Board of Directors
WE ARE EXCITED TO INTRODUCE YOU TO OUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS FOR 2023
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 over 30 year 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.
Brenda Skayman
Vice President #1
Brenda owns and operates Rae Lee Unique Designs a company she started with her daughter 10 years ago. She is an event planner and creative designer.
She retired from her 30 year career at CRA to move to Island lake to work as the Professional Officer for Athabasca University Faculty Association. Brenda has over 25 years experience volunteering on Executive boards, within her union community. She brings years of board experience to the Chamber.
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Carol Alberts
Treasurer
I have lived in Athabasca most of my adult life, and I am proud to call this community my home.
I raised my children here, and I am owner/operator of Athabasca Home Hardware Building.
In this community with so much to offer, I am grateful to have the chance to give back through the ADCOC
Charina Bancolita-Leppaie
Secretary
Charina is a Loan Officer with ATB Athabasca.
Dan Boyko
Director
I have been a county resident since 1995.
I have worked in the oilsands for most of my career.
In 2012 I started in business as a consultant working on various oilsand / tailings related projects in Alberta.
In 2019 a change in direction occurred and I started a business in the financial services sector. I greatly enjoy helping families and individuals in the matters of personal insurance and investments.
It is my wish to work with the other members of the Athabasca Chamber to help enhance and grow our business opportunities and events in Athabasca!
Tom Martin
Director
I currently reside in the town of Athabasca, moving here in 2005. I have two children that I coparent with Chamber member Dallas Martin.
Professionally, I have worked in the finance industry, for over twelve years. Currently I am at Koch Ford Athabasca, as a Sales Person. I am excited to add to the Athabasca business conversation and am humbled by the successful nomination as director.
Bernadine Boven
Director
Bernadine Boven Born and raised in Athabasca, Berna has strong roots and immense pride in her community. She has been married 38 years to David, has 2 sons, 2 daughters (in law) and 2 grandsons. Berna has owned and operated Boven’s Jewellery in Athabasca but for 21 years and also co-owns an oilfield business with her husband for the last 34 years. She is excited to serve as a Director this term with the Chamber and looks forward to helping the Athabasca and district business community to prosper and thrive.
Adam Pacholok
Director
I am excited to be a director for the Athabasca Chamber of Commerce and I will do my best to help the great people and businesses that are involved in the Athabasca district. Being born and raised in Athabasca it has always held a special place in my heart and I look forward to raising my family here. This may be my first year with the Chamber but I am eager and looking forward to helping improve our community. Please do not hesitate to reach out to me with any questions you may have.
Rachael Hemmons
Director
Rachael Hemmons is an Independent Contractor with Royal LePage County Realty.
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.
Jenn Oba
Executive Assistant
Jenn was born and raised in Athabasca. She has been married to Steve for 17 years, and they have 4 children. They own ObaTel Inc an Athabasca based Telecommunications Business. Jenn has also been an Arbonne Consultant for 17 years, and also has Adventures with Jenn where she offers and Facilitates the tools of Access Consciousness.