STRONG VISION, AMBITIOUS GOALS, COMMITMENT TO COMMUNITY

Novy has a long history of real estate development activities in Alberta, BC and the Pacific NW where he was responsible for sourcing, structuring, financing, and developing projects across various asset classes.

Novy started his career in real estate in 2008, where he practiced commercial real estate law before expanding his role as in-house counsel for a Calgary-based developer. He quickly moved into a leadership role, responsible for leading the development team for a national vertically integrated development and construction company. During this time, Novy played an integral role in the successful acquisition, financing and disposition of projects valued more than $1.5 billion, including high-rise office, high and mid-rise residential, mixed-use buildings, commercial retail buildings, and industrial warehouses. Intrigued by the opportunity to lead the development of University Innovation Quarter – a destination for startups and a hub for job creation in innovation and technology – and by the opportunity to lead the urban development of University District as a beacon for a sustainable and innovative community, Novy is well-positioned to lead the organization into the future.

Novy earned a Bachelor of Commerce degree with a Major in Finance from the Haskayne School of Business at the University of Calgary and a Bachelor of Law degree from the University of Alberta. Outside of work, Novy is active in the community, volunteering his time at various charities, coaching both hockey and basketball along with spending time outdoors with his wife and two boys.

Jeff Harris joins UCPG with extensive experience in real estate, project management, Six Sigma, business analysis, stakeholder management, strategic planning, facility design, and construction.

Prior to joining UCPG, Jeff worked at WestJet for nearly 14 years. During that time he spearheaded the Real Estate and Airport Affairs team where he developed and executed a global real estate strategy while managing a portfolio of nearly 3 million sq. ft. spanning over 100 cities. Jeff also chaired airport consultative committee meetings and worked with stakeholders to develop strategic road maps outlining key capital investments and operational performance metrics. He played a pivotal role in the design and construction of many WestJet facilities and projects.

Jeff holds an MBA from Royal Roads University and a Project Management PMP® certification. His previous experience also includes roles in project management and business analysis at TELUS, Bell Canada, and Canadian Pacific Rail.  Jeff exudes a strong leadership style that is cross-divisional and collaborative. He is a champion for teamwork and understands the importance of investing time to develop strong internal and external relationships. His comprehensive portfolio and unwavering drive for results will advance the growth and development of UCPG projects.

Jeff is active in the community, dedicating his time to various boards and advisory committees. He also enjoys spending time travelling with family, staying active, and exploring the outdoors.

After a distinguished 38-year career at KPMG, John Gordon’s extensive experience ranges from several senior leadership and client service roles including the National Managing Partner, Audit, the National Managing Partner, Quality and Risk Management, the Office Managing Partner for the Calgary office and several global risk management roles. Following his retirement in 2018, John remains active in the CPA industry as a member of the Independent Review Committee on Standard Setting and several boards.

John has served on many Calgary based, public energy board of directors including Chair of the Audit Committee for Topaz Energy Corporation, Cardinal Energy Ltd., and TORC Oil & Gas Ltd as well as the Chair of the Finance and Audit Committee for The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health Foundation (CAMH), and Chair of the Board of the Alberta Adolescent Recovery Centre (AARC).

John is a graduate of, and regular lecturer at, the Institute of Corporate Directors (ICD) Director Education Program providing sessions on roles and responsibilities of audit committees and financial reporting. He graduated with a Bachelor of Commerce from the Edwards School of Business at the University of Saskatchewan earning the Fellow Chartered Professional Accountant (FCPA), Institute of Corporate Directors (ICD.D) and Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designations. John and his wife Jolene are obsessive cyclists, and avid skiers.

Elaine is currently a Partner and Leader with KPMG’s Risk Services practice, where she and her team focus on helping organizations navigate governance and risk management challenges with a focus on Enterprise Risk Management, Process and Controls, and Information Technology Risks. Her role involves guiding clients toward their strategic goals by assessing both internal and external factors that influence their success, particularly by identifying key risks and developing mitigation strategies.

