Board Members
President
SANDI NEVILLE
GENERAL MANAGER sTANFORD INN & SUITES
Sandi is originally from Sydney Nova Scotia and moved to Grande Prairie in January 1995.
As the General Manager and a history in the hospitality industry, Sandi understands the importance of tourism and its impact on the regional economy.
“Having travelled our region for so long with work and children’s sports, I have seen all the beauty it has to offer and all the hidden gems,” she says. “Now, I am able to share my knowledge of the area with our out-of-town guests who are travelling here for work or leisure and can encourage them to take in all Grande Prairie has to offer.”
Over the years, colleagues have been known to use Sandi as their Google and phone book, knowing they can rely on her knowledge of how to find just about anything in the area.
Sandi was previously Sales Manager at the Four Points By Sheraton. She worked in the energy industry for 16 years before transitioning to the hospitality sector
Sandi has teenaged boys who have played sports in Grande Prairie for several years with the GP Composite High volleyball and football teams.
She’s a board member for the Grande Prairie Football Association, Grande Prairie Pride Society and also a director on the board of The Northern Anarchy Ladies Football Team.
She’s an avid traveler and relishes visiting Okanagan wineries. Sandi continues to be a tour guide on her vacation.
“I have reached over 135 spots now and love to bring friends with us and show them around,” she says. “Some of my friends said I should start a Kelowna winery blog since I also have so many photos of my visits.”
Another enjoyment is golf. “I love all the small little golf courses around the Peace Region.”
Secretary Treasurer
Cyndi Corbett
COUNCILLOR,
TOWN OF BEAVERLODGE
Cyndi has served on Beaverlodge Town Council for two years and works on several committees.
In addition to being on the Grande Prairie Regional Tourism Association Board where she chairs the Marketing Committee, Cyndi is on the Community Enhancement and Economic Development committees as well as the Subdivision Development Appeal Board.
Cyndi is also treasurer of WASP, the Wapiti Area Synergy Partnership, which brings together area landowners, energy sector companies and local municipalities to collaborate on issues.
Away from municipal work, Cyndi and her husband, Brad, have three children. She is also the President of the Beaverlodge and Area Minor Soccer Association.
Being a tourism champion is a favourite part of being a Council member, GPRTA Board Member, and community builder.
“I love meeting people and learning about their experiences,” says Cyndi.
“If we advocate and promote our region and all the great things we have to offer together, more people will come to visit,” she says. “Tourism is such an untapped resource and in our area, we have so many hidden gems. So, come out and visit us. We will be glad to see you.”
Past President
Johnathan Clarkson
General Manager,
Nitehawk Year-Round Adventure Park
Johnathan has been involved with this non-profit community owned facility for the last 17 years and has been a member of the Grande Prairie Community since his family moved here in 1988. During his involvement with Nitehawk, Johnathan has been marketing and promoting the facility and for the past 7 years, Johnathan held the position of Assistant General Managerand has recently taken on the leadership role of General Manager for Nitehawk.
Board Member
Dave Anderson
President BuckWild
Dave Anderson’s fascination with the entertainment industry stretches back to his youth in Grande Prairie. That fascination, beginning in 1990, segued into several roles on the Stompede board – including that of president. During his time with Stompede, among other things, he was instrumental in the development of the Stompede Campground at Evergreen Park – now known as McGovern’s RV & Marine Campground.
Dave was elected to the Grande Prairie & District Agricultural Society (Evergreen Park) volunteer board and wore several hats with that non-profit organization including being president. Dave, the President of BuckWild, is working hard to add two more different annual entertainment events to GP. He is looking forward to continuing his role with the Grande Prairie Regional Tourism Association as a board member in a community he grew up in, loves and wants to continue to be a part of in a productive way.
Board Member
Grant Berg
COUNCILLOR,
CITY OF GRANDE PRAIRIE
Grant Berg is the owner of Grant Berg Gallery, an art gallery representing over 55 artists featuring over 50% Peace Country artists. Grant is also a Metis artist/sculptor juried into the Alberta Society of Artists and has 2 public sculptures in the city. Grant is a past member of the Premier’s Council on Culture, former Chair of the Art Gallery of Grande Prairie and previous board member of Sexsmith Museum Society and Grande Prairie Stompede among others. The gallery is also a member of Indigenous Tourism Alberta and Indigenous Tourism Canada. Grant has been in the Peace Country since 1988. Grant also brings a marketing background having a 29 year career in broadcasting prior to opening up his art gallery in May 2016.
