Mentors

Lawrence Pinter is an entrepreneur with a varied and eclectic background. Lawrence started his career training as a marine biologist at UBC and spent six years working as a construction and salvage diver. He also worked as a deep foundation subcontractor and later as an estimator. Lawrence holds a degree in Civil Engineering from University of Calgary and for the past 24 years has been Owner/Operator of Pinter & Associates Ltd., an engineering consulting company. Lawrence has volunteered his time with Scouts Canada, the Innovators in Schools Program, as Chair of the City of Saskatoon Environmental Advisory Committee, and in several board executive positions with the Saskatchewan Environmental Industry Managers Association. In 2018, Lawrence was honored with the ACEC-SK Mentor of the Year Award.

Kelly Howey is retired and has developed and facilitated leadership programs for over 8 years from entry level supervisor to executive level leaders. He is a certified workplace coach, and has experience in strategic planning, performance management, conflict resolution, delivering effective feedback, experiential learning, organization health, MBTI, Emotional intelligence, 360 assessments, ergonomist, and harassment investigator. He is the current President of the Canadian Mental Health Association (Saskatoon) Board, Saskatoon Pickleball Board member, and Leadership Saskatoon Mentorship Sub-Committee representative. Kelly’s passion is currently focused on making a difference in mental health for all.

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 that included roles in the areas of Internal Audit, Credit Support, Community Investment and Corporate Social Responsibility. Cara has volunteered with and served on the board for the United Way of Saskatoon, 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, Ph.D. is a researcher and people leader at the University of Saskatchewan for the USask Health Sciences and holds an academic appointment at McGill University. She completed her doctoral work in Tanzania, Africa where she worked with adolescent girls at risk for early pregnancy and HIV/AIDS. She has worked with vulnerable and Indigenous populations for over two decades, including communicable and infectious diseases, housing, poverty, human rights, empowerment, community development, criminality, justice, and reconciliation. Her teaching and professional work is focused on collaborative partnerships, feminist and cooperative theory, race and interpersonal relations, socio-economic development, and promoting equity, diversity and inclusion within organizations and the broader social, political, and economic structures.

Anthony Clark is the CEO for Birch Narrows Dene Developments Inc. Anthony is a driven individual with a passion for leading teams of skilled individuals to their full, collective potential in competitive environments.  A skilled professional with over 20 years of industry experience, Anthony has guided teams through business growth, diversification, and times of uncertainty.  He is experienced in construction and mining industries, both locally and internationally (South Africa).  As a volunteer Anthony has held positions as Director on various boards as well as being involved in coaching in the Saskatoon Minor Hockey League. Anthony holds a National Diploma in Mechanical Engineering, Certificate in Business Project Management and is certified as a Lean Green Belt as well as a Project Management Professional. 

Wayne Brownlee is the former Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Nutrien, retiring in October 2018. Prior to this he was Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer for PotashCorp, a position he held since 1999.  In 1989, Wayne coordinated the privatization of PotashCorp, which transformed it from a provincial Crown corporation into a publicly traded company. As head of corporate development throughout his nearly 30-year career with PotashCorp.  Wayne served on the Boards of Arab Potash Company in Jordan and SQM in Chile as Vice Chair.  Prior to joining PotashCorp Wayne held a series of positions within the Saskatchewan Department of Finance, including Associate Deputy Minister of the Treasury Board Division. Wayne holds a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Business Administration, both from the University of Saskatchewan. He is a member of the Dean’s Advisory Council at the Edwards School of Business at the U of S.  Wayne is Vice Chair of the Saskatoon Public Schools Foundation and Wanuskewin Heritage Park.

Kevin Pylypow is the Senior Credit Specialist/ RVP Business Banking at Innovation Credit Union. He has 20 years of experience with various financial institutions and has a Masters in Leadership from Royal Roads University. Kevin has volunteered with Sask Abilities, Camp Easter Seal, and various local minor sports organizations. His personal awareness is that we are all leaders and influencers, so every day is an opportunity to learn leadership from those around us.

