s role involves comprehensive leadership, encompassing organizational management, strategic planning, growth initiatives, government relations, and community stewardship. His commitment to community-oriented work is rooted in the belief that everyone deserves the opportunity to thrive. Steve advocates for inclusive, thriving communities that harness the untapped potential of their members. Social enterprises and employment programs empower individuals, allowing them to contribute their talents, participate in the broader economy, and secure a sustainable future for themselves and their families.

Peter Kenyon

Over the last four decades Peter Kenyon has worked with more than 2000 communities throughout Australia and overseas seeking to facilitate fresh and creative ways that stimulate community and local economic renewal. He is motivated by the desire to create healthy, caring, inclusive, connected, sustainable and enterprising communities and local economies. Peter has had a background as a youth worker, teacher, youth education officer, tertiary lecturer and senior public servant. His employment experiences have included Director of Employment in Western Australia, Manager of the Community Employment Development Unit in New Zealand and Coordinator of the Natal Kwazulu Job Creation and Enterprise Strategy in South Africa. Peter is convinced that one cannot develop communities from the top down or from the outside in. It requires communities to build from the inside out, and for their members to invest themselves, ideas, assets and resources in the process. Peter created the Bank of I.D.E.A.S. (Initiatives for the Development of Enterprising Action and Strategies) to promote such a paradigm shift and assist with the necessary facilitation, ideas and skills.

Erin Lawson

Erin is the CEO of SREDA, the economic development organization dedicated to advancing the Saskatoon Region. Under her leadership, SREDA champions the people, potential, and prosperity of Saskatoon and its surrounding communities. Erin is passionate about fostering meaningful relationships and collaboratively ensuring a diverse and dynamic economy. Committed to being a steward of progress, Erin is dedicated to responding to community needs and driving opportunities for growth and success

Sarah Marchildon

As MarCom + Program Director for Downtown Saskatoon, Sarah cultivates Downtown experiences. Through painted crosswalks, over Le Burger, or with Santa, she motivates current and generates new Downtown fans regularly! With previous experience from teaching, to an MBA, and her role as a BID Executive Director, Sarah is passionate about getting the small details right. Her attention to brand, content, and member data is her sharpest tool when myth busting and sharing Downtown’s story. As a key member of a small administrative team, and a supportive local BID network, Sarah is recognized through her BID career for her creative and energized ways of getting done the work BIDs do.

Janette McDonald

Janette’s banking career started out of high school in her hometown of Glasgow, Scotland in the early “70s as a foreign exchange clerk and progressed as follows: Janette then moved to Canada and enjoyed climbing the banking ladder from being a teller at Bank of Nova Scotia (before they were Scotiabank.) to Branch Manager at TD. Canada Trust until 2001. Joining MainStreet London in 2002 Janette found her passion for Downtown in its entirety. Small businesses and their financial health along with promoting shopping local before it was trendy became her jam. Being promoted to The CEO of the London Downtown Business Association in 2010 Janette led London’s Downtown through many successes until her departure in 2019.
● Inaugural Value of Investing in Canadian Downtown with 9 other Cities. Report prepared by CUI.
● Creation of Dundas Place - 4 Block Flex Street - A first for London
● Advocated for the Fanshawe Culinary Arts Program to be funded and located on Dundas Place.
● Advocated for a “Core Area Steering Committee” to be created to ensure that all downtown projects were coordinated and executed.
● The LDBA were recipients of multiple OBIAA and IDA (International Downtown Association) Awards including two Pinnacle Awards. (Highest recognition.) Janette was the recipient of the 2020 Alex Ling Lifetime Achievement Award presented by OBIAA.
Janette is the CEO and Founder of Shift Your Spend. A company created to quantify the effect of local spending in communities. In September of 2021 Janette became the Business Development Manager for Canada and a director of the Canadian Corporation of Miconex Canada. A private label, closed loop provider of local currencies specifically designed to grow downtowns, towns and communities along with their independent businesses.

