Board of Directors
Chairperson
Jack Little worked for CFRN for 27 years, ten of them as station manager, before becoming Executive Director of the Edmonton Heritage Festival. His volunteer work has included the Western Association of Broadcasters, the United Way, the Northern Alberta Better Business Bureau, and the Edmonton Community Loan Fund. He has extensive experience with media and public relations.
Vice Chairperson
Bill (von der) Ohe established Gateway Refrigeration Ltd. with a single partner in 1967 and served as its President until 1996. When he retired, the company employed 125 people in three Canadian cities. His other experience includes the board Vector Industries Inc. and member of NAIT’s Advisory Committee Member. He belongs to several other associations, including the Riverview Rotary Club and Edmonton Chamber of Commerce.
Treasurer
Garry Ollis is a partner in the chartered accountant firm of Jestin Gibson Ollis, LLP. Garry’s previous work history included senior financial positions with a number of companies in the construction, real estate and venture capital industries. Community work has included membership and leadership roles in service groups, sports teams and board membership in not-for-profit organizations.
Secretary
Brian Besney has volunteered with many non-profit organizations, including the MS Society. He has completed NAIT’s marketing program and serves as the Edmonton Gleaners Association’s recording secretary. For the past 20 years, Brian has worked as a property manager.
Director
W. Steven Andrew, Q.C. is a partner in the law firm of Andrew and Company. He has practiced almost exclusively in the area of family law since 1985. His professional associations include past chair of the Canadian Bar Association (National Family Law Section), most executive positions in Alberta Branch North-Family Law Section, member of the Custody Mediation Program Steering Committee in Edmonton, and Edmonton’s Inns of Court Program coordinator.
Director
Lorraine Chaput is a registered social worker who currently works for Uncles and Aunts at Large. Previously she was Executive Director of an Addiction Recovery Centre for 16 years. Over the years she has served on numerous boards and committees and is currently an active alumnus of Leadership Edmonton. Although most of her work of late has been in the non-profit she has managed her own businesses as well. Her professional associations include the Alberta College of Social Workers and the Alberta Association of Fundraising Executives.
Director
Norman Dirr has been with Vector Industries Inc. as its Chief Financial Officer for the past 12 years, after having been a principal at Mowbrey Gil LLB and a manager at Deloitte & Touche. His many years of volunteer work include such groups as Ducks Unlimited (on the Decoys and Diamonds Committee), the Vienna Opera Ball Society of Alberta, Green & White Gala (Prostate Cancer fundraising), Edmonton Chamber of Commerce, and various professional associations.
Director
Chad Harding has become more involved with Edmonton’s Food Bank through his employer, Capital Printing and Forms ink, over the last few years. Chad attended the University of Lethbridge with courses in marketing, marketing research, financing, business ethics, accounting and information processing. His volunteer experiences have included the Shrine Circus and Because We Care (Canada Safeway).
Director
Alice Hinds is a staff pharmacist with Canada Safeway in St. Albert. Alice has held senior management positions in pharmacy and heath care administration. Her past volunteer commitments include the Edmonton Community Foundation’s board of directors and distribution committee, as well as the board of Edmonton’s Volunteer Action Centre.
Director
Mary Jane McLaughlin has more than 30 years’ non-profit experience that includes senior management, direct service delivery, fundraising officer, consultant, and volunteer. Since 1998, she has done consulting work with such groups as the Education Field, the Board Development Program, Alberta Community Development, Wildrose Foundation, and Edmonton Community Lottery Board. Past employment includes nine years at the Canadian Mental Health Association and five years as Norwood Community Service Centre Executive Director.
Director
Shami Sandhu is a broker and owner of RE/Max River City. Prior to that, he worked in the airline industry. A father of two, he has been active in many community initiatives, including the Meadow and Heritage Point community leagues, Mill Woods Community Patrol, and the Mill Woods Presidents’ Council.
Director
Anne Smith holds a Masters of Public Administration from Queen’s University. She is self-employed and owns J.A. Smith Research and Consulting Services Inc. Anne has provided research and consulting services to government and community organizations since 1990. Prior to this time she worked for both the Governments of Alberta and Saskatchewan. She chairs the Programs and Services Committee.
Director
Larry Villneff is an Executive Search Consultant with Davies Park, Alberta’s largest executive search firm. Previous career positions include: General Manager of Overhead Door Company, Canon Canada’s National Marketing Manager, Office Products Group, President of Lion Business Machines, President of IKON Office Solution—Western Region, and member of several boards past and present.