MARSHALL CHALMERS, M.O.M.

After a lifetime of Public Service which included thirty-one years of policing, nine of which was served as Chief of Police and Mayor of two Mid-Size Cities in Alberta, Marshall Chalmers began Chalmers Strategy Group which he is President.

During his policing career he achieved numerous certifications and awards which include comprehensive auditing, financial management, creating change in Police Organizations, media communications, executive development and received the Member of Order of Merit for Policing from the Governor General. He also served as President of the Alberta Association of Chiefs of Police and Director to the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police.

Navigating challenges that face Municipalities as Mayor to two Mid-Size Cities, Marshall brought leadership and guidance in all areas of municipal governance and gained a wealth of experience in understanding and working with all levels of government.

As Chairman of the Board for a Utility Co., delivering services to the third fastest growing city in Canada, offered an in depth and unique experience on how utilities intersect with municipalities and the impacts that it has.

First Nation relations remain a passion, having had the opportunity to work with First Nations as well as Federal and Provincial Governments in developing programs and pathways to advance opportunities in employment.

BERNARD (Bernie) MORTON, RMA

Bernie Morton brings a combined 30 years of strategic guidance and operational leadership experience across the public and private sectors; widely respected private sector public affairs and communication executive, municipal CAO to urban and rural municipalities, a former City of Toronto Chief of Staff.

Excels at building and steering robust public services organizations, forging strong and productive relationships with public and private organizations, and driving local and regional economic prosperity in the face of regional and national economic challenges, including the global pandemic.

Distinguished negotiation and communication skills; cultivates a positive working culture and pride in public service; trusted advisor and mentor to many from all sectors; lives the values of honesty, integrity, ethics, and trust.

Championed new and innovative public services initiatives that brought together businesses, community members, and civil servants and created significant improvements across multiple areas including public services performance, resident satisfaction, public trust, community engagement, commercial growth, financial performance, and emergency/crisis response capabilities.

Pioneered inner and inter-city growth as City of Toronto Chief of Staff by tackling commercial vacancy issues in the downtown core, promoting inter-regional collaboration amongst neighboring communities, fostering local neighborhood growth and multicultural inclusion, and safety in the Greater Toronto Area.

Provided strategic political counsel and government relations services to companies of all sizes, from small businesses to Fortune 500 corporations including Rogers, Bell, Xerox, Microsoft, Enbridge, and Brookfield on complex, multi-jurisdictional political and socioeconomic initiatives.

Expert in strategic communications, having facilitated, managed, and nurtured relationships between private sector organizations and municipal, provincial, and federal governments.

RICK QUAIL

Rick Quail began his municipal career in the 80’s, working with urban and rural municipalities throughout the Calgary Region as an urban planning advisor.  This was followed by nearly three decades of professional planning and senior administrative services for the Town of Okotoks.  During his tenure in Okotoks, Rick was the CAO for 12 years and served as an urban representative for Alberta communities on the Alberta Water Council and the Association of Alberta Municipalities. Subsequent to his retirement from Okotoks, Rick served as CEO of the City of Chestermere’s Utility Company and wound the company down and returned municipal utility operations to the City.

Rick has been deeply committed to community sustainability through long range land use and infrastructure planning, water conservation, efficiency and productivity programs and the comprehensive management of water and wastewater utility infrastructure. As well, direct involvement in energy efficiency projects, energy aggregation initiatives and the development of community energy management and renewable energy collection and consumption programs.

Rick has an undergraduate degree in Urban and Regional Planning along with a graduate degree in Public Policy, Law and Administration. Over the decades of public service, Rick has held professional membership in the Canadian Association of Municipal Administrators and the Canadian Institute of Planners and in recognition of volunteer services, was recognized with a Lifetime Membership with Alberta Municipalities.

BRENDA HEWKO, MBA,CPA

Brenda Hewko is a seasoned financial executive with over 25 years of leadership experience across complex organizations in the public, private, and non-profit sectors. Currently serving as an Executive Financial Consultant at Maren Hauk Ltd., Brenda is recognized for her expertise in strategic financial planning, governance, compliance, and team leadership. Her career is marked by a consistent record of achieving 100% compliance with diverse financial reporting standards and spearheading initiatives that have driven significant organizational growth, including a 31% revenue increase for the City of Chestermere.

Brenda’s executive acumen is complemented by her roles as Acting Co-CEO and CFO for the Stoney Tribal Administration, where she provided financial oversight and mentorship to nearly 50 entities, and as CFO for the City of Chestermere, where she led multi-disciplinary teams and transformed organizational governance and collaboration. Her leadership has resulted in measurable improvements in team performance, operational efficiency, and stakeholder satisfaction.

With a CPA designation and an MBA specializing in Natural Resources, Energy & Environment from the University of Alberta, Brenda brings a strong analytical and systems-thinking approach to financial management. She is adept at process improvement, risk assessment, and the implementation of innovative financial strategies, including priority-based budgeting and complex financial modeling.

Brenda is also deeply committed to professional development and community engagement, holding certifications in Indigenous Canada, Economic Development, and GHG Accounting & Carbon Management. Her strengths in emotional intelligence, stakeholder management, and public speaking have enabled her to build strong relationships with boards, councils, and diverse teams.

