Mentors

Dr. Bill Brooks is a Creative Process and Problem Solving Coach, Facilitator, Business Coach, and Presenter/Speaker with eclecthink. He studied at USask where he received his B.Sc. and Ph.D. in upper atmospheric and space physics. Bill’s volunteer initiatives include several roles with the Greater Saskatoon Chamber of Commerce, Saskatoon Public Schools, Edwards School of Business, and Leadership Saskatoon. He has been recognized with Industry Canada’s Michael Smith Award for Science Promotion, a Saskatoon Preschool Foundation Educator of Distinction Award, and as the Member/Volunteer of the Year of the Greater Saskatoon Chamber of Commerce in 2011. Bill is an alumnus of Leadership Saskatoon, Class of 2003. Currently, Bill is the owner of eclecthink international, a consulting company specializing in creativity and innovation, strategic and project planning, problem-solving, and workshops associated with leadership. He continues to present and mentor for Leadership Saskatoon and is the Vice President for the Saskatoon Council on Aging.

Brian Hoessler is the Founder and CEO of Strong Roots Consulting, a social-purpose business that supports change makers in navigating complexity. Using their 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 Spence served as a senior leader at USask since 2011 before pursuing a faculty position. She is currently an Assistant Professor in the Department of Medicine. Her work focuses on vulnerable and marginalized populations at the local and international level. Locally, she has worked with Indigenous communities since 2001 and globally in Africa since 2012. She specializes in community-based research and equity inclusion diversity (EDI) advancement. Cara is active in her community, and in addition to raising two children, she is also a yoga and meditation teacher, marriage commissioner, and clinical hypnotherapist. 

Carla Roy has received an RCMP Commendation, the Saskatchewan Emergency Services Star of Life Award for volunteer work, and the Governor General Exemplary Service Award for 20 years of Emergency Services Work. Carla’s passion for education and professional development spans over 15 years and led her to complete her Certificate in Adult Education at USask, as well as her Bachelor of Applied Health Science–Paramedic at Medicine Hat College. She holds numerous instructor certifications, is a Peer FitnessTrainer certified through the IAFF, and has led many initiatives promoting health and fitness in the workplace. Carla is involved in numerous committees and research projects promoting paramedicine both locally and nationally, while also working on programs to improve stroke, STEMI, cardiac arrest and trauma care. She has sat on education committees for the Saskatchewan College of Paramedics and International Trauma Life Support – Saskatchewan chapter. Outside of work Carla enjoys hiking, camping, keeping physically fit, coaching basketball, watching her children’s sports, and playing piano.

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 travel. 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.

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’s experience is a blend of family, work, community engagement, and lifelong learning. Her experience has included 12 years of Community Association Leadership, 5 years for the Saskatchewan Provincial Literacy Network Board, and most recently, Chairperson (5 years) with the Saskatoon Psychiatric Centre and Probation Services. Her extracurricular activities have often revolved around the activities of her children (sports mom, music mom, dance mom, etc). Now that they are grown, she has found activities that bring her personal excitement such as the Saskatoon Adult Community Band (playing trumpet in jazz and concert bands and the Saskatoon Concert Auxiliary Band), along with the passions that come from being a grandmother to 5 wonderfully spirited boys. In addition to work and family life, she does some part-time consulting in the career development field.

Grace Chopty is a University of Regina graduate with a Bachelor of Human Justice degree. Shortly afterwards, she started her career with Correctional Services Canada at Saskatchewan Penitentiary as an Addictions Counselor in the maximum-security women’s unit. In 2000, Grace became a Correctional Officer. After 3 years at Saskatchewan Penitentiary, she deployed to the Regional Psychiatric Centre where she held various positions both as a frontline worker and as a manager. During her career at RPC, Grace developed the Correctional Officer Mentorship Program for new recruits and was the team lead for 2 years. She believes capable leaders stem from passionate and effective mentorship. In August 2023, Grace accepted the position of Director of the Correctional Learning & Development Centre for the CSC, Prairie Region. With her passion for learning and career development, she became a mentor for CSC’s National Mentorship Program in 2023. Outside of work, Grace is focused on living a healthy lifestyle so people in her circle will often see her busy gardening in the summer and cooking healthy meals for her family to enjoy. 

Jason Stonechild currently serves as Executive Director of Justice for the Federation of Saskatchewan Indigenous Nations (FSIN), which serves 74 First Nations and 10 tribal agencies within the province. Jason has been with the FSIN for three years following his retirement as the Deputy Chief of Police in PrinceAlbert. Jason has also served as President of the Prince Albert Police Association and VP of the Saskatchewan Federation of Police. With the FSIN Jason works with Saskatchewan Chiefs and Leaders to enhance community safety, wellness, and equity for First Nations communities and peoples across the Province through the implementation and protection of Inherent and Treaty Rights. Most importantly, Jason is a family man. He is proud of his loving wife, Annie who is Quebecois, and his two children, Mila and Loick.