Paul Ottmann is the Director if Information Technology for Canpotex Limited. He is an influential strategic thinker, visionary and authentic leader with extensive experience across all areas of management. Paul has a proven track record of acting as a catalyst and change agent to achieve transformational change while aligning organizational results and strategic objectives. He is a charismatic leader, mentor, and coach. Paul has his Executive MBA from the University of Regina, is Dare to Lead Trained and a member of the Institute of Corporate Directors.

Steve Shannon CEO, Saskatoon City Hospital Foundation attended the University of Saskatchewan. He volunteers with the Pioneer Threshermen’s Club, Saskatoon’s Remembrance Day Committee, Canadian Blood Services as a donor and RLC Member, Denny Carr Secret Santa Foundation, Centennial Collegiate Community Council, and the Saskatoon Usadian Executive Association. Steve is also known for emceeing events for countless service groups and organizations. He has received the Celebrate Saskatchewan Medal from Lt. Gov. Lynda Haverstock for volunteerism; 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. Steve was the Chief English Venue Announcer for curling at the Winter Olympic Games in Salt Lake City, Utah and Torino, Italy

Darcie Gerein is a teacher with the Saskatoon Public School Division. Over her 30-year career, she has taught individuals from preschool age to adults. Darcie has taken courses in Positive Psychology and fitness training and recently has become a True Colors Facilitator which emphasizes individual strengths and positive communication. During her teaching career she has taken on the challenges and learning opportunities of mentoring numerous interns, Teacher Candidates, Educational Assistants, and high school student work placements. Her favourite activities include water-skiing, pickleball and cheering on the Saskatchewan Roughriders.

Terry Lowe has recently retired from the Director of Family & Community Programs at Catholic Family Services Saskatoon, where she had worked for over 20 years. Terry has served as a Board Member of the Saskatoon Adlerian Society for many years. She has also served as the 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 facilitator and mentor for the program. She and her husband Howard are the proud parents of two grown children and have five wonderful grandchildren.

Nilesh Kavia is Executive Vice President, Strategy Execution and Operations with Affinity Credit Union. Nilesh is passionate about creating an environment where individuals, teams and organizations can strive for excellence and customer/member focus. Nilesh is a Certified Accountant, Certified Leadership Coach and Certified Lean Leader with a Bachelor of Commerce degree from the University of Saskatchewan and a Master of Business Administration degree from the University of Calgary. He is a lifelong learner and is currently completing his ICD.D designation. Nilesh serves on the Royal University Hospital Foundation Board of Directors as Chair of the Audit, Risk and Finance Committee and as a member of an Advisory Board for a technology company in Saskatoon.

Andrea Lafond is Chief Executive Officer of the Meewasin Valley Authority where she provides strategic leadership focusing on conservation, education, and development in the river valley. Andrea has over 18 years of progressive leadership experience in both for profit and not for profit Aboriginal organizations including Metis Employment & Training, Kocsis Transport, Wanuskewin Heritage Park, and the Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technologies. Andrea presently serves on the Saskatchewan Environmental Advisory Committee, as a Board Member for Wanuskewin, and has also served as a member of the Human Resource Committee for the Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce. She received her CAFM designation in February of 2017. Andrea has served as a mentor with Leadership Saskatoon for several years and finds this a mutually rewarding experience.

Linda McMullen is Professor Emerita at the University of Saskatchewan. During her career in the Department of Psychology, Linda took on many leadership roles including Department Head, University Leader for the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada, Acting Vice-Dean for Social Sciences, President of the Society for Qualitative Inquiry in Psychology of the American Psychological Association, and Vice-Chair of the University of Saskatchewan Faculty Association. Linda has also served on the University of Saskatchewan’s Board of Governors, and as a Board Member for the Saskatoon Symphony Orchestra, Saskatoon Jazz Orchestra, and the Saskatoon Concert Band. In 1994, Linda received the Jillings Award from the Saskatchewan Psychological Association for her outstanding service to the profession.