From 2014 to 2020, Elaine served as the Chair of the Audit Committee for YWCA, where she played a crucial role in ensuring effective oversight of the organization’s financial management, risk management, internal controls, audits, and information technology operations. She worked closely with the CEO and CFO on strategic initiatives, providing guidance on financial, budgetary, and funding aspects. Additionally, Elaine was a vital member of YWCA’s Project Oversight Special Committee, which reviewed and supported management in executing the new Hub Facility project. Her contributions included ensuring that essential governance activities were in place to facilitate the project’s efficient execution and that principal project risks and controls were adequately addressed throughout its various phases.

From 2018 to 2023, Elaine was a Public Member of the Board of Governors at the University of Calgary. In this capacity, she contributed to the university’s strategic goals by providing governance oversight of its management and operations. She held several key positions, including Chair of the Audit Committee, Vice-Chair of the Finance and Property Committee, Chair of the Budget Committee, and member of the Executive Committee.

Doug Porozni has lived in Calgary for almost 30 years and is a partner with Ronmor Developers Inc. Since joining the company, he has managed the acquisition, development, and operation of more than one million square feet of commercial space, consisting of retail, office, industrial, and mixed-use residential. Ronmor’s first major mixed-use project was the redevelopment of North Hill Centre in Calgary. The company continues to own projects in nine Western Canadian jurisdictions including Calgary, Edmonton, Red Deer, Lethbridge, Saskatoon, Kelowna, Whistler, Sylvan Lake, and Rocky Mountain House.

Doug has also been responsible for managing Ronmor’s significant land bank and various joint ventures, which include the development of the residential neighbourhoods of Silverado, Sage Hill, and various mixed-use developments in suburban markets.

He graduated with an Honours BA and a Master in Economics from the University of Alberta and currently sits on the Commercial Committee for the Urban Development Institute of Calgary. Doug also serves on various industry committees and forums including those initiated by the City of Calgary.

Wilbert Arends has joined the University of Calgary as Vice-President (Finance and Services) and Chief Financial Officer bringing nearly three decades of international leadership in finance, infrastructure, and governance.

Wilbert has held senior executive roles across Canada, Australia, Europe, and the Middle East. Most recently, he served as Chief Financial Officer for LNG Canada, where he led the financial strategy for a USD $30-billion megaproject — the largest private sector investment in Canadian history. He previously served as Vice-President Finance for Shell Australia’s Project Prelude, guiding financial management for the execution of the world’s first Floating LNG facility. Earlier in his career, Wilbert held senior finance positions with Shell Aviation in Dubai, the Shell Rheinland Refinery in Germany, and the Shell Pernis Refinery in the Netherlands.

He holds an Executive Master of Finance and Control from Rotterdam Erasmus University and a Master of Science in Economics from the University of Groningen. He has also completed executive programs at Harvard Business School, London Business School, and the University of Queensland.

Wilbert is widely recognized for his strategic approach to fiscal stewardship, stakeholder engagement, and people development. Passionate about mentorship, he has coached and supported finance professionals throughout his career, and continues this commitment at UCalgary.

Naomie Bakana is a Fifth-year Sociology student and this year’s Students’ Union President.

After serving as a Faculty of Arts Representative in 2023-24, Naomie ran for a Vice President position to help pave the way for future leaders and leaving a lasting impact on her campus. As President, Naomie aims to amplify the voices of marginalized communities and champion affordability and accessibility initiatives. Through her role at the SU, she hopes to inspire and empower future leaders from underrepresented communities to step forward and take on leadership roles. She was also elected as CASA’s Director of Policy and will be heavily involved in representing students on the federal level.

Naomie is a member of several SU Clubs, including the Nigerian Students’ Association (NSA), the Ethiopian Eritrean Students’ Association (EESA), and the African Caribbean Students’ Association (ACSA), where she is part of a supportive community that celebrates and promotes African and Caribbean cultures.

Naomie also dedicates her time to volunteering both on-campus with the African Studies Expansion Taskforce and off-campus as a worship leader at her church. She previously volunteered for two years at the Women’s Resource Centre.

Outside of her role at the SU and her volunteer commitments, Naomie enjoys playing, singing, or simply listening to music which serves as both a creative outlet and a source of inspiration for her.