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 CigarLake 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 a seasoned leader with over 20 years of experience in directing large cross-functional teams and executing strategic projects. Currently, Jody serves as the Senior Manager of Retail Program Delivery at Federated Co-operatives Ltd. leading the Retail Technology Program. Jody has a proven track record in leading large-scale enterprise projects, some of which included the delivery of network infrastructure upgrades to more than 1000 Retail Co-op stores, transitioning over 150 gas bars through a major acquisition, and more currently piloting a point of sale conversion to over 900 stores across multiple lines of business. Before joining FCL, Jody held various leadership roles at Cameco Corporation, where she was responsible for the safe delivery of multi-stage engineering and construction projects. Jody holds several certifications, including PMP, PROSCI Change Management, and Six Sigma Black Belt. She is also involved in the community, currently serving as a mentor with Leadership Saskatoon and previously a sub-committee member for Leadership Saskatoon for 7 years. 

Julian Demkiw is the University Secretary and Chief Governance Officer at the University of Saskatchewan. He has 20 years’ experience working in post-secondary education and has worked as a lecturer, fundraiser, alumni relations specialist, student services officer, and most recently as Chief of Staff to 3 university presidents. He is a lifelong student having achieved 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 (2021) and has remained involved in the organization in some capacity over its 25-year history, most recently as Chair of the Board of Directors.

Kelly Howey has developed and facilitated leadership programs over 8 years for entry level supervisors to executive level leaders. He is certified in/as workplace coaching, strategic planning, conflict resolution, MBTI, performance management, delivering effective feedback, experiential learning, organizational health, 360assessments, Emotional Intelligence, ergonomist, and harassment investigator. Kelly is married with 2 grown children who are almost off the payroll – ha! He currently is the Past-President of the Canadian Mental Health Association (Saskatoon) Board and Saskatoon Pickleball Board member. He is a simulated patient with 2 educational institutions. Kelly enjoys being active with many sports such as pickleball, volleyball, golf, street striding, biking, hiking, travel, etc. His passion is currently focused on making a difference in mental health for all. Kelly is retired and enjoys cooking as well as puttering in the yard. He loves working and sharing his experiences such that others can benefit from his successes and failures.

Keith Moen is the Executive Director of the NSBA – Saskatoon’s Business Association for the past 15 years. Prior to that, he was a self-employed journalist and communications professional. Among his contracts was editor of Saskatchewan Business Magazine, where he developed a love for business and the people behind them. Following his convocation from USask (English) Keith began his career as a sports reporter. He graduated high school from the Athol Murray College of Notre Dame in Wilcox, SK. Keith also sits on the Saskatchewan Rate Review Panel, which oversees rate applications for SGI Auto Fund, SaskPower, and SaskEnergy.He also serves on the Prairieland Park Board of Directors. He’s been married to Lenore for 35 years, and they have 3 adult children and 4 grandchildren. He’s an active golfer and hockey player, and has been awarded with the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee and the King Charles III Coronation Medals. He and Lenore like to spend leisure time at their 4-season family cabin at Lower Fishing Lake in Narrow Hills Provincial Park. 

Ken McCullough is a retired senior retail professional with over 30+ years wholesale and retail experience in the food, petroleum, liquor, pharmacy, general merchandise, home health care, and travel businesses. During his career in the Co-operative Retailing System, Ken was known for high standards in merchandising, customer service, and employee engagement. Ken is proud to serve on the Boards of Leadership Saskatoon and Ebenezer Baptist Church. He enjoys being a mentor for Leadership Saskatoon and offers his leadership expertise to former Leadership Saskatoon participants and congregants of his church. Ken also likes golfing, cottage time, and cheering on the Saskatoon Hilltops and USask Huskies football teams.

Les Morrison is a man who wears many hats, working as a Systems Consultant with Delta Point Wireless and a Sales Manager for Western Campus Resources. Les holds a B.A. from USask and remains active in the community through a variety of volunteer activities. These include roles as a 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 2 young grandchildren. 

Manda Graham is a credit risk professional with 25+ years of experience in the financial services industry. Manda is Senior Director, Credit Risk at Affinity Credit Union and is responsible for leading the credit risk and loan rehabilitation and collections team. She also serves on the Board of Directors for Credit Union DealerFinance and Drive On. Manda is passionate about developing credit risk strategies, operational excellence, and supporting the growth of employees within her organization. An alumnus of Leadership Saskatoon, she remains active in the community and is the Chair of Leadership Saskatoon’s Mentorship Committee. She has also volunteered with Child and Youth Friendly Saskatoon, Saskatoon Open Door Society, Nutana Legion, and Lions Club. Manda enjoys reading, going to the gym, and is an avid curling fan.