Mavis McPhee was educated in Early Childhood Studies at the University of Calgary. Now retired, Mavis spent her professional career working in a variety of leadership roles with several organizations in the not-for-profit sector. As a volunteer, Mavis has been involved with Adelaide Park-Churchill Community Association, Hugh Cairns VC School Parent Council, the Saskatoon Adlerian Society, Nutana Collegiate Alumni, and the Women’s Midlife Heath Centre. Presently, she volunteers with the Prairie Hospice Society and St. Martin’s United Church. Mavis was honoured as 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. 

Les Morrison is a man who wears many hats, working as a Systems Consultant with Delta Point Wireless and as Sales Manager for both Western Campus Resources and Prairie Packaging Inc. Les holds a B.A. from the University of Saskatchewan 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 an alumnus of Leadership Saskatoon Class of 2003.

Irene Seiferling is an entrepreneur, mother and grandmother, community advocate, and mentor. She is the Founder and President of Board Dynamics, a first of its kind company dedicated to governance. A graduate of the University of Saskatchewan (B.A. Econ.), Irene has been involved with several boards as a director, chairperson, and advisor. She is the first ICD accredited corporate director in Saskatchewan, and a co-founder of the Saskatchewan Chapter of ICD. She is also among the first in the province to be accredited as a Family Enterprise Adviser (FEA) by the Sauder School of Business. Irene has been a decades long community supporter as a volunteer with dozens of organizations, with a particular passion for arts and culture. She is a mentor to young women in business and those seeking positions of leadership and on boards. Irene is a proud entrepreneur and professional, but her most rewarding role is being a mother of five young adults and a grandmother.

Dr. Bill Brooks is a Creative Process and Problem Solving Coach, Facilitator and Business Coach, and Presenter/Speaker with eclecthink. He studied at the University of Saskatchewan where he received his B.Sc. and Ph.D. 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.

Brian Hoessler is the Founder of Strong Roots Consulting. Through this work he helps build the capacity of non-profit organizations through research, program development and evaluation. Brian graduated with Honours from the University of Toronto, where he obtained his Bachelor of Science Degree specializing in Research Psychology. He also holds a Master of Arts Degree in Community Psychology from Wilfrid Laurier University. Brian serves as a Board Member for Friends of the Broadway Theatre and The Princess Shop. He is also a trombone player with Saskatoon Community Bands and an alumnus of Leadership Saskatoon, Class of 2014.

Jaime Spencer, B.Comm, is a results driven marketing professional with proven leadership and marketing abilities that are rooted in superior organizational and communication skills obtained through effective education and employment experience. Jaime is a member of the International Association of Business Communicators and the Saskatchewan Marketing Professional Association. Jaime has a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Saskatchewan, Intentional You Coaching Certificate, and has successfully completed the courses Leadership Training for Managers and Managing Things, Leading People. Jaime enjoys spending time with her two children, golfing with her husband and curling during the winters.    

Jared Francais was raised in small town Saskatchewan as the son of entrepreneur.  He is rooted in values of hard work and supporting those around you however you can.  Jared’s interest in computers took him to Saskatoon where he graduated from SIAST (now Sask Polytechnic) in Computer Systems Technology and that has taken him through many roles in the field such as web development, desktop support, systems administration, change management and to his current role, leading a technical team in the ERP Sustainment and Advancement Office.  Along the way he’s had the opportunity to sit on the board of directors with the local Chamber of Commerce, take the Reconciliation Ambassador program with the City of Saskatoon and supporting technical needs of local community programs such as the Warman Collective Garden.  In the summer Jared can often be found at one of the local ball diamonds playing slopitch with his friends.  When he’s not busy spending time with his family of 3 (plus two dogs), he will either be automating everything he can find in his house, or enjoying his favourite hobby, traditional wet shaving.

