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Board of Directors

 

About the Board

Economic Development Lethbridge is an arm’s length organization, supported by the City of Lethbridge, governed by a 31-member volunteer Board of Directors and managed by a team of professionals dedicated to promoting economic prosperity in Lethbridge. EDL Board Members are drawn from a diverse cross-section of the community with the intention of best accomplishing the mandate and objectives of the organization.

As a governance Board, members are tasked with:

  • setting the strategic direction for the organization through four-year business plans aligned with the municipal funding cycle
  • providing direction, proactive leadership and sector-based expertise
  • establishing governance policies that support the mandate of the organization
  • hiring and evaluating the CEO

 

Meet Our Board

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Timothy is a creative and technology focused entrepreneur from Lethbridge. Raised in Coaldale, Timothy had an early start with technology and business thanks to key mentors and independent learning. At twelve-years old, Timothy used online tutorials to teach himself how to design and program his own computer games. In high school, the Junior Achievements entrepreneurial programs gave Timothy early success with his first business ventures.

In his early professional career, Timothy worked at a local advertising agency start-up. There he gained valuable experience with real world business pains and growth. Recognizing the growing demand for digital marketing services, Timothy ventured on his own in 2016 to start his first company. Three years later, Timothy exited his marketing company to be a founding member of Sumus Property Group Ltd. a company focused on building community with thoughtful and well-designed real estate investments.

Outside of work, Timothy spends his time with his young family, learning from mentors, taking online courses, helping other entrepreneurs, and guest teaching at the Lethbridge University and Tecconnect.

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Vice-Chairman

Mayor Blaine Hyggen

Blaine Hyggen was first elected to City Council in 2013 and was elected Mayor in 2021. He has owned and operated various businesses throughout the community for the past 28 years. He studied Business Law and Accounting at Lethbridge Community College.

Some of Blaine's past and current volunteer experience includes: School Councils, Lethbridge Figure Skating Club, Lethbridge Volleyball Association, Lethbridge Oldtimers Sports Association and The Lethbridge Hurricanes Hockey Club, to name a few.

Blaine's family is his number one priority. His wife Jennifer is a Registered Nurse and they have two daughters: Jayden and Jelayna. Blaine enjoys attending local theatre and staying active by running, biking and playing hockey.

As a proud parent and successful business owner, Blaine loves Lethbridge and wants to see it remain the best city for families while ensuring it is a great place to do business.

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Past-President

Adriana Mercader

Adriana was born in Mexico City. In 2008 she immigrated to Canada. Adriana (BMgt, MSc, MBA) joined Flexahopper Plastics Ltd in 2009 as Director of Marketing. She was promoted to Corporate Vice-President in 2015 and then Chief Executive Officer in 2022. Since taking the company under her direction, Flexahopper has become an internationally recognized brand, generating record sales growth. Adriana has positioned this pillar of the Lethbridge business community as the top rotomolder in the Pacific Northwest.

Adriana was awarded Lethbridge’s Top 40 under 40, in 2018, by the Lethbridge Chamber of Commerce, making her the first immigrant woman bestowed with this recognition. She has served on several other industry boards as part of her ongoing effort to help what she calls “her city”, rise- up. she recently was accepted as a member of the University of Lethbridge Senate.

In her extensive repertoire of interests, she is a voracious reader and is passionate about the outdoors. The best part of her life are her two rambunctious kids that keep her on her feet.

Agriculture/Agrifood

John Ross

Airport

Vacant

Arts, Culture & Entertainment

Mary Ann Crow Healy

Chamber of Commerce

Charlene Scheffelmair

City of Lethbridge Councillor

Jeff Carlson

City of Lethbridge Mayor

Blaine Hyggen

City of Lethbridge Manager

Lloyd Brierley

Community & Social Services

Robin James

Construction

Blayne Janssens

Education

Tricia Doherty

Environment

Shannon Frank

Financial & Professional Services

Obed Maurice

Health & Wellness

Dr. Steven Ha

Hospitality & Tourism

Jody Young

Indigenous

Byron Jackson

Industrial & Manufacturing

Matthew Salmon

Lethbridge College

Jason Donkersgoed

Lethbridge County

Tory Campbell

Multicultural

Dr. Sampath Walgama

Nonprofit

Sandra Mintz

Real Estate & Development

Ken Harvie

Regional Economic Development

Peter Casurella

Retail

Jeremy Roden

Sector-at-Large

Vacant

Seniors

Keith Sumner

Sports/Recreation

Susan Eymann

Supply Chain & Logistics

Brent Peterson

Technology

Ed Limon

University of Lethbridge

Dr. Dena McMartin

Young Entrepreneur

Timothy Hachkowski

Young Professional

Jared Boras

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Did You Know?

The Bachelor of Applied Arts – Correctional Studies program offered at Lethbridge College is the only one of its kind in Canada.