Board Member
Bruce Black
COUNCILLOR,
TOWN OF SEXSMITH
Bruce was born in Edmonton, Alberta in the late 50’s. Bruce’s father worked in the oil and gas industry and as a result, Bruce had the experience of living in northern Saskatchewan and northern B.C. He spent 4 1/2 years in Australia until the family moved back to Canada where they settled in various locations throughout Alberta.
Bruce followed in his father’s footsteps working in the oil and gas sector. In 1987 he met his wife Kathy and they married in 1989 and relocated to Sexsmith in 1994. Bruce continued to work in the oil and gas sector representing world class leaders in instrumentation. Bruce retired from the oil and gas sector in 2012.
Bruce then decided pursue a political career and in 2013 was elected to his first term as Councillor for the town of Sexsmith. He is currently serving his third term as Councillor. During this time, Bruce has served on many committees including The Museum Society, Sexsmith Chamber of Commerce, and the Grande Prairie Regional Tourism Association.
Board Member
Wendy Bosch
Executive Director,
Grande Prairie DownTown Association
Wendy Bosch was delighted to join the Grande Prairie Regional Tourism Board to add her background and perspectives to this important organization.
As Executive Director of the DownTown Association, Wendy works hard to promote the City Centre, the community and area, as a whole.
Wendy moved to the City in September 2018 to become part of a community she had come to love visiting regularly over the last 20 years. She appreciates the vibrant life, attractions and events within the city while relishing the breathtaking local scenery and quiet places to unwind.
Wendy brings a diverse experience to the GPRTA Board. Prior to relocating from the Edmonton area, she operated successful small businesses and worked within the school system while raising her three children.
Her business background includes public relations, business management, marketing and sales/service experience. Wendy’s post-secondary education credentials are from the University of Calgary.
She looks forward to helping the GPRTA maximize opportunities to share the good news stories of the region and promote the many gems visitors will find in our area.
Board Member
Paulette Butler
GENERAL MANAGER,
SANDMAN HOTEL
Paulette has been with the Sandman Hotel Group for 13 years in which she has held many positions, from Rooms Division Manager to the Corporate Training Manager and now as the General Manager of The Sandman Grande Prairie. Born and raised in Grande Prairie, she is committed to promoting tourism in the Grande Prairie Region. Paulette is also Chair of the Destination Marketing Fund Committee.
Board Member
Duane Didlow
COUNCILLOR, WARD 9
GRANDE CACHE
Duane Didow is a long-time resident of Grande Cache and is presently serving his second term as a Councillor for the MD of Greenview, representing Ward 9(Hamlet of Grande Cache). Past work experiences include: Director of Community Services and a Councillor with the former Town. Duane owns and operates a small business in Grande Cache. Duane volunteers as a coach for a local minor hockey team and enjoys hiking and biking in the area.
Duane looks forward to being a part of the Grande Prairie Regional Tourism Association as a board member and believes that working together we will continue to create opportunities to showcase our region’s tourism potential.
Board Member
Kristeva Dowling
Co-founder,
Stolen Harvest Meadery
I am co-founder of Stolen Harvest Meadery and am involved in all the operational and administrative tasks and am also the head Mazer (wine-maker). I am passionate about local economic development and have a master’s degree in the subject. I am the author of a book about the politics of food called Chicken Poop For The Soul: in search of food sovereignty. Developed Howling Duck Ranch blog, and gained an international following, and rated in the top 50 blogs on sustainable agriculture and have been a presenter at national book festivals. I have recently started a podcast called, Ethical Agriculture: our wisest choice which showcases the producers of Alberta. I have sat on several Boards over the course of my career and founded several not-for-profit societies. I am interested in participating on this tourism board to help raise awareness of all our beautiful region has to offer.