Jennie Green began her teaching career in 1993 and after 12 years in the classroom, she pursued a Master of Education degree in Administration as well as obtained her first admin position as a vice-principal. In 2013, Jennie obtained a second Master of Education degree in Educational Foundations. In 2017, she received her first principal appointment and has been enjoying the experience in her current school which is a large K-8 French Immersion/English school. She has had wonderful leadership opportunities in the Saskatchewan Teachers Federation being a provincial facilitator in the Instructional Leadership cohort as well as doing some leadership facilitation within her school division. Jennie have been involved in my community in different ways but most recently as a board member on the Community Alcohol Strategy Steering Committee between 2016-2018. In her downtime, Jennie loves to read, gourmet cook, travel, and spend time with her family. She has been married for 30 years and has four children and three grandchildren who are the joys of her life.

Jeremy Breker has served in leadership roles with different organizations for over 25 years.  The tenure as a leader has enriched his understanding of human performance in a business environment and creating a rich dynamic culture enabling people to contribute effectively and efficiently.  He has worked in roles that were hands on at the workface through to senior c-suite levels in large organizations which has informed a good understanding of the inner workings of mining, industrial, consulting, and high-tech companies.  Jeremy volunteers at many different events in Saskatoon and spoken at conferences internationally on projects, mining, education, and technology.  One such memorable experience is a volunteer leadership role for the Saskatchewan Lieutenant Governor’s Centennial Gala in 2005 and hosting the Queen at the event.  He is an avid swimmer, enjoy team sports, mentoring, contributing to the field of engineering and Project Management, and working with people.

Michael Carss joined Wiegers Financial & Benefits in May 2022 as the Director, Innovation & Growth in the Group Benefits division.  Michael spent an illustrious 14-year career as a Senior Account Executive at Saskatchewan Blue Cross where he worked closely with consultants and Saskatchewan’s top employers to unlock opportunities, design, implement and communicate sustainable employee benefit strategies.  Michael is well known and respected across Saskatchewan for his work ethic, client and member focus, knowledge of the complex group benefits industry and delivery of outstanding services and solutions. Michael graduated from the University of Saskatchewan in 2007 with a Bachelor of Commerce degree studying Human Resources and Marketing.  He proudly serves on the Council of the Canadian Pension & Benefits Institute – Saskatchewan Region and holds a Life, Accident & Sickness license with the Insurance Councils of Saskatchewan.  Outside of the office, you can find Michael at the Saskatoon Golf & Country Club in the summer and Nutana Curling Club in the winter.  Michael will admit he is a more accomplished curler having represented Saskatchewan on the National stage and by virtue of his team’s success on the Saskatchewan Curling Tour.  Michael proudly chaired the Saskatoon Men’s Bonspiel for 10 years, which featured 72 teams and offered over $20,000 in prizes.    

Raj Randhawa has had an interesting journey since co-founding Horizon in 1995.  Horizon continues to grow and expanded across western Canada.  He has gained some great experience in every aspect of business over the past 27 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 Saskatoon Chamber of Commerce.  He has enjoyed being a big brother and volunteering at Folkfest. His four 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.

Darren Pringle began working in a formalized police leadership capacity in 1998 as a Recruit Field Trainer with the Calgary Police Service. After moving home to Saskatoon in 1999, Darren continued this leadership role with the Saskatoon Police Service, mentoring new officers until his promotion to Sergeant in 2009. As a Sergeant, his leadership experience broadened through supervision of several operational and administrative units. Following promotion in 2016 to Staff Sergeant and later again to Inspector in 2020, Darren became responsible for the supervision and career development of an even greater number of diverse officer groups. Additionally, Darren’s executive role as an Inspector added a strategic focus to his mentorship activities. Darren has modeled the importance of lifelong learning not only through his own educational pursuits, but through his career-long service as an instructor in a number of disciplines, including law, investigations, firearms, tactics, command, and explosives delivered to local, national, and international audiences. Throughout the course of his police career, Darren has concurrently served as an Officer in the Canadian Armed Forces Reserves, gaining valuable leadership experience in the Naval Warfare, Signals, and Personnel Selection occupations. Darren has spent every Spring and Fall for over a decade coaching and managing the various sports teams his kids have played on and is currently the Treasurer on the Board of Directors for EGADZ (Saskatoon Downtown Youth Centre Inc.)

<< Back to Leadership Program