Board of Directors
Sangram S Hansra
Chair
Sangram Hansra is a lawyer at Stringam LLP. He was born and raised in Fort McMurray. After graduating from Westwood High School, he attended the University of Alberta where received his Bachelors of Science and Juris Doctor. After his time at the University of Alberta, Sangram attended the prestigious Melbourne Law School where he obtained his Masters in Law.
Prior to returning back to Fort McMurray his previous work experienced included working at a Major Regional Law Firm in Edmonton and the Government of Alberta’s Ministry of Justice and Solicitor General.
Sangram has also sat on the University of Alberta’s Board of Governors where he was a member of the Finance and Property Committee as well as the University Relations Committee. He is also currently a Board Member of the Wood Buffalo Community Foundation. [2022-2024]
Crystal Young
Vice Chair
Crystal Young is the President & CEO of the McKay Métis Group. As a proud member of the Qalipu First Nation Band in Newfoundland, Crystal has leveraged energy and business savvy into a successful career with ever-increasing responsibility and a proven record of success in and around the Alberta oilsands.
Having earned a bachelor's degree from St. Mary's University, Crystal was attracted to Alberta by its vibrant communities and endless opportunities. She moved to northern Alberta to accept her first role as an administrator within the energy industry. It wasn't long before she began moving through the ranks and working with various Indigenous companies.
Joining the McKay Métis Group in 2016, Crystal successfully stewarded, deepened, and expanded the Group's business partnerships. Her strong acumen, a keen eye for opportunity, and natural-born leadership skills led the McKay Métis Group board of directors to offer her the position of President & CEO in the fall of 2020.
Since then, Crystal has led the rapid growth and diversification of the Group. Treating the business like her own, she brings an entrepreneurial spirit to everything she does and has had a significant impact on the Group, its people, culture and delivery to their clients. Under her leadership, the Group has inked many business partnerships and acquisitions, resulting in significant revenue expansion and job creation. The McKay Métis Group is being hailed as one of Alberta's largest and fastest-growing Indigenous enterprises.
No stranger to the public eye, Crystal has made numerous appearances on BNN and participated in business panels with MLT Aikens law and the National Post.
Graham Ure
Secretary
Graham Ure is currently the Director of the East Tank Farm Asset Management for Suncor Energy. He graduated from the University of Alberta with a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering and moved to Fort McMurray in 2003 to join Suncor. Since that time has held several roles of increasing responsibility in Engineering, Operations Management, Health and Safety and Supply Chain Management.
Prior to moving to Fort McMurray Graham grew up on a small family farm in central Alberta where is love for the outdoors began. He currently enjoys spending as much time outside as possible in the many activities available in Fort McMurray, from golfing in the summer and snowmobiling in the winter, with his wife and two small boys. He also enjoys spending time with his brother, who also reside in Fort McMurray and his family (wife and 3 young children).
In addition to volunteering with some smaller local groups Graham has held formal volunteer positions with the Coalition for a safer 63/881 (2015-2018, Director and Vice-Chair) and Safe Communities Wood Buffalo (2019-2022). [2021-2023]
Denean Robinson
Treasurer
Denean Robinson, Vice President of Corporate Services and Chief Financial Officer (CFO) for the Fort McMurray Airport Authority (FMAA) has been influencing business performance beyond the numbers for more than 20 years.
Denean joined FMAA in 2017 where she oversees enterprise risk management, financial controls and commercial agreements with 70+ businesses operating at the Fort McMurray International Airport (YMM) or on airport lands.
As CFO, Denean has been instrumental in pivoting the FMAA towards sustainable business operations, identifying process improvements, cost efficiencies and revenue diversification opportunities.
Prior to the FMAA, Denean was Senior Manager with MNP LLP where she provided accounting and auditing expertise to a diverse client base. As a trusted advisor, Denean used her gift of fiscal storytelling to guide businesses towards long-term financial stability.
Denean has held various leadership roles with large accounting firms and was seconded to a commercial real estate company and a large east coast oil company to assist with International Financial Reporting Standards Conversion Projects. Denean was also named to Grant Thornton’s 2012 Task Force on Quality and Efficiency.
