Board of Directors
WE ARE EXCITED TO INTRODUCE YOU TO OUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS FOR 2024
Rick Baksza
President
Rick is an Experienced Sales and Marketing Executive with over twenty (20) years of experience. As a business owner, partner and shareholder, Rick has played many vital roles and has an excellent reputation for building great teams across an organization. Rick first joined the Athabasca and District Chamber in 2013, supporting many different roles, events and committees.
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Penny Semashkewhich
Vice President #2
Penny is the has been the owner of Penny's Headquarters for 40 years in the town of Athabasca. As a past President of the Athabasca District Chamber of Commerce, Penny is excited to be back on the board of Directors as Vice President.
Rachael Hemmons
Vice President #1
Rachael Hemmons is a Realtor with Royal LePage County Realty. She grew up in Athabasca and is very passionate about the community. She moved away to the big city for a few years to complete a degree in nutrition and food science, but decided she preferred small town life and came back to raise her family here. Rachael previously worked with Athabasca County as the Tourism and Economic Development Officer before deciding to pursue her passion of real estate. She loves to chat business, community, or pretty much anything for that matter.
Dale Mountain
Treasurer
Dale Mountain is a CPA with more than 30 years of experience across a range of sectors and large complex operations. During his 13 years of experience in Alberta's post-secondary sector, he has developed a strong reputation as a collaborative, trust-based, inclusive, and strategic leader. Dale is currently the Vice President Finance and Operations & Chief Financial Officer at Athabasca University.
Dale is a member of the Beaver Lake Cree First Nation Alberta. Working in Alberta's post-secondary sector has been integral to his professional and personal development, providing him with opportunities to contribute to the advancement of Indigenous Peoples and build a stronger and more inclusive Alberta.
Dale resides in the Town of Athabasca and is enjoying getting to know the community.
Renee Dutchak
Secretary
Renee works at Koch Ford in the Service Department.
Rebecca Cote
Director
Rebecca is the owner of INKD Tattoo that is run out of Vault Studio in Athabasca.
Sherrie Breese
Director
Founder of Lolly Pop Thrift Shop, Sherrie has always been passionate about children and their well-being. She expresses this passion through collaboration with local clubs, groups, and organizations that support children’s causes. Creating core memories and building community are the motivating factors behind her work. As a returning director of the Athabasca Chamber of Commerce, Sherrie is eager to apply her skills and experience to promote the economic development and prosperity of the region. She believes that a strong and vibrant business community is essential for creating a better future for everyone.
Mike Borody
Director
Mike Borody currently works at Logo Me This in Athabasca.
Todd Dutchak
Director
Todd is back with the Chamber after a year off. He is currently the manager at Select Rentals Athabasca
Keith Plowman
Director
I moved to Athabasca in 2010 and reside on a small farm in the Forfar area. I love the outdoors and Athabasca provides plenty of opportunities to enjoy. I have 30+ years on business and construction. I own my own contracting company so I have experience in the field as well as the boardroom. I’ve served on several boards and committees in the past, and believe I can bring a different perspective to an already diverse and talented board.
Jessica Wallace
Director
I have been in Athabasca for 31 years and am proud to call this beautiful town my home. I met my husband, Mike Wallace of Koch Ford, six years ago and together we have five children. With a background in Internet Marketing, Safety and Sales, I am now the Coordinator for the Road to Hope Community Support Foundation. Being able to support people with cancer and enabling them to get the treatments that they require has not only been rewarding but humbling. It has opened my eyes to the high demand of people needed in the volunteer sector and I believe I will bring a lot to the table for our local Chamber.
Jenn Oba
Executive Assistant
Jenn was born and raised in Athabasca. She has been married to Steve for 18 years, and they have 4 children. They own ObaTel Inc an Athabasca based Telecommunications Business. Jenn has also been an Arbonne Consultant for 18 years, and also has Adventures with Jenn where she offers and Facilitates the tools of Access Consciousness.