Driven by a philosophy of transparency, accountability, and smart resource allocation, Brenda Hewko continues to support organizations in achieving their missions through sound financial stewardship and collaborative leadership.

DAVE CASSELS

Dave Cassels is a nationally recognized leader in Canadian policing, public safety, and organizational reform, with over four decades of distinguished service spanning policing, public safety, government, consulting, and non-profit sectors. As President and Co-Founder of the Coalition for Canadian Police Reform, Dave is at the forefront of advancing policing excellence in Canada, championing professional training & education standards and innovative practices through the creation of a National Centre of Policing Excellence.

Dave’s executive leadership is rooted in his tenure as Chief of Police for the Winnipeg Police Service, where he spearheaded significant organizational renewal, implemented pioneering community policing initiatives, and established collaborative partnerships with Indigenous communities and civic leaders. Previously, as Deputy Chief of Police with the Edmonton Police Service, he drove major reforms in diversity, equity, and inclusion, and led the development of community-based policing models that have since become national benchmarks.

Throughout his career, Dave has managed multi-million-dollar budgets, overseen large-scale operations, and directed critical emergency responses—including the Red River flood in Winnipeg, the Edmonton tornado disaster and the Kelowna mountain’s fires.  His expertise in governance and organizational health has been sought by federal agencies such as Justice Canada, the Department of Fisheries and Oceans, and the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority, where he led complex investigations, operational reviews, and strategic planning.

Internationally, Dave has contributed to police reform and community safety in Southeast Europe and Central America, advising police chiefs and developing community policing strategies. He is a published author on policing best practices, frequent keynote speaker on emergency management and organizational change, and a respected educator, having served as Principal Instructor for Dalhousie University’s Advanced Police Leadership Program.

Dave’s professional involvement includes serving on the Board of Directors for the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police, membership in the Law Commission of Canada Advisory Council, and leadership roles on numerous national committees. He is also deeply committed to community service, volunteering with organizations such as Canadian Executive Services Overseas and local economic development and youth sports initiatives.

Dave Cassels’ legacy is defined by his unwavering commitment to public service, ethical leadership, and the continuous improvement of policing education standards in Canada. 

TRACEY RADLOFF, CPHR, SHRM-SCP, PCC, CPCC

With 25+ years as a leader and human resources executive, Tracey Radloff has worked in and with local governments for more than 17 years. Her experience spans the private, public, and voluntary sectors with expertise in strengthening organizations through strategic people management, compliance assurance, and intentional community service delivery. Tracey has successfully led multi-functional teams, enhanced organizational resilience, and driven transformative initiatives that improve operational efficiency, reduce costs, and foster strong employee and labour relations. Tracey is passionate about optimizing efficacy through improved leadership and working relations.

As a Professional Certified Coach (PCC) accredited by the International Coaching Federation and a Certified Professional Co-Active Coach (CPCC), Tracey empowers leaders at all levels to embrace human-centred leadership, improve team dynamics, and achieve measurable results. Her coaching has supported talent advancement, improved organizational alignment, and promoted psychologically safe workplace practices.

Tracey’s qualifications include a degree in Human Resources and Labour Relations, designations as a Chartered Professional in Human Resources (CPHR) and a Senior Certified Practitioner in Human Resources (SHRM-SCP). She is also certified in Organizational Change Management, Public Participation (IAP2), Psychologically Safe Leadership, and Everything DiSC. These certifications enhance her ability to deliver comprehensive, tailored solutions for governance, compliance, and organizational development.

DR. RITESH NARAYAN

Dr. Ritesh Narayan has been a dedicated City Councillor for Chestermere, Alberta, since 2017, serving his community with unwavering commitment. Over the years, he has contributed to numerous boards and committees, including the Subdivision and Development Appeal Board, Police Communications Committee, Human Services Advisory Board, Welcoming and Inclusive Communities Board, Intercity Forum on Social Policy, and the City of Calgary’s Committee on Community Crime Prevention-Guns and Gangs.

In addition to his public service, Dr. Narayan is a distinguished academic, holding dual roles as a Lecturer in the Department of Economic Justice & Policy Studies at Mount Royal University and as an Adjunct Professor in the University of Calgary’s Law & Society program. His extensive educational background includes a Doctoral degree in Human Services with a specialization in Criminal Justice and Governance, as well as bachelor’s and master’s degrees in law.

A prolific researcher and published author, Dr. Narayan is recognized for his expertise in policy, governance, and ethics. As a professor of Ethics, he is deeply committed to fostering principled leadership and decision-making. His scholarly and professional work reflects his strong moral compass, dedication to social justice, and deep understanding of community needs.

With his wealth of experience in governance, law, and public policy, Dr. Ritesh Narayan continues to be a driving force for positive change and inclusivity in Chestermere and beyond.

RICHARD JONES, KC

Richard Jones is a highly accomplished lawyer with expertise in municipal and corporate governance, corporate and commercial law, water utilities, infrastructure, and litigation.

 He excels in helping clients manage legal risks and navigate complex regulatory landscapes to ensure compliance. Richard provides strategic counsel to elected officials, senior administrators, corporate boards, and C-suite executives, empowering them to make informed, effective decisions.