Director

Tamara Browning

Tamara is a director of St. Gregory’s Landscaping Inc. where she is responsible for the accounting, technology and administration. As Tamara’s first born developed a rare syndrome, 4p minus, she is directly involved in her child’s PDD program where she advocates for funding, hires aides, plans daily programing along with managing all aspects of his funding.

Director

Ihor Pecuh

Ihor was raised in Edmonton and finished his BSc in Pharmacy. He has since enjoyed a diverse and exciting career, including community & hospital pharmacy, corporate management and at a primary care network.

Board Chair

Michael Walesiak

Michael holds a chartered accountant designation and has worked with the U of A Research Services Office (RSO) as Associate Director – Finance and Information; Assistant Director Finance, RSO; Finance Manager RSO. Additionally, he was a senior manager at Deloitte, manager at KPMG, and an auditor with the office of the Auditor General of Alberta.

Vice Chair

Don Smitten

As the former CEO at the Alberta Motor Association, Don has always demonstrated a particular aptitude for seeing beyond the numbers and a passion for strategic thinking and planning. For the last 41 years, Don has committed his talent and energy towards ensuring AMA is always positioned to better meet the needs of its members and represent their interests by protecting the things that matter most to them.

Secretary & Treasurer

Jeff Dumont

Jeff is a Chartered Accountant. with over 20 years of auditing experience from working with KPMG and the Office of the Auditor General of Alberta. Jeff has been appointed as NAIT’s associate vice president, finance and corporate services, his portfolio includes several Government Ministries and board-governed Government Agencies.

Director

Carol Moen

Carol Moen is the past Registrar for the Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Alberta (APEGA) and carried responsibility for APEGA’s regulatory policy and associated processes. As a leader in multiple positions and industries, Carol has an extensive knowledge base on both managing an organization’s environmental footprint while also generating operational success.

Director

Damien Meardi

Damien is a partner in the law firm of Henning Byrne LLP where his practice is primarily focused on solicitor’s work. While he was born and raised in small town northern Alberta, he has called Edmonton home for the past 20 years. When he’s not working, he enjoys running in the river valley, golfing, volunteering for various charitable organizations, and relaxing at home.

Strategic Alliance & Quality

Ryan Mundorf

As Excel’s quality leader, Ryan focuses on ensuring the organization has the appropriate systems and processes in place to guarantee we exceed the standards set by our regulators and that our reporting mechanisms effectively facilitate good governance, great management, and exceptional services. Ryan graduated from Athabasca University’s Master of Business Administration program and holds a Certified Health Executive designation through the Canadian College of Health Leaders.

Human resources

Sarah Ng

Sarah is our Director of Human Resources who started working at the Academy. Sarah has worked for Excel Society since 2009. Some of Sarah’s major projects include the team member Appreciation & Recognition Program, Mentorship Program, and the soon to be released updated Volunteer Program. Sarah loves her dogs, to travel, and roller coasters/amusement parks.

Community Services

Sue Kovich

Sue has a bachelor’s degree from the University of Victoria and has worked in the social services field for 35 years, with 25 years spent at Excel Society. She has worked in various roles, including frontline staff, relief, coordinator, program manager, and now as Director. Sue has enjoyed the opportunity to work with many amazing clients and team members during her 25 years at Excel.

Care – Balwin Villa

Jennifer Thomas

Jennifer is our Director of Care for Balwin Villa. She started with Excel as an LPN Residential Coordinator in 2012, and has been a Registered Nurse since 2017. While working as a Program Manager for Community Services, Jennifer led the development and opening of Residence 66. She presented to Chicks with Cheques, being awarded $10, 000 to make the residence feel more like a home. She developed the Penguin Recreation program to enhance clients’ quality of life, and is currently leading a new initiative at Balwin Villa, partnering with AHS to establish WORTHI (Wellness Oriented Rehabilitative Transitional Housing Initiative). Jennifer loves anything that has to do with penguins and is very family focussed.

Finance

Heather Rogers

Heather has a Bachelor of Commerce Degree from the University of Alberta and is a Certified Public Accountant (CMA). She has had the privilege of working in senior financial roles in Not-For-Profits and Charities for most of her career. Heather joined Excel Society in 2018, and she feels honoured to work with so many talented and caring individuals at Excel Society; it is really a special place!

Operations

Dawne Lonsdale

Dawne is our director of operations and leads a team that is responsible for all of the Excel Society’s physical and virtual properties. By ensuring that our equipment and resources are up-to-date, all members of the Excel Society can stay safe and comfortable within their positions. Over the past 5 years, she has been collaborating with several OH&S committees across Excel to bring greater awareness to staff safety.

Care – Grand Manor

Becky Elkew

Becky is our Director of Care for Grand Manor and began with the Excel Society as an LPN in 2005. She was promoted to Director of Care at Grand Manor in 2009 and over the years she has also worked at Balwin Villa. Becky and her husband Stewart enjoy spending their spare time heavily involved in their two children’s competitive sports teams and organizations.

Excel Academy

Chris Thomson

With extensive experience as manager of Excel Society’s day option programs for adults with developmental disabilities, as well as briefly managing the child & youth services department, I bring an understanding of and a passion for seeing all individuals enjoy inclusion in their communities. That experience and passion deeply influences the learning and development culture of Excel Academy and the entire organization, which filters down to my focus on supporting best practices in health and human services, adult learning modalities, leadership development, and holistic practices, where everyone brings wisdom and experience to the shared learning experience.