Mentors

Andrea Laughren joined Nature Conservancy Canada as regional vice-president for Saskatchewan in March 2025. She brings over 25 years of leadership experience across the non-profit, charitable, public, and for-profit sectors, including her recent service as CEO of the Meewasin Valley Authority, a non-profit organization dedicated to protecting the cultural and natural heritage of the South Saskatchewan River Valley. Under her leadership, Meewasin enhanced its trail infrastructure, diversified programming, launched a volunteer program, and fostered new partnerships.

Brian Hoessler is the Founder and CEO of Strong Roots Consulting, a social-purpose business that supports change makers in navigating complexity. Using strengths in strategic planning, organizational capacity building, and program evaluation, Brian collaborates with organizations ranging from grassroots associations to multi-stakeholder initiatives with a focus on cultivating learning and growth. In this work, Brian brings a strong interest in urban contexts and how these settings can support individuals, groups, and systems in creating more equitable communities. A Leadership Saskatoon alum (Class of 2014), Brian enjoys playing in the Saskatoon Community Band, developing his photography skills, and spending time with his partner Carolyn and their pug Gizmo.

Cara Bahr is the CEO of the YWCA in Saskatoon and has her CPA designation. Cara had an 11-year career in the financial services industry, including roles in Internal Audit, Credit Support, Community Investment, and Corporate Social Responsibility, before joining YWCA Saskatoon. Cara has volunteered with and served on the board for the United Way of Saskatoon & Area, Interval House, Saskatoon Industry Education Council, Big Brothers Big Sisters, and the Saskatoon Friendship Inn. She has also served on the National Community Impact Committee for Canadian Credit Unions.

Cara Spence has been a senior leader at USask since 2011 and is now an Assistant Professor in the Department of Medicine. Her work centers on vulnerable and marginalized populations locally and internationally, including long-standing collaborations with Indigenous communities since 2001 and global projects in Africa since 2012. She specializes in community-based research and advancing equity, diversity, and inclusion. Cara is also active in her community as a yoga and meditation teacher, marriage commissioner, and clinical hypnotherapist, all while raising two children.

Carla Roy has been recognized with an RCMP Commendation, the Saskatchewan Emergency Services Star of Life Award, and the Governor General’s Exemplary Service Award for 20 years in emergency services. With over 15 years of experience in education and professional development, she completed a Certificate in Adult Education at USask and a Bachelor of Applied Health Science – Paramedic at Medicine Hat College. Carla holds multiple instructor certifications, is an IAFF-certified Peer Fitness Trainer, and has led workplace health and fitness initiatives. She contributes to committees and research projects advancing paramedicine locally and nationally, and has supported programs improving stroke, STEMI, cardiac arrest, and trauma care. She has also served on education committees for the Saskatchewan College of Paramedics and ITLS Saskatchewan. Outside of work, Carla enjoys hiking, camping, fitness, coaching basketball, cheering on her kids’ sports, and playing piano.

Carolyn Hoessler is a nationally recognized leader in higher education and professional development with a focus on designing initiatives, curriculum, and evaluation. A 2018 Alumni of Leadership Saskatoon, Carolyn is a credentialed evaluator with the Canadian Evaluation Society, the founder of and senior specialist with Higher Education & Beyond consulting with national and provincial associations, a Coordinator of Learning and Faculty Development at Thompson Rivers University, and an Adjunct Professor at the University of Saskatchewan within the College of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies for the School of Environment and Sustainability. Keeping the mix creative, Carolyn cross-stitches and bakes.

Cecilia Zerr is the Senior Director of Marketing Communications at Affinity Credit Union. She has worked in the credit union system for over 35 years, most of which has been in the areas of marketing, communications, and community engagement. She was born and raised in Saskatoon and is a proud first-generation Canadian of Portuguese heritage. She has been married to her husband Phil for 30 years, and they have three wonderful adult children, all of whom are teachers with Greater Saskatoon Catholic Schools. She currently sits on the Prairie Hospice Society board and is a member of the Saskatoon Destination Leadership Alliance through Discover Saskatoon. In her spare time, she loves to read, cook, and bake, but her favorite activity of all is traveling. Cecilia and Phil are destined to visit every Major League Baseball Park; so far, they’ve been to 18 of the 30 parks and are looking forward to crossing a few more off their list each year.