Denean is currently a non-voting board director and Treasurer of the Fort McMurray Chamber of Commerce and is a member of the Canadian Airports Council Finance Committee. She previously held Treasury roles with a United Way Agency of Saint John and with various Academic Fundraising Committees.
Denean is a Chartered Accountant and is currently enrolled in the Airport Management Professional Accreditation Programme through Airports Council International - International Civil Aviation Organization.
Bob MacKay
Director
Bob MacKay is the General Manager of Acden Environment Limited Partnership. Originally from Halifax, Nova Scotia, Bob was introduced to the bounty that Fort McMurray and the province of Alberta provides in 2007. After 3 years of being part of the Fly in Fly out workforce, Bob and his wife Ann decided it was time to move their family to Fort McMurray in 2010. Since his arrival, Bob has proven that he is a seasoned professional and has since garnered a rich history of contributions to Fort McMurray and the surrounding region.
As a dedicated member of the United Way Executive Committee, Bob's commitment to community service has been exemplified by his recent recognition with the 2023 Spirit of United Way Award. This accolade celebrates his unwavering dedication to volunteer work, showcasing a deep-rooted passion for supporting the community. Bob's impact extends beyond accolades, as evidenced by his recent top-three nomination for the Fuse Social Heart of Wood Buffalo Award. His community-focused approach is demonstrated through active participation in the Justin Slade Youth Foundation Board and volunteering in events that champion the people and culture of the region.
Professionally, Bob has played a vital role in the success of each of the major oil sands producer’s sites. With a comprehensive understanding of their needs to meet regulatory standards, he has provided various industrial services crucial to their daily operations. Bob's leadership shines through his commitment to Safety Excellence, reflected in his impressive Total Recordable Injury Frequency of 0.00. In addition to his operational expertise, Bob has contributed significantly to local businesses through consulting services, particularly focusing on safety improvements and processes. His proactive approach has earned him strong relationships with Senior Executives and Business Leaders throughout the regio. Bob MacKay's engagement with local Indigenous businesses further underscores his commitment to fostering collaboration and promoting opportunities for mutual growth. His holistic understanding of the region's needs, coupled with his leadership in safety and community involvement, positions Bob as a respected figure in both professional and local spheres. Since joining Acden Environment, Bob has shown his commitment to treating everyone with respect and dignity. He implemented a quarterly Town Hall meeting for all the staff to learn about Acden and its contributions to both the ACFN and the local community.
Gene Dobie
Director
With over 40 years of experience in design, project and contract management, Gene brings forth his expertise in contracts, insurance, planning & development, innovating and improving policies within the organization. Gene is the chairman for two condominium associations being River Park Glen & the Barrington, supporting budgets, finance and insurance while giving guidance to reserve funds and property upkeep. Gene joined with the Fort McMurray Public School board Audit Committee last year and provides his support to their financial, operational and risk management as per their mandate
Gene came to Fort McMurray in 1976 to work on the Syncrude plant with Bechtel Canada and stayed ever since investing into the industries and community. He is married, has two grown children and 5 grandchildren. Within his busy schedule finds time to travel and snowboard in the winter and play tennis when he can through the summer months. He loves hospitality and misses that part of community.[2021-2023]
Alona Cruz-Farthing
Director
Alona Cruz Farthing brings over 18 years of extensive experience in the hotel and accommodation industry, showcasing her expertise as the General Manager at the Merit Hotel & Suites. Throughout her tenure, Alona has exemplified exceptional leadership qualities and unwavering dedication to the hospitality sector.
In addition to her role at the Merit Hotel & Suites, Alona is actively engaged in various community initiatives. As a committed member of the Fort McMurray Hotel & Lodging Association, she has made significant contributions to the advancement of hospitality and tourism in the region. Notably, Alona’s hotel has proudly hosted several regional sports tournaments and has been designated as the preferred accommodation for the ACAC group. Moreover, Alona and the Merit Hotel have received a certification of appreciation from Keyano College, acknowledging her unwavering commitment and continuous support to the college and its students.