Gregg spent over six years as UCPG’s Vice President & Chief Financial Officer before assuming the role of Interim President & Chief Executive Officer from March 2023 to January 2024. He has played an integral role building UCPG’s strategic financial growth plan and leading the organization’s operational mandate. Gregg has more than 40 years of financial and leadership experience and has served on both public and private companies in a wide range of industries including commercial, residential, land development, real estate, manufacturing, leisure, and construction.

As a University of Calgary graduate, his educational background includes a Bachelor of Commerce with a Major in Accounting and designation as a Chartered Professional Accountant. Gregg is a natural problem-solver with a knack for numbers and details.

Before joining UCPG, Gregg was the Executive Vice President of a privately owned real estate company with $500 million in assets. Here, he oversaw the strategic plan, finances, human resources, and operations of the company’s four business units including the Canadian and US-affiliated companies. Gregg was appointed as the Treasurer for the Calgary Winter Club and ARBI (Association for the Rehabilitation of the Brain Injured) where he volunteered for both organizations for six years. He currently serves as a Director on the Attainable Homes Calgary Board.

Novy joins UCPG with a long history of real estate development activities in Alberta and the Prairies where he was responsible for sourcing, structuring, financing, and developing projects across various asset classes.

Novy started his career in real estate in 2008, where he practiced commercial real estate law before expanding his role as in-house counsel for a Calgary-based developer. He quickly moved into a leadership role, responsible for leading the development team for a national vertically integrated development and construction company. During this time, Novy played an integral role in the successful acquisition, financing and disposition of projects valued more than $1.5 billion, including high-rise office, high and mid-rise residential, mixed-use buildings, and industrial warehouses. Intrigued by the opportunity to lead the development of University Innovation Quarter – a destination for startups and a hub for job creation in innovation and technology – and by the opportunity to lead the urban development of University District as a beacon for a sustainable and innovative community, Novy is well-positioned to lead the organization into the future.

Novy earned a Bachelor of Commerce degree with a Major in Finance from the Haskayne School of Business at the University of Calgary and a Bachelor of Law degree from the University of Alberta. Outside of work, Novy is active in the community, volunteering his time at various charities, coaching both hockey and basketball along with spending time outdoors with his wife and two boys.

Mark grew up in Calgary and earned a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from the University of Calgary. He then went on to earn an MBA from the University of Western Ontario. Mark has also completed the Directors Education Program from the Institute of Corporate Directors.

Mark retired in 2013 after a 27-year career in investment banking — most recently with Scotia Capital where he was responsible for business development, project execution in both financing and mergers and acquisitions, and management of Scotia Capital’s Calgary Investment Banking group. Mark is a past board member of the Calgary Science Centre.

With over three decades of expertise in the industrial, commercial, and residential real estate sectors in Alberta, Lesley has consistently driven growth, profitability, and positive change throughout her career.

During her tenure as President of Hopewell Residential Communities, spanning more than 14 years, she played a pivotal role in shaping the urban landscapes of Calgary and Edmonton. Under her leadership, Hopewell experienced remarkable expansion and financial success, growing from a team of 10 to a workforce of over 150 employees. This journey included the strategic merger of housing and land development companies, contributing to a cumulative revenue milestone exceeding $1 billion. She actively oversaw the sale of serviced residential and commercial lots, as well as the development of single and multi-family housing. Her leadership extended to securing project financing, nurturing key partnerships, and managing land acquisition and management contract negotiations. Additionally, she provided strategic guidance, team member mentorship and guidance and oversight to all corporate operations.

Beyond her professional achievements, she is deeply committed to contributing to Calgary’s real estate, business, and philanthropic communities. She currently holds director positions in several esteemed organizations, including The Calgary Stampede, The Calgary Health Foundation, Section 23 Development/Baywest Homes (a privately held multi-faceted Calgary real estate company), the University of Calgary Property Group and A Fan for Life (a privately held Calgary-based sport-focused online customized book company). She is also actively involved in committees, such as the Land and Property Committee of the Winsport Board, the Strategy and Land Committees of the Stampede Board, and the Planning and Development Committee of the UCPG.