Darren Pringle began his formal leadership journey in 1998 as a Recruit Field Trainer with the Calgary Police Service. After returning to Saskatoon in 1999, he continued mentoring new officers with the Saskatoon Police Service until his promotion to Sergeant in 2009, where he supervised both operational and administrative units. Advancing to Staff Sergeant in 2016 and Inspector in 2020, Darren expanded his leadership to oversee diverse officer groups and to incorporate a strong strategic focus into his mentorship. A committed lifelong learner, he has taught law, investigations, firearms, tactics, command, and explosives to local, national, and international audiences. Alongside his policing career, Darren has served in the Canadian Armed Forces Reserves in Naval Warfare, Signals, and Personnel Selection roles. He has spent over a decade coaching and managing his children’s sports teams and currently serves as Treasurer on the Board of Directors for EGADZ.

Daryn Form is a Senior Financial Advisor at Assante Capital Management. He is a USask graduate and was a member of the Canadian Armed Forces. He has had many volunteering roles in the past, including board, committee, and coaching roles. Daryn loves to be active and go on adventures with his family. He was raised to recognize the value of hard work, community, and kindness. Daryn was a participant in the first class of Leadership Saskatoon (2000-01).

Dorothy Hyde is the Executive Director of Radius Community Centre, where she has served for more than 35 years. She holds a Bachelor’s degree and certifications in Adult Education, Train the Trainer, and Career Counselling and Development. Nationally recognized as a Champion for Canadian Career Development Professionals, she is also a registered International Motivational Interviewing Trainer. Dorothy has contributed extensively to her community, including 12 years in Community Association leadership, 5 years on the Saskatchewan Provincial Literacy Network Board, and 5 years as Chair of the Saskatoon Psychiatric Centre and Probation Services Advisory Committee. An active musician, she plays trumpet with both the Saskatoon Community Band and the Saskatoon Concert Auxiliary Band. Most importantly, she is a proud grandmother to five spirited boys.

Grace Chopty holds a Bachelor of Human Justice from the University of Regina and began her career at Correctional Services Canada as an Addictions Counsellor in the maximum-security women’s unit at Saskatchewan Penitentiary. She became a Correctional Officer in 2000 and later transferred to the Regional Psychiatric Centre, where she worked in both frontline and managerial roles. During her time at RPC, Grace developed the Correctional Officer Mentorship Program and served as its team lead for two years, firmly believing that strong leaders grow from effective mentorship. In August 2023, she became Director of the Correctional Learning & Development Centre for CSC’s Prairie Region and also joined the National Mentorship Program. Outside of work, Grace prioritizes a healthy lifestyle—often found gardening in the summer or cooking nutritious meals for her family.

Jeremy Breker has held varied roles over the last 30 years, from hands-on skilled trades to senior roles at major mining companies, and is currently working with Hatch Ltd. as a Project Director. Some highlights include high-tech development in the intelligent transportation industry, project management of small to large capital projects in mining and processing (uranium, potash), and developing project delivery systems and PMOs for different organizations. Notable accomplishments include the implementation of the Cigar Lake project, participation in the BHP Jansen NPI works (prior to sanction), undertaking the GM role for the Cameco Cigar Lake and Rabbit Lake mines, holding various board positions for innovation organizations, and fulfilling a corporate role as VP Technical Services. Jeremy values working safely and productively, developing teams, promoting a positive work environment, building trust, and bringing value to our work.