Board Member
Naomi Ducklow
General Manager,
Best Western
When I entered hospitality management 29 years ago, my job description was a blank page of paper where I was told “whatever you write, will be your role.” Since then, I have used that blank slate as a way to continuously improve on work processes, policies, and change management. From budgets and KPIs/reporting to safety protocols, to operational procedures and risk mitigation, to research, training, and growth plans, I have focused my unwavering dedication to improvement for the businesses and community I serve. I continue to use this blank page concept on my personal life as I evolve, develop and change with age, interests and dreams.
Outside of hotel management, I like to spend my time with all fur babies. If I am not loving up my own Bullmastiff’s or someone’s pet at the hotel, I try to walk the large and challenging dogs at Bandaged Paws and show them love and care that they deserve. I am working on my dedication to Senior’s with volunteering for Meals on Wheels and I usually have my hand in numerous other volunteer dedications as I truly believe you need to give of your time to help build your community.
In 2014 after learning all the ins and outs as a member of Swan City Rotary and in the role as Executive Assistant, I took my place as Club President, and continue to be engaged in the strategic planning and guidance for future work of the Rotary group and how we can support our communities, whether at home or abroad. My true highlight was the beginning of the Mobility for All project with Holly Sorgen and creating an opportunity to serve and give hope to others with mobility challenges.
My vision is for the continued strengthening of GPRTA and Northern Tourism. I feel that collaboration and partnerships are one of the most important aspects of strategic bridging. The collaboration for sustainable tourism emphasizes the value of co-creation and how partnerships develop and operate, and the best part is we all get to be a part of this together.
• CURRENT BOARD MEMBER OF THE EMS FOUNDATION
• PAST PRESIDENT ROTARY CLUB OF GRANDE PRAIRIE
SWAN CITY
• CREATED THE MOBILITY PROJECT TO ASSIST INDIVIDUALS
STRUGGLING TO RECEIVE ASSISTANCE AND GIVING THEM
QUALITY OF LIFE WITH ALL TERRAIN WHEELCHAIRS
• PAST COMMITTEE MEMBER OF THE SWAN CITY LOTTERY COMMITTEE
• PAST ROTARY PARTNERSHIP PROGRAM BOARD MEMBER
• PAST PRESIDENT OF THE ARBOR DAY SOCIETY
• PAST OUTGOING EXCHANGE STUDENT LIAISON
• PAST MEMBER OF THE DESTINATION MARKETING
COMMITTEE
• PAST FESTIVAL OF TREES FAMILY FUN DAY ORGANIZER
AND SITE SETUP
• PAST BOARD MEMBER OF GPRTA
• PAST PRESIDENT OF THE MS SOCIETY OF GRANDE PRAIRIE
• ASSISTED IN THE ORGANIZATION OF MS WALKS
• PAST BOARD MEMBER OF THE UNITED WAY
Board Member
Brian Grant
CEO,
Grande Prairie Airport
Brian has been working with airports for over 37 years with the majority of his career here at the Grande Prairie Regional Airport. He has been actively involved in regional and national regulatory affairs since the transfer of the Grande Prairie Airport to local control in 1997 and has been CEO of the Grande Prairie Airport Commission since its inception in 1998. He was also the founding Chair of the Regional Community Airports Canada, a national organization representing regional and small airports from across Canada in regulatory and viability affairs in Ottawa and currently sits as vice-chair.
Outside of his aviation career Brian and his family are active volunteers in community and regional events including work with the Rio Grande Sports Association and Mountview Curling Club in his home communities of Rio Grande and Elmworth for over 40 years.
Brian has also owned and operated businesses in agriculture, trucking, and highway charter bus services.
As a lifelong resident of the Beaverlodge area Brian and wife Lori live on their family farm near Rio Grande. Their children, Morgan and Jayme and their families, also reside in the local area.
Board Member
REBECCA KETCHUM
COUNCILLOR,
TOWN OF WEMBLEY
I am excited to be a part of GPRTA. Traveling and exploring has always been a passion of mine. My family and I have taken many trips around our region as well as many other regions and love to adventure into some of the untouched beauty it has to offer.