Silvia L. Martini S.O.M., C.Dir, PSGov., EBAC, BAC

Silvia’s passion is within efficiently and effectively aligning strategy to successful outcomes. Her success is lauded by those with whom she has served. She is the President & CEO of Interlink Research Inc., and Principal of Martini Consulting. She specializes in serving a select group of clienteles to whom she dedicates her expertise in strategy, governance, entrepreneurial mentorship, and leadership. Among her many accomplishments over the years Silvia includes her sixth-year term of service with the Government of Saskatchewan for its Crown, SaskWater Corporation (2014-2020). She was reappointed in 2019 by Order in Council to her second term as Chair of the Board. This follows her one-year appointment as its Vice-Chair of the Board, her two-year Board appointed Chair position of its Governance Committee, her appointment as Chair of the Committee on Business Development Review, and Chair of ToR Committee Review and Update. She is currently serving as a Board of Director with Creative Saskatchewan, the economic development agency for Saskatchewan creative industries, and as a Public Representative for the Council of Dental Surgeons of Saskatchewan (CDSS).

Gordon More

Gordon More, Executive Director of the Southeast Techhub (SETH) Gordon cofounded a cloud based final mile, logistics and reverse logistic software company in 2006. He grew this company, IDS Internet Dispatch Services, from a small office based in North Vancouver, to a multinational company with offices in Australia and clients around the world. In 2022, Gordon moved to Estevan and retired, to then take on the roll of Executive Director of the SETH. He believes passionately that Southeast Saskatchewan has what it takes to be come a key player in energy technology and innovation sector. Gordon is currently enrolled in Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s (MIT) Technology and Innovation Acceleration Program and is already using many of his newly acquired lessons to engage with US based companies looking to move their operations to Southeast Saskatchewan.

Tyler Morin

Born and raised in Ile-a-la Crosse, Tyler graduated from the Edwards School of Business in 2016, majoring in Accounting. Upon completion, he took a job as a Business Development Specialist with the Clarence Campeau Development Fund (CCDF) in Regina SK. Since 2019, Tyler has been the CEO of Sakitawak Development Corporation and Interim CEO of the Ile-a-la Crosse Fish Company. Tyler is also a board member of Flyer Electric LP, and is the Vice President of the Ile-a-la Crosse Cooperative.

Luke Panek

Yolo Nomads helps smaller communities leverage the current trend of people leaving big cities in search of a better quality of life by creating captivating educational resources tailored to their ideal audience. There are three core audiences YOLO Nomads markets to: Remote Workers (tourism), Relocators (Labour) and Investors (Economic Development). YOLO Nomads also develops custom embeddable maps that help visitors and residents alike discover the best the region has to offer. Yolo Nomads also creates interactive maps that can be embedded on any website that helps visitors and locals alikes, discover the businesses and amenities within the community. These maps include filters which can be tailor made to adapt to each individual community's needs.

Dirk Propp

Dirk Propp, from Yorkton, Saskatchewan, has been in the immigration industry since 2006 and a consultant since 2009 with the goal of changing people's lives. He founded IIBC in 2007 and Immigrate Software in 2017. Immigrate Software is an enterprise managed platform that simplifies the immigration process to 2-3 hours. Dirk has mentored with the Raj Manek Mentorship Program for 10 years as well as Futurpreneur and OPUS mentorship program from the U of S. He serves on the board of Sask Tech and previously lobbied through the Saskatoon Chamber of Commerce. Dirk is an industry leading expert in Immigration which sat on the committee that created the ICCRC immigration regulatory body.

Stephan Richard

With almost 14 years of senior management experience with government, Stephan has showcased exceptional expertise in advancing housing policies and cultivating strategic partnerships. He is a highly experienced relationships builder and accomplished communications professional with a proven ability to drive positive social outcomes. Prior to joining the Community Housing Transformation Centre, Stephan served as the Executive Director of housing solutions and development with the Nova Scotia Department of Municipal Affairs and Housing where he made significant contributions to the growth of provincial support to housing co-operatives and non-profit housing societies.