Jess Hamm has a B.Ed. from USask. Jess started working for the Saskatchewan Intercultural Association in 2008 and coordinated and managed several programs before being promoted to the Executive Director role in 2015. For over a decade, she has served on a multitude of committees that work towards building equity, inclusion, and racial justice in our community. She has developed several new initiatives and programs that foster intercultural understanding and acceptance. She currently serves as the VP on the SAISIA Board and sits on the City of Saskatoon’s Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Advisory Committee. Jess is a 2015 graduate of the Leadership Saskatoon Program and a 2020 recipient of the YWCA’s Women of Distinction Award for Arts, Culture & Heritage. Under her leadership, SIA has been certified as a Great Place to Work for the last 4 years and named one of the Best Workplaces Managed by Women from Great Place to Work Canada.

Jody Tyson is an experienced leader with 20+ years directing cross-functional teams and delivering large-scale strategic projects. She is the Senior Manager of Retail Program Delivery at Federated Co-operatives Ltd., leading the Retail Technology Program. Jody has overseen major enterprise initiatives, including network upgrades across 1,000+ Retail Co-op stores, transitioning 150+ gas bars during a major acquisition, and piloting point-of-sale conversions in 900+ locations. Previously at Cameco Corporation, she managed multi-stage engineering and construction projects with a strong focus on safety. Jody holds PMP, PROSCI Change Management, and Six Sigma Black Belt certifications. She is also active in the community as a Leadership Saskatoon mentor and longtime sub-committee contributor.

Julian Demkiw is the University Secretary and Chief Governance Officer at the University of Saskatchewan. He has 20 years of experience in post-secondary education, including as a lecturer, fundraiser, alumni relations specialist, student services officer, and, most recently, Chief of Staff to 3 university presidents. He is a lifelong student who has earned degrees in engineering, humanities, and social sciences. Most recently, Julian has completed his doctorate, bringing together his interests in leadership and higher education to study the relationships between university presidents and university boards. Julian is a graduate of the inaugural class of Leadership Saskatoon and has remained involved in the organization in some capacity over its 25-year history, most recently as chair of the board of directors.

Keith Moen has been the Executive Director of the NSBA – Saskatoon’s Business Association – for 16 years. Previously, he worked as a journalist and communications professional, including serving as editor of Saskatchewan Business Magazine, where he developed a strong interest in business and its leaders. A U of S English graduate, Keith began his career as a sports reporter and is an alumnus of Athol Murray College of Notre Dame. He serves on the Saskatchewan Rate Review Panel and the Prairieland Park Board of Directors. Keith has received both the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal and the King Charles III Coronation Medal. He and his wife, Lenore, have three adult children, four grandchildren, and enjoy time at their cabin at Lower Fishing Lake.

Keith Willoughby is the Dean of the Edwards School of Business at USask. He teaches production and operations management, business forecasting, operations research/ management science, and statistics. His published scholarship focuses on the development of quantitative models across a variety of practical, relevant decision-making areas. Some of these themes include materials management and logistics, transportation analysis, sports and entertainment, and pedagogical innovation. His research in progress comprises topics such as lean systems in the electronics industry, the use of decision analysis in selecting cable television delivery options, and operations research models in health care (e.g., improving patient flow in emergency departments).

Kelly Howey has spent over 8 years developing and facilitating leadership programs for supervisors, from executive-level leaders to supervisors. He is certified in workplace coaching, strategic planning, conflict resolution, MBTI, performance management, effective feedback, experiential learning, organizational health, 360 assessments, emotional intelligence, ergonomics, and harassment investigation. Kelly is married with two grown children who are almost “off the payroll.” He currently serves as Past-President of the Canadian Mental Health Association (Saskatoon) Board and sits on the Saskatoon Pickleball Board. Active in many sports—including pickleball, volleyball, golf, street striding, biking, hiking, and travel—Kelly is passionate about improving mental health. He enjoys sharing his experiences so others can learn from both his successes and failures.

