Residing in the Cold Lake region for over 28 years, Mike has worked in the Oil and Gas industry for over 20 years with the last 15 years being focused on the commissioning and start-up of new energy and mining projects. These experiences have allowed Mike to become a certified Project Management Professional. 

Growing up in team environments has allowed Mike the insight and knowledge to build strong teams, mentor new people, and adapt and pivot during stressful times. Mike aims to be an inspirational leader and use his strong personal work ethic to inspire action and confidence in peers. He continuously strives to be respected as a credible voice in decision-making, defining new business opportunities, and developing value-added relationships. 

When Mike isn’t volunteering, he can be found spending time with his wife and two kids on the golf course or spending time outdoors.

Town of Bonnyville

Vice Chair

Living in Bonnyville for most of her life, Natalie has seen the community evolve throughout the years. 

She loves being a part of an organization that assesses economic opportunities to achieve long-term employment stability, growth and adjustment for local entrepreneurs. Natalie has experienced the challenges that entrepreneurs face on a regular basis when seeking financing and guidance for growing their businesses.  

Elisa is the Mayor of the Town of Bonnyville and a busy mom raising a family of three boys with her husband.

She enjoys volunteering and giving back to the community and has a long career in the Human Resources field working in both the private and public sectors. She is a municipal councilor in the town of Bonnyville, and along with representing residents at council meetings, she also sits on 10 other boards and committees. She has extensive experience with various board structures, a passion for governance, and having a direct impact on economic development in the Lakeland region.

Elisa and her family enjoy outdoor recreation. During the winter months, she can be found playing hockey and at the ski hill, and in the summer spending long days at the lake on the boat. She is also fluent in French.

Town of Bonnyville

Director

Ronda has been in the financial services industry for 30 years and carries a passionate commitment to building relationships and fostering strong trust relationships with her peers and direct reports. As Vice President, Member Experience with Lakeland Credit Union, she is responsible for the growth of retail banking and it’s wealth subsidiary, LCU Financial and driving LCU’s vision to becoming the financial provider of choice in the Lakeland region. Ronda and her teams work to meet the unique needs of each member while providing a comprehensive experience centered around financial wellness.

She has recently become an empty nester and decided this would be an opportunity for her to be able to give back to the community. Ronda is on the MD Assessment Review Board and the Women of Influence Committee in Cold Lake, and previously served on the Bonnyville Chamber of Commerce board for several years. 

Ronda and her spouse live an active lifestyle and enjoy looking for new adventures that involve the outdoors, friends and family.

City of Cold Lake
Director

Andrea began her career as a retail manager, credit analyst, and small business owner before finding her passion as an advisor in banking. In her current role, she has been recognized for excellence in customer service by both her clients and her peers. She also volunteers her time with many organizations, including the local food bank.

Andrea lives with her husband and two boys in Cold Lake and offers a welcoming home to foster children. 

Joel Dechaine is a highly regarded member of the Cold Lake community, known for his unwavering commitment to business, family, and youth sports. As the owner of a thriving second-generation family business specializing in collision repair and towing, Joel has established a reputation for providing exceptional service and exceeding customer expectations.

Beyond his professional pursuits, Joel dedicates his time and expertise to coaching youth sports in Cold Lake. From hockey to base-ball and skiing, he passionately mentors young athletes, instilling in them valuable skills, sportsmanship, and a love for physical activity. Joel's impact extends beyond the playing field, as he becomes a positive role model and mentor for these aspiring athletes.

 Indigenous

Jezelle has recently moved to the Bonnyville area from Calgary, but she has worked and played in the Lakeland area for over a decade. Originally from North Central BC, Jezelle is a member of the Lhiedli T’enneh First Nation and holds a degree in Archaeology. She has continued her 25-year+ career working as a Senior Traditional Knowledge Facilitator, engaging Indigenous communities across Canada, and now she is settled in the Lakeland area as an Indigenous Relations Lead, fostering and maintaining relationships with our surrounding Indigenous Communities.

Jezelle is passionate and driven to see local Indigenous Communities and individuals strive and prosper, removing barriers where possible. She provides an open and approachable attitude that makes everyone feel welcome.

In addition to her professional endeavors, Jezelle is an avid outdoors person – all seasons, warm or cold. Fun fact: she has run 2 marathons, donated bone marrow/stem cells to an unknown recipient, and loves going to concerts or sporting events with her husband.