Throughout her career, she has been recognized for her strengths in leadership, strategic planning, finance, marketing, and branding. These achievements have led to numerous accolades, including induction into Canada’s Women’s Executive Network Hall of Fame, four-time recognition as one of Canada’s Top 100 Most Powerful Women, The Order of the University of Calgary, the Haskayne Max Award for Management Alumni Excellence, and the YWCA Women of Vision Award.

She holds an MBA from the University of Calgary and a Bachelor of Environmental Studies in Urban and Regional Planning from the University of Waterloo.

Sarah Kromm is an MBA student with the Haskayne School of Business. She has extensive experience working in a post-secondary administrative role, as well as in the hospitality industry. Sarah is very passionate about volunteerism, including with her local community association, organizing events and advocating for community resources.

Sarah has a love of travel and has been fortunate to explore many countries, with a goal to visit every continent. Her free time is mostly spent cheering on her children at their extra-curricular activities.

Jacqueline Lacasse leads legal services, labour relations and the office of protected disclosure and research integrity for the University of Calgary as the General Counsel. Reporting to the President, she is a member of the executive leadership team.

Jacqueline started working at the University of Calgary in 2012 and most recently served as the university’s Associate Vice-President (Labour Relations). Prior to joining the University of Calgary in 2012, Jacqueline practiced labour and employment law with a national law firm and was in-house legal counsel for Alberta Health Services before returning to private practice with a boutique litigation and labour firm.

Since 2016, Jacqueline has been a member of the Alberta Labour Relations Board and has routinely been asked to sit as a board member hearing complex legal matters. In addition, Jacqueline sits as a sector representative on the Treasury Board’s Labour Relations Advisory Committee and has been a guest speaker and panelist for both the Association of Corporate Counsel and the Lancaster Labour Arbitration Conference.

Lacasse holds a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from McGill University and a Juris Doctor from the University of Calgary.

Dr. Edward McCauley began his term as the ninth president and vice-chancellor of the University of Calgary on January 1, 2019. Prior to this leadership position, McCauley had served over three decades in various roles at the University of Calgary: as a professor, Tier 1 Canada Research Chair in Population Ecology and vice-president (research). His academic record also includes two separate stints at the University of California, Santa Barbara: as a postdoctoral fellow, as the Director of the National Center for Ecological Analysis and Synthesis, and as a professor in the Department of Ecology, Evolution and Marine Biology.

Dr. McCauley is deeply committed to supporting excellence in research and innovation. He has a track record of cultivating broad-based, long-term relationships with industry, community, and government both nationally and internationally. He has served on several national panels, including the Canada Research Chairs program and several NSERC grant selection committees, and is a highly sought-after external peer reviewer across North America, Europe, and Asia.

A recipient of numerous awards and accolades, Dr. McCauley is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada, and has held several distinguished visiting international professorships in the U.K., Germany, Sweden, Norway, and most recently the “Le Studium International Professorship” at the Institute for Advanced Studies in France. His research explores Population Dynamics and Ecological Processes, with a strong focus on connecting theory to experimental methods.

Ed earned his BSc and MSc from the University of Ottawa, followed by his PhD from McGill University.

Derek Payne is a Chartered Professional Accountant with 30 years of professional experience in corporate finance across various industries. He is an active member of Calgary’s start-up and emerging business community, serving as an advisor, mentor, and board member to numerous growing companies and programs.

Currently, Derek serves as a board member and the Chair of the Audit Committee for ZS2 Technologies, Jostle, and the Epilepsy Association of Calgary, and an observer on the board of ZayZoon. He is also a mentor for the Haskayne School of Business ScaleUp program, the Prime Stream of CDL-Rockies, a member of the Investment Advisory Group for the UCeed Neuro Fund, and an Independent Business Advisor for InterGen. Derek’s career includes senior roles such as Chief Financial Officer of DIRTT Environmental Solutions and Treasurer & Vice President Finance at WestJet Airlines. During his nine years at WestJet, he played a key role in the airline’s significant revenue growth and transition to a publicly traded company, overseeing over $3.0 billion in aircraft financing. At DIRTT, he led the company’s preparation for and subsequent IPO.