Alona is widely recognized for her integrity, professionalism, and exceptional ability to foster unity among individuals to achieve common objectives. Her positive outlook and charismatic personality have been instrumental in her success, as she instills confidence in her guests' decisions to keep coming back to the city and stay at her establishment. Alona firmly believes that the ambiance and atmosphere are paramount in ensuring guest satisfaction, emphasizing that it is not solely about glitz and glamour but about creating a welcoming environment that guests can truly call their home away from home.
In her leisure time, Alona derives joy from traveling and exploring new destinations. Committed to making a difference, she incorporates insights gained from her travels into her hotel management practices. Furthermore, Alona actively volunteers with organizations such as the Food Bank, Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo, and Athabasca Tribal Council Festival, further demonstrating her dedication to giving back to the community.
Amir Shami
Director
Amir Shami is a registered and practising professional engineer in Alberta. Amir has over twenty years of varied experience in the Oil and Gas industry. Currently, he is the President & CEO of Rotaflow an industrial service company with an operational office in Fort McMurray. Amir holds a master's degree in electrical engineering and an MBA from the University of Alberta. Amir also holds the Institute of Corporate Directors ICD.D designation.
Amir is a lifelong learner and passionate about personal and professional development. He is a well traveled person and speaks multiple languages. Amir is a member of Board of Directors with Edmonton Chamber of Commerce, also a member of Business Council of Alberta and Engineering Practice Standard committee with APEGA.
Heather Mcnamara
Director
Moving to Fort McMurray in the Spring of 2009 (via NL, Banff & Calgary), Heather embarked on several pivotal moments that set her up for personal and professional success. Bringing with her extensive knowledge of the hospitality and tourism industry, she emersed herself in the hotel sector gaining exposure with many oil & gas companies while getting an introduction to the fascinating attractions that bring tourists to Wood Buffalo. Heather was welcomed by Keyano to their organizing committee for their annual prestigious fundraising galas and enjoyed participating in EDT events, primarily with the Tourism department.
After the Horse River wildfire in 2016, Heather did a brief stint at Suncor and eventually went on to join her husband in owning and operating a reputable electrical contracting company, Myco Electric, specializing in commercial service and maintenance. After four years of maximizing her contribution to its success, the urge to branch out on her own again brought her to the position of General Manager at our only enclosed shopping centre in the region, the Peter Pond Mall. Since her onboarding, Heather has been relentless and passionate about increasing the understanding on the local market and changing the narrative that Wood Buffalo’s economic stability is declining. As a result, has been pivotal in attracting national and international retailers, and along with her team, has successfully brought big names like Sephora, Torrid and The Shoe Company to the Peter Pond Mall.
These partnerships have created much more buzz and interest in the centre, the downtown area, and the Fort McMurray market. Along with productivity well surpassing levels never realized previously and eclipsing that of notable shopping centers in Edmonton, Alberta and across the county, this growth has caught the attention of many more retailers who are opening doors to conversations who once weren’t even interested an introduction. Along with retailers, this success has garnered attention of Retail Insider, a prominent publication in the industry, who did an article on Peter Pond Mall in early 2024. As a result, has opened many more doors to retail opportunities. Beyond the perceptual elevation and financial success of the Peter Pond Mall, Heather and her team have been strategic in their ESG initiatives. In 2023, the Peter Pond Mall was awarded a Silver recognition in the BOMA Best Building Certification Program. BOMA Best encourages smart and sustainable solutions for existing buildings, promoting health, efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and low-carbon performance. As a benchmarking program, its certification represents a globally recognized symbol of sustainability achievement and is driving change.
An active participant in the community, Heather current sits on the Community Advisory Committee and is a board member of RMWB’s Homelessness Incentives Strategic Committe.
Sarah Thapa
Director
Kassondra Meyer was born and raised in Fox Valley, Saskatchewan, a small, vibrant farming community of approximately 500 people. It was there that her strong values for community building and engagement were instilled by hard-working, community minded people who were invested in and possessed immeasurable pride in the sustainability of their community. It was a natural progression for Kassondra to develop business acumen and an entrepreneurial spirit growing up surrounded by both immediate and extended family members who have a well-established presence within the community and surrounding territory for their extensive entrepreneurship and success in a variety of industries including Oil and Gas, Retail, and Service businesses.