Mavis McPhee was educated in Early Childhood Studies at the University of Calgary. Now happily retired, she spent much of her professional career working in a variety of leadership roles in hospitals, schools, day-cares, and community-based organizations. She enjoyed working with groups as a parent education facilitator, first with the Saskatoon Adlerian Society and later as the Teen Parent Program Coordinator at EGADZ. As a volunteer, Mavis has been involved with the Adelaide Park-Churchill Community Association, HughCairns VC School Parent Council, Nutana Collegiate Alumni, and Women’s Midlife Health Centre. Aside from Leadership Saskatoon, she presently volunteers with Prairie Hospice Society and St. Martin’s United Church, and is on the Board of Saskatoon Council on Aging. Mavis was honoured to be the recipient of the YWCA Women of Distinction Award for Education in 2008 and the Saskatchewan Literacy Award of Merit Professional Designation Award in 2010. Nationally, she was selected to represent Saskatchewan for the NationalWeaving Literacy Project and represented SK on two occasions at CAPC/CPNP National Think Tanks. She enjoys spending time with her family, reading, working in the yard, summers at the cottage, and traveling. 

Michael Carss is the Director, Innovation & Growth in the Group Benefits division at Wiegers Financial &Benefits. He helps guide Saskatchewan’s top employers to unlock opportunities, design, implement and communicate sustainable and competitive employee benefit strategies. Michael graduated from USask in 2007 with a B.Comm. degree studying Human Resources and Marketing. He proudly serves on the Council for the Canadian Pension & Benefits Institute (Saskatchewan Region) and is the Chair of the NSBA Business Builder Awards. Michael is a proud Alumni of the 2018 Leadership Saskatoon program. You can find Michael at the Saskatoon Golf & Country Club in the summer and Nutana Curling Club in the winter. His favourite leadership quote is, “A boss has the title. A leader has the people” – Simon Sinek

Raj Randhawa has had an interesting journey since co-founding Horizon in 1995, which continues to grow and expand across Western Canada. He has gained some great experience in every aspect of business over the past 29 years and worked with some amazing people. Currently Raj is on the board of IT Solutions Association of Saskatchewan. He has served as a board member for the Sask Communication Network and Greater Saskatoon Chamber of Commerce. He has enjoyed being a Big Brother and volunteering at Folk-fest. His 4 kids keep things lively on the home front. Raj enjoys traveling as a family. In his spare time, he likes playing squash, golfing, and biking.

Riley Baxter’s work experience has provided a background in both nonprofit and public practice sectors. Currently, she serves as the VP, Finance & Operations at the YWCA Saskatoon, where she’s dedicated over 7 years to enhancing organizational effectiveness and supporting their mission. Before joining the YWCARiley worked at PwC, where she earned her CPA designation and developed a solid foundation in financial management, audit, and tax services. Riley graduated from the Edwards School of Business with a major in accounting. She has always enjoyed staying connected with the community through board involvement. Currently, she serves as Treasurer for the Saskatoon Minor Basketball Association board and has contributed to other boards that align with her values. Outside of work, Riley is passionate about spending time outdoors, regardless of the season. Some of her favorite activities include hiking, cross-country skiing, camping, and biking. She also loves spending time with her son and 2 dogs. 

Tammy Chief comes from a large French-speaking Metis family. She has a Bachelor of Arts in Native Studies and Bachelor and Master’s degrees 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 3 children and 4grandchildren. 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 worked at Catholic Family Services as a group facilitator, counsellor, and eventually in leadership over the course of 25 years. For the last 10 or so years in her career, she was the Director of Client Services overseeing programming and staff in the counselling and community departments. For many years, Terry was on the board of the Saskatoon Adlerian Society as well as co-chair of the Family Education Section of the North American Society for Adlerian Psychology. She sat on a National Committee to certify Canadian Family Educators. On a local level, Terry was very involved with Saskatoon Early Years Partnership including being a co-chair for 2 years. This was a partnership between Health, Education, Social Services, and community organizations. She is currently retired although she still facilitates the odd group and reads with 3-5 year olds at Navera’s Rosewood Daycare. On a personal note, Terry and her husband have 2 children and their partners along with 5 grandchildren. She loves cycling, hiking, cross-country skiing, canoeing, walking and reading. She is very interested in nutrition and loves cooking.

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 through 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 Dept. of Finance. Wayne holds 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 Saskatoon Regional Economic Development Authority.