Les Morrison wears many hats, working as a Systems Consultant at Delta Point Wireless and a Sales Manager at Western Campus Resources. He holds a B.A. from the University of Saskatchewan. He remains active in the community through numerous volunteer roles, including Volunteer Leader with the Lieutenant Governor’s Leadership Forum, Director of Volunteers for the 2010 World Junior Hockey Championships, Planning Committee Member for the 2006 Vanier Cup, and Committee Member with the Canadian Youth Business Foundation. Les is a recipient of the Saskatchewan Centennial Medal and the Saskatchewan Work Educators Award, and is an alumnus of the Leadership Saskatoon Class of 2003.

Linda McMullen is Professor Emerita at the University of Saskatchewan. During her career in the Dept of Psychology, Linda took on many leadership roles, including Director of Clinical Training for the graduate programme in Psychology; Head of the Dept of Psychology; Acting Vice-Dean for Social Sciences; and President of the Society for Qualitative Inquiry in Psychology of the American Psychological Association. Linda has served on USask’s Board of Governors and as a Board Member for the Saskatoon Concert Band, Saskatoon Symphony Orchestra, and Saskatoon Jazz Orchestra. For fun, she plays clarinet with the Saskatoon Concert Band’s Auxiliary Band and spends time with her grown children and two young grandchildren.

Mark Soloway joined Oxford House Saskatchewan in 2021, bringing over 15 years of nonprofit management experience. He is deeply committed to affordable housing and supporting underserved communities. Known for his steady, people-first leadership, Mark creates environments where residents feel respected, empowered, and connected in their recovery. He collaborates with community agencies, funders, and partners to expand access to recovery housing and supportive services across Saskatoon. With a strong background in nonprofit leadership and community service, he is dedicated to helping individuals build stability, belonging, and hope. Mark believes recovery is not only about abstinence—it’s about rebuilding lives, restoring dignity, and fostering community.

Mavis McPhee studied Early Childhood Studies at the University of Calgary and has held leadership roles in hospitals, schools, daycares, and community organizations. She has worked as a parent education facilitator with the Saskatoon Adlerian Society and as Teen Parent Program Coordinator at EGADZ. A committed community volunteer, Mavis has supported groups such as the Adelaide Park-Churchill Community Association, Hugh Cairns VC Parent Council, Nutana Collegiate Alumni, the Women’s Midlife Health Centre, Prairie Hospice Society, St. Martin’s United Church, and the Saskatoon Council on Aging Board. She is a past recipient of the YWCA Women of Distinction Award for Education (2008) and the Sask Literacy Award of Merit (2010), and has represented Saskatchewan in the Weaving Literacy Project and national CAPC/CPNP Think Tanks. Mavis enjoys family time, reading, gardening, summers at the cottage, and travel.

Michael Carss is the Director of Innovation & Growth in Group Benefits at Wiegers Financial & Benefits, where he helps Saskatchewan employers design and communicate sustainable, competitive benefit strategies. He holds a B.Comm. from the University of Saskatchewan (2007), specializing in Human Resources and Marketing. Michael serves on the Council for the Canadian Pension & Benefits Institute (Saskatchewan Region) and is Chair of the NSBA Business Builder Awards. He is a proud 2018 Leadership Saskatoon alumnus. In his spare time, Michael can be found golfing at the Saskatoon Golf & Country Club or curling at the Nutana Curling Club. His favourite leadership quote is, “A boss has the title. A leader has the people” – Simon Sinek

Nancy Lautner has over 20 years of experience in the non-profit sector. She holds a business degree with majors in human resources and general business, as well as a certification in early childhood education. She spent 22 years with Tykes and Tots Early Learning Centre, growing it from a single site with five staff to a multi-location organization with 135 staff and an $8.5 million budget. Now Executive Director of Saskatoon Student Child Care Services, she is leading major organizational change and future growth planning. Nancy is known for creative problem-solving, strong partnerships, and servant leadership. A 2015–16 Leadership Saskatoon graduate, she is excited to give back as a mentor.