Kassondra’s upbringing and humanitarian nature have shaped her into an articulate, dynamic, capable and caring young woman whose drive and determination have motivated her to help others. Her altruism is evidenced by her pursuit and achievement of both a Bachelor of Science Degree in Paramedicine & Nursing, and her work with the Southern Alberta Community Living Association (SACLA), and experience in her youth as a community recreation center lifeguard. Throughout these endeavors, her metric was, and continues to be, to provide top notch care with a focus on advocacy ensuring that those she serves are well taken care of and heard. In addition to these accomplishments, she has achieved two lifelong dreams. In 2016, she became the proud mother of a beautiful and spirited daughter whom she loves deeply and acknowledges helps to keep her grounded. Most recently, she ventured into retail opening a new, up-and-coming boutique named Rose & Pearl Boutique Inc. in Fort McMurray.
As the Founder and CEO of Rose & Pearl Boutique Inc., Kassondra is passionate and excited about the endless possibilities for growth and development for small businesses in Fort McMurray. She believes that developing a business is not about the title of “business owner”, but about the potential to build networks and create a niche in the market that provides Canadian goods and services, supports growth and development of other businesses and entrepreneurs and helps to build a stronger economy by enhancing businesses.
As an individual who is willing to invest in her community during a global pandemic and economic downturn, she sees and believes in the resiliency of the people in the Wood Buffalo Region and the strength of their collective efforts to achieve and sustain economic growth and prosperity. Her mission is to build, support and nurture relationships with her customers, Canadian producers, other small businesses and her local business community as demonstrated in Rose & Pearl Boutique Inc.’s company pillars: Support Small Business, Support Women Entrepreneurs, and Support Canadian Business. She aspires to use her business to complement her passion for helping others by offering unique items, many of which come from other small businesses, and to connect with other like-minded people who are willing to use their skills and resources for the common goals of creating a stronger business community and building toward a brighter future.
When Kassie is not working at her boutique or nursing, she is likely boating with her family, grilling on the Traeger, gardening, reading or participating in other various community activities.
Benjamin Gill
Director
A recovering corporate banker (soul re-implantation forthcoming), Ben is a self-professed business nerd, passionate about building relationships and communities.
In his spare time, Ben seeks to lend his time to people and organizations that align with his community based focus and that seek to emphasize compassion, courage and integrity in all that they do. In turn, he is a steadfast proponent of effective governance as the foundation upon which organizations can most effectively express their values and achieve success.
Ben was born in New Zealand to British parents and moved to Canada at an early age and is not to blame for the confused nature of his accent. When not working and volunteering his time, he enjoys cycling, reading, movies, travel, eating, and football (both kinds).
Paige Cyr
Director
As Managing Partner of The Agency Fort McMurray, Paige Cyr leads with strength, tenacity and an unwavering commitment to achieving her clients’ real estate goals. In addition to her bold negotiation tactics, 24/7 availability and exceptional client service, Paige is backed by a far-reaching local network—which comprises past clients, industry professionals and entrepreneurs. Whether serving buyers, sellers or investors, Paige has the contacts, knowledge and tools to successfully guide clients through their real estate journey.
An experienced real estate investor and home renovator, Paige and her husband Corey —who serves as fellow managing partner of The Agency Fort McMurray—have been featured on HGTV’s Battle on the Beach competition series.
As an active member of the local community, locals recognize Paige as an honest and caring neighbour and has been voted Fort McMurray's Favourite Realtor 2022 + 2023. As a member of the Wood Buffalo Animal Rescue Committee and local activist for many other non-for-profits, Paige’s passion and eagerness to enrich Fort McMurray shine through her exemplary client service, long-lasting relationships and steady stream of referral business.