Derek received a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Saskatchewan and began his career at KPMG Calgary, where he obtained his CPA (CA) designation. He is also deeply involved with the University of Calgary, volunteering as a mentor to students in their Entrepreneurship and Business programs as well as serving on the admissions committee for the Cumming School of Medicine. Additionally, Derek launched a volunteer peer-to-peer program in the Epilepsy Clinic at Foothills Hospital, providing support and guidance to patients and their families facing similar challenges to those he experienced and has successfully overcome. 

Scott Radford is Associate Dean (Teaching and Learning) and Associate Professor in the Haskayne School of Business. He joined the Marketing area in 2007 after completing his PhD at the University of Missouri. He has a Bachelor of Environmental Design Studies from the Technical University of Nova Scotia (now DalTech), and a Bachelor of Arts (Philosophy) and an MBA from the University of New Brunswick.

Dr. Radford’s research interests are in the area of consumer culture theory, product design and innovation, and environmental sustainability. His work has appeared in the Journal of Product Innovation Management, Building and Environment, European Journal of Marketing, and Journal of Consumer Culture.

Dr. Radford teaches courses in marketing management and marketing communication at the B.Comm, MBA, EMBA, and PhD levels. He is also engaged in executive education as the Academic Director of the Rozsa Arts Management Program and teaches in the Business Essentials program. In addition to supervising students in the Haskayne School of Business, he has been on the supervisory committee of students in EVDS, Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, and Communication and Culture.

Dr. Radford has won several awards for teaching including the Students Union Excellence in Teaching Award and the Commerce Undergraduate Society Award for Outstanding Teaching and Learning. He has served on a number of Haskayne and University-wide committees. He chairs the Assurance of Learning Committee as part of the Haskayne AACSB accreditation and serves on the Undergraduate, Masters, and PhD program review committees. He is on the GFC, Teaching and Learning Committee, the Information Asset Management Committee and he contributed to the Campus Forward stakeholder workshops.

Ms. Love has over thirty years’ experience as a corporate and securities lawyer, including extensive experience advising boards of directors. Most recently and until her retirement in 2013, she served as a Corporate Secretary, Chief Compliance Officer and Vice President at Enbridge Inc. Prior to joining Enbridge Inc. in 2005, she held senior positions in the law departments of TransAlta Corporation, Canadian Pacific Limited and TransCanada PipeLines Limited.

Ms. Love currently serves on the Board of Directors of Inter Pipeline Ltd., and is Chair of the Governance Committee and a member of the Human Resources Committee of that Board. Ms. Love has been involved with a number of community organizations. She served on the Board of Governors of the University of Calgary, the Board of Directors of the Kahanoff Centre for Charitable Activities, as well as the Executive Committee of the Calgary Chapter of the Institute of Corporate Directors. She previously served as Chair of the Board of Directors of the Calgary Foundation and on the Boards of Directors of the Alberta Shock Trauma Air Rescue Society (STARS) and the United Way of Calgary and area. She holds a law degree from Dalhousie University and a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Saskatchewan.

Wim is a 5th Class Power Engineer with a diverse background that spans military service, security and building operations. Born and raised in Amsterdam, Wim began his career in 1992 with the Royal Netherlands Air Force, serving as a Ground Based Air Defense Officer on multiple systems until 2007. Following his service, he immigrated to Canada, where he worked in the security field for more than 15 years before transitioning into his current role as a Building Operator.

Wim is passionate about music, with a particular love for heavy metal, and enjoys attending concerts. He also dedicates time to reading and studying, continually expanding his knowledge and interests.

After retiring from a 30-year career in print media, Milton transitioned into home sales, which has led him to the Discovery Centre as a Customer Experience Ambassador. He’s passionate about meeting new people and sharing the rich history and promising future of University District, which he considers one of the city’s finest developments.

In his younger days, he enjoyed running, hiking, camping and spending time outdoors. Now, he passes on his love for the outdoors to his grandchildren, teaching them how to ski and ride their bikes. In his free time, Milton enjoys puttering in the garden with good food and the company of his friends and family.