I moved to the Peace Country in 2003 from Kitwanga B.C. My family came here for work, like many others have. This area has provided us with many opportunities and experiences.
I graduated highschool in Grande Prairie and later attended GPRC and moved on to work in our area. My background includes coaching, management, retail, banking, customer service, administration, distribution, and marketing and Sales.
In 2021 I was elected as a councillor in the Town of Wembley. I am a proud member of many committees and have also been on the board for Beaverlodge Victim Services for many years.
Myself and my husband have two kids, a small business and a dog. We live in Wembley along with our parents and some of our siblings. Our family spends most of their free time camping, hiking, fishing and exploring.
I am excited to help showcase all the events, views, activities and talents our areas have to offer.
Board Member
Linden Roberts
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR,
PHILIP J. CURRIE DINOSAUR MUSEUM
Linden Roberts joined the Board in mid-2019 after becoming new Executive Director of the Philip J. Currie Dinosaur Museum.
She brings with her global background from venues including the Ontario Science Centre, the Royal Alberta Museum, Body Worlds, Canadian Museum for Human Rights, Chicago Museum of Science and Industry and, most recently, from We The Curious in Bristol, England.
As Executive Director at the museum, Linden is excited by the opportunity to bring greater recognition to the world-class, award-winning facility and to the region itself.
“We are working to expand our horizons and improve the visitor experience as an attraction. As a region, it’s important to have collaboration among all partners and stakeholders so that everyone benefits. I’m excited about working with the Board and Administration of GPRTA to promote this wonderful area.”
Linden started her career as an interactive exhibit designer and has specialized in managing leading edge or unusual exhibit projects.
She attained a Bachelor of Industrial Design at Carleton University and studied engineering at the University of Toronto.
Linden’s family tolerates her globe-trotting career by joining her when they can. Her daughter is a technology geek in Toronto. She and her husband enjoy getting out with their dogs and shuffling old British sports cars around the garage.
Board Member
Kristen Smith
DEPUTY REEVE, WARD 3
SADDLE HILLS COUNTY
Kristen was raised in Fourth Creek on her parents’ cattle and grain operation. Kristen and her husband built their own farmstead in Silver Valley, where they are raising their four children. Kristen worked as an assessor for the County for seven years. Currently, she works with her husband on their family farm on top of her work as a Councillor and mother.
With her long history of volunteer service, Kristen has always enjoyed being active in her community. She is proud to use her experience and knowledge of municipal government to serve her ward and the County as a whole.
Board Member
Lee Swaile
Owner
OMG! Cupcakes
My name is Lee Swaile and I have been a resident of Grande Prairie since 2004. I have spent my working life in customer service, sales, and business management. I met my wife in Grande Prairie and started my family in this great community. Together we own OMG! Cupcakes which has been and will continue to be a staple in the community for many years. I have held positions various sales positions in the Grande Prairie area where I have met many great people in the Peace Country through various community and business events. I have been employed with Finning Canada for 7 years this September where I have held a position as a regional sales representative and my last 4 years as a Rental Fleet Manager for Northern BC, Northwest Alberta, Yukon, NWT, and Saskatchewan.
I want to give back to this great community by being part of the Tourism Board so I can help showcase what a great place to visit and explore and what this great area has to offer. With my extensive sales experience I can help being perspective to “sell the region” and its benefits. While we have relocated to St Albert, I still want to maintain a connection with the region that has given myself and my family so much. We will continue to operate OMG! Cupcake’s original location in GP while opening a second location in St Albert. I believe this will help me bring some perspective from another thriving community and large region to help bring this perspective to the Grande Prairie area.
Board Member
Steve Zimmerman
Councillor, Division 4
County of Grande Prairie
I was raised in the Grande Prairie area. My family history dates back six generations to the original homesteaders in Goodfare and Beaverlodge. My wife, Gina, and I have been married for more than 31 years and enjoy camping and traveling around the county golfing.
I am a Petroleum Technologist and have worked in the oilfield for 35 years, mainly in the area of business development. During my time with Alberta Government Telephones, I served as a Journeyman Telecommunication Electrician. I am a former member of the Grande Prairie Petroleum Association and served on the board for 25 years, raising money for numerous children’s charities.