Board of Directors
WE ARE EXCITED TO INTRODUCE YOU TO OUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS FOR 2022
Tova Schwede
President
Hello everyone!!! I am on my 3rd term as president for the Chamber and was a director in 2019. I was born and raised in Athabasca, my husband and I have raised our amazing daughters here and I am proud to call Athabasca home. In September of 2018 I joined boom 94.1- Stingray Media Solutions as their Media Sales Specialist and love helping businesses with their Radio, Programmatic Digital, Facebook, Instagram and Google Search advertising. For years I have helped market local businesses, non-profits and local events at every opportunity. I truly enjoy supporting our local community whenever and however I can.
Brenda Skayman
Vice President #2
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.
Steve Splinter
Secretary
Owner of Tracker’s Pet Supply and member of ADCoC since 2013. I believe that for any of us to really succeed we all need to see success. Joint marketing, activities, reward programs, etc are all ways to build our community. As Secretary for the ADCoC, I will work to encourage respectful, efficient communication letting us focus on getting things done.
Rick Baksza
Director
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.
John Semashkewich
Director
With a keen eye for finance and advancements, John Semashkewich has successfully graduated with a Bachelor of Commerce degree from MacEwan University. He knows the importance of running a business and the impact it has on the community, as he has successfully owned and operated the Great Canadian Oil Change in Athabasca. This is why he has dedicated two years to advancing the town by being the youngest Director in the Chamber of Commerce. John has been a local to the town of Athabasca his whole life. This has allowed him to see first hand how far the town has come but gives him the ability to envision the potential in what the town has to offer.
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.
Eunice Reichstein
Vice President #1
I have been a proud team member of ATB Financial for the past 30 years and am currently the Branch Manager here in Athabasca. My husband and I moved full time to Athabasca September of 2018. We had been weekenders over the past 20 years as we purchased a cabin out in Baptiste lake in 1999. We have three children and 7 grandchildren that keep us busy but I have always had a need to give back to the community that I live in.
Over the years I have been on numerous boards and committees including but not limited to:
Big Brothers Big Sisters - Vice Chair
Habitat for Humanity - Volunteer chair
Famous Five - Chair
Junior Achievement - Advisor
Girl Guides - Brown Owl
Chamber of Commerce - President
Tops - Secretary
and any volunteer group that I could give a few hours to when needed.
I have had the privilege of working with some great individuals and have gained so much knowledge and experience from everyone involved in these organizations. I am now hoping to share that experience with Athabasca Chamber of Commerce and be a part of moving our business community forward.
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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
Todd Dutchak
Director
My name is Todd Dutchak. Myself, my wife and 3 kids moved to Athabasca 10 years ago looking for a change. I am the Branch Manager for Select Equipment Rentals. I have been the President of the Chamber of Commerce and I am Scout leader for the region. I love being a part of this community and will continue to do my part to help the Athabasca Region flourish and prosper.
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.
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 16 years, and also has Adventures with Jenn where she offers and Facilitates the tools of Access Consciousness.