Paul Salvatore, CLGM

Paul's background in economic development and government service stretches back before the internet was a thing. He has been fortunate to serve over 25 years combined at the Local Government, Provincial and Federal Government levels and now brings that experience to serving clients from across Canada. He is acutely aware of the processes and barriers that the average person can face when dealing with all orders of government and he has always been committed to making it as easy as possible to make great things happen. He is fiercely motivated to provide top level customer service while making sure that no matter how complicated, information that concerns everyday people can be provided in an easy to understand format. When he's not thinking about new ideas and partnerships that will enhance almost any organization, he spends his time in the saddle - cycling, or enjoying the outdoors cross-country skiing and fishing with great friends and family. This year he plans to complete a personal best in the Gran Fondo Badlands - a 160km cycling event in his home town and one of Canada's top 10 cycling events according to Canadian Cyclist magazine.

Jon Schallert

Jon is an internationally-recognized business consultant and speaker specializing in teaching businesses and communities on how to turn themselves into Consumer Destinations. Jon’s Destination Business strategy has been used extensively by businesses and communities large and small to help them capture more market share, even when larger, better-capitalized competitors seemingly have the advantage. Some of Schallert’s corporate consulting clients include Kellogg’s, KitchenAid, Bank of America, Denver International Airport, Jiffy Lube, Ace Hardware, Anheuser Busch, and Hunter Douglas, to name a few. His insights are frequently seen in national publications such as The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post, and Entrepreneur Magazine. He is the only consultant in the world to receive the “Top Motivator” Marketing Award from Potentials Magazine. He is a member of the National Speakers Association, the International Downtown Association, and the National Main Street Network.

Derek Seckinger

Meet Derek, the dynamic force driving community spirit as the General Manager of Community Services for the vibrant Town of Nipawin. With over 14 years of dedicated service, Derek's journey began in the pulse-pounding realm of operations within the recreation department, where he honed his skills and passion for fostering a thriving community. Through a myriad of roles spanning over a decade, Derek has evolved into a strategic leader, orchestrating growth and prosperity through meticulous planning, relentless engagement, and fruitful collaboration with stakeholders. His unwavering commitment is to sculpt Nipawin into a haven of safety and positivity, where every resident and visitor feels embraced by its warmth and charm.

Tischa Stefanowski

Tischa Stefanowski is the Executive Director of the Saskatchewan First Nations Family & Community Institute Inc. (SFNFCI) in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. SFNFCI is located on Treaty 6 Territory and the Homeland of the Metis. Tischa is a member of the Sturgeon Lake First Nation and grew up in Prince Albert, SK. She has a Bachelor of Commerce Degree from the University of Saskatchewan and has dedicated her professional experience to working for Non-Profit and Educational Organizations over 25 years. Tischa has been the Executive Director of SFNFCI since 2013 and has seen the staff grow from 4 to 28 full-time employees in this time. Tischa’s values align with the mission of SFNFCI to support children, youth and families based on First Nations values with a strength-based approach.

Natasha Steinback

Natasha is a dedicated systems thinker committed to enhancing community and organizational impact across the nonprofit, private, and public sectors. She approaches her work with the belief in the power of reframing how we think and talk about public policy to better equip individuals, communities, businesses, and governments with the language and tools necessary for transformative change. Natasha sees social innovation tools like social procurement as key to re-imagining and solving community challenges and creating more vibrant economies and communities.

Chiara Traversa

Born in Turin, Italy, she moved to the United States at the age of 17 to chase her love for ice hockey. Her passion for the game propelled her forward, and she attended Norwich University, where she played goalie for the varsity hockey team while completing a four-year Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management. After college, she worked in New York City for four years before making a life-changing decision to move to Davidson, Saskatchewan in 2016 to be with her future husband. Though this move marked a significant change in her life, she has continued to push herself to new heights, demonstrating an unwavering work ethic and dedication to her family and community. Driven by her passion for sport and fitness she became a Certified Personal Trainer and started the journey of opening BarnYard Fitness with her husband. She founded BarnYard fitness to create a welcoming community where people of all ages and abilities can come together to pursue their passion for fitness and sports. Her journey is a testament to the power of perseverance and the importance of following one’s passion, no matter where it may lead.