William Clarke
Director
When it comes to a person who has truly explored different industries and lived a life full of excitement and challenges, one name stands out: Will Clarke. This family guy has left no stone unturned as he ventured into various fields, showcasing his versatility and determination. From military service to running a small Marketing Agency, and now as a franchisee of two M&M locations, Will's journey is nothing short of awe-inspiring.
Will's diverse background begins with his time in the military. The military life instilled in him discipline, leadership skills and a strong work ethic. It provided a solid foundation for his future endeavors, teaching him the value of perseverance and the ability to adapt to any situation.
Following his military service, Will explored the world of aircraft mechanics. The intricate machinery and the thrill of being responsible for the safety of the aircraft fascinated him. However, his thirst for knowledge and new experiences led him to transition into the role of a land surveyor. This change allowed him to explore the great outdoors while utilizing his technical skills.
Will's journey didn't stop there. He found himself drawn to the world of power engineering, where he delved into the complexities of managing and maintaining power systems. HIs determination to continuously challenge himself led to yet another unexpected venture: a vending machine business. Will also stepped into the realm of radio and billboard sales honing his communications and negotiation skills. He also embarked in an adventure with heavy equipment sales. Will's ability to connect with people and understand their needs made him a successful heavy equipment salesman, further adding to his impressive portfolio.
Currently, Will is a franchisee of two M&M locations. With his natural affinity for business and his genuine love for people, Will continues to make a positive impact on the communities he serves. Will's journey is a testament to the power of curiosity, resilience and embracing opportunities. He has learned that perspective is acquired through experience and scarping your knees. His willingness to venture into uncharted territories has shaped him into the adaptable and insightful individual he is today. So here's to Will Clarke - the fearless explorer, the dedicated family man and the embodiment of someone who never shies away from embracing the unknown.
Christopher Wruck
Director
Chris Wruck was born and raised on a beef farm west of Edmonton, and spent most of his life in rural Alberta and small towns, graduating from Stony Plain in 2002. Chris pursued a career in culinary arts, and after working as a camp caterer switched into oil and gas exploration on the drilling rigs after 3 years in the culinary field.
After his initial 4 years across western Canada, he accepted the offer to become a Canadian based United States rotator and spent the next 5 years across Northwest and Northeast United States, working across 9 states and exploring another 30 on his days off, discovering small town America. All while mentoring new teammates and advancing his career upward.
Chris’ career path then shifted into the world of sales in the waterworks distribution industry for 3.5 years in Edmonton, seeking more stability. During this time, he focused on learning purchasing, procurement, sales and project management. The opportunity was put forward by his employer to learn to manage and grow a small branch in Lloydminster (Emco Waterworks), to where he took residence in 2015. While becoming engaged in the community and learning all about the region he was successful in his role and was offered an opportunity to move up to Fort McMurray in March 2017.
Upon arrival he took over a larger location (Emco Waterworks) and was an intricate part in the municipal rebuild after the 2016 wildfire in the underground rehabilitation focusing on leading the team and growing the business. During his next 6 years he became engaged in multiple nonprofits and volunteer roles to which he became engaged in the community and grew as a member. His passion to support the RMWB continued, and he became a common face at fundraisers, community events and opportunities to get involved.
2023 came along and he moved into the role of Account Manager at Clean Harbors with one of his primary focuses being community engagement and environmental services within the region. Chris still spends a lot of time engaged in fundraisers, support projects, networking and volunteering with non-profits and other various campaigns. He is often found, in his spare time, on the golf course, or out and about enjoying the many viewpoints of the region. He has coached minor hockey, while having no children, as well as been a foster/member of the Wood Buffalo Animal Rescue and is in the early stages of becoming a Shriner. Added to the various groups he is a part of, he is also an advocate for local business support and wanting to find ways to help small business succeed in the region.
He is an advocate for utilization of social media for small business and trying to engage small private business in networking events and exposing their offerings to people who may be unaware. The passion he has for community spirit, small town attitude and wanting to be involved has found him a home in the region and makes Fort McMurray a place he is proud to call home. Added to the uniqueness of the region and the world of opportunity, he speaks often of how great the community is as well as the history of the region and why it is arguably one of the greatest places around, despite the cold winters.