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.  

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.

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. 

With 20 years of experience in the social services field, Melissa has dedicated her career to making a difference in her community. Serving as a caseworker with the Government, she has honed her skills in advocating for individuals and families in need. Passionate about giving back, Melissa is actively involved with several local boards in the Lakeland area, believing strongly in the importance of supporting her community.

Her background includes extensive experience in the startup of non-profit organizations, where she has worked to create lasting positive impacts through collaboration and service.  In addition to her professional work, Melissa and her family are deeply engaged in the local sports community, including hockey and cheerleading during the school year.

When summer arrives, you can find Melissa and her family camping with friends or kayaking on the lake, enjoying the beauty and tranquility of the outdoors. Originally a military family, Melissa and her husband, along with their children, relocated to the Lakeland area and have since chosen to make it their permanent home, embracing the community and lifestyle it offers. 

Entrepreneur. Educator. Efficiency-obsessed strategist. Daru is the kind of guy who can lead a workshop on leadership in the morning, optimize a rural business’s bottom line by lunch, and still make it home to be a rockstar dad by dinner.

Armed with a Master’s in Business Management, a heart for his community in Cold Lake, and the hustle of a startup founder, Daru is on a mission to empower people — one consulting session, one course, and one breakthrough at a time. Whether he’s demystifying Excel for beginners, helping youth hockey teams build positivity, or preparing leaders to tackle tough conversations, he brings clarity, passion, and purpose to every room he's in.

He doesn't just talk growth. He lives it — personally, professionally, and in every business he touches.