Rachael Steinke is the CEO of the Saskatoon Community Foundation, where she leads strategy, partnerships, and community investment to build a vibrant city where everyone belongs. With over a decade in executive leadership across the public and non-profit sectors, she brings deep experience in organizational transformation, equity, and systems change. Previously, Rachael served as Executive Director of Elmwood Residences, Manager of Community Services with the Ministry of Social Services, Program Manager of KidsFirst North, and Councilor for the Town of La Ronge. Her leadership is grounded in empathy, collaboration, and curiosity—values that guide her work in fostering belonging and collective impact. A lifelong learner and mentor, Rachael believes in leadership that balances strategy with heart. She is passionate about empowering others to lead authentically and build stronger communities.

Riley Baxter has experience in both the nonprofit and public practice sectors and currently serves as VP, Finance & Operations at YWCA Saskatoon, where she has spent over seven years strengthening organizational effectiveness. Previously, she worked at PwC, earning her CPA and building a strong foundation in financial management, audit, and tax. Riley is a graduate of the Edwards School of Business with a major in accounting. She stays active in the community through board service and is currently Treasurer of the Saskatoon Minor Basketball Association. Outside of work, Riley enjoys year-round outdoor activities—hiking, cross-country skiing, camping, and biking—and loves time with her son and two dogs.

Steve Shannon, the CEO of Saskatoon City Hospital Foundation, attended the University of Saskatchewan.He has volunteered with Leadership Saskatoon as a mentor for the past 20 years, and with the Pioneer Threshermen’s Club as President. He runs steam engines at the WDM, Saskatoon’s Remembrance Day Committee, Legion member and announcer for the service at Sasktel Center for the past 40 years, Canadian Blood Services as a donor, Denny Carr Secret Santa Foundation board member, and the Saskatoon Usadian Executive Association. Steve is also known for emceeing and keynote speaking at events for countless service groups and organizations. He has received the Celebrate Saskatchewan Medal from Lt. Gov. Lynda Haverstock for volunteerism and last spring received the Queen’s Jubilee Medal from Lt. Gov. Russ Mirasty; the B’nai Brith “We’re Proud of You” Award (2009), a 75th Anniversary Certificate of Appreciation from the Royal Canadian Legion, and the Canadian Association of Broadcasters Quarter Century Award.

Tammy Chief comes from a large French-speaking Métis family. She has a Bachelor of Arts in Native Studies and a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Education. She began her teaching career 23 years ago as a Core French teacher in elementary schools. She has spent the majority of her career teaching in high schools and is currently the Principal of Royal West Campus in Saskatoon. Tammy has three children and four grandchildren. In the summer, her children dance pow wow, which keeps them busy. Tammy enjoys sharing her culture with others and teaches beading classes in the evening.

Terry Lowe has recently retired from the Director of Family & Community Programs role at Catholic Family Services Saskatoon, where she worked for over 20 years. Terry has served as a Board Member of the Saskatoon Adlerian Society for many years, as well as Co-Chair of the Family Education Section of the North American Society for Adlerian Psychology, Co-Chair of the Saskatoon Early Years Partnership, and Co-Chair of the Canadian Certified Family Educators Certification Committee. Terry graduated from Leadership Saskatoon in 2012 and has been a longtime program facilitator and mentor. She and her husband, Howard, are the proud parents of 2 grown children and have 5 wonderful grandchildren.

Wayne Brownlee is the former EVP and CFO of Nutrien and PotashCorp, retiring in October 2018. In 1989, Wayne coordinated the privatization of PotashCorp. As head of corporate development for 30 years with PotashCorp, he led many strategic acquisitions and served on international potash company boards. Prior to joining PotashCorp, Wayne held a series of positions within the Saskatchewan Department of Finance. Wayne has a BSc and an MBA from USask. He is a member of the Dean’s Advisory Council at the Edwards School of Business, Vice Chair of Wanuskewin Heritage Park, and former Chair of the Saskatoon Public Schools Foundation and Saskatoon Community Foundation. He is also a Board member of Zyus Life Sciences, Gensource Potash, and SREDA.