David has a strong background in building exceptional teams with his rooted background in human resources and international management. He began his career in the tourism and hospitality industry with various roles including a training manager focused on employee development, food and beverage manager, and brand ambassador. His expertise has taken him across the world including working with renowned establishments such as Chateau Lake Louise, the Fairmont in Bermuda, Savoy Hotel in London, England, and Starwood Hotels and Resorts in Calgary.

After completing the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT) Red Seal Electrician Program, David made a career shift and spent over a decade as a service electrician specializing in high rise construction and maintaining electrical systems in various buildings including the Saddledome and organizations with the Alberta Health Services and University of Calgary. To deepen his expertise, David is currently pursuing a Fourth Class Power Engineering Ticket from SAIT.

His diverse background uniquely equips him to provide exceptional customer service skills as the Building Operator for University of Calgary Properties Group. David appreciates people, places, and processes and is thrilled to be a part of UCPG’s legacy in the making. He is a life-long learner who enjoys mountain biking, camping, and spending time with his family.

Cheryl Coke is an accomplished accounting professional whose interest in the field began in high school, when she undertook the bookkeeping for her father’s business. This formative experience laid the groundwork for a distinguished career in property management accounting, a specialization she entered in 1980 and has pursued with dedication ever since. Known for her precision and commitment to excellence, Cheryl continues to embrace the challenges and rewards of her profession.

Beyond her career, she has been a regular attendee at the University of Calgary’s Rozsa Centre for more than a decade, with a particular appreciation for jazz performances and theatrical productions. Her longstanding commitment to the arts extends to her volunteer work, which has included roles ranging from box office administration to stagehand duties for small theatre companies—contributions that reflect both her enthusiasm for the performing arts and her support for the communities that create them.

Prior to arriving in Calgary in spring 2018, Matthew held multiple positions in sports broadcasting in Toronto, focusing primarily on professional hockey and university athletics. Matthew then joined Global News Calgary, where he first worked as a morning show anchor, and later, dayside reporter covering breaking news, municipal and provincial politics and human-interest stories. He departed broadcast journalism in 2022 to transition into corporate communications and public relations and is thrilled to bring his passion for storytelling to the UCPG team.

Outside of work, Matthew enjoys spending time with his family and touring around Calgary’s many pet-friendly craft breweries with his two dogs, Alfie and Daphne. He is an avid skier, sometimes hiker and lover of men’s fashion.

Josh is an experienced land development professional who has encompassed diverse roles within the development industry in Alberta, with exposure to greenfield and brownfield developments. Josh has previously worked for land developers and consultants, with responsibilities including development project management, financing, planning, engineering and landscape design, and contract management. Prior to UCPG, he was the Development Manager for a Calgary-based land developer with developments located in Calgary, Edmonton and Leduc, Alberta. He completed end-to-end project management of the entire real estate development portfolio, including planning & development approvals, construction management and managing of project proformas and budgets. In addition, he also completed financial and feasibility reviews of land acquisition opportunities for the company, resulting in the successful acquisition of over 640 acres of greenfield land in under 2 years.

Josh holds a Diploma in Civil Engineering Technology from SAIT as well as a Bachelor of Management Degree with a Major in Finance from the University of Lethbridge. Josh is a dedicated member of the BILD Calgary Region and serves on a number of industry committees including the Technical Developer and Urban Redevelopment Committees.

Outside of work, Josh spends his time golfing, practicing photography, and exploring new destinations through travel. As an active member in the community, Josh has volunteered with Big Brothers & Big Sisters of Calgary and served on the Board of Directors for the Bridgeland/Riverside Community Association.

Chandra Fundak is the Administrative Services Manager at UCPG. Joining the team in August 2020, Chandra brings with her 15+ years of C-Suite administrative support and management.  In this position, Chandra works closely with the UCPG team providing organizational and technical support.

Chandra prides herself on being a direct extension of the UCPG team and as such relies on an intuitive approach to anticipate needs and resolve matters before they arise. Committed to meeting the diverse objectives of UCPG in a timely, efficient and effective manner.

Throughout her career, Chandra has worked within many different sectors between both the corporate and non-profit worlds but her true passion lies in being a builder of communities and fundamental institutions that make Calgary one of the top five livable cities in the world.

Mike brings over 10 years of operations experience to the UCPG team with a background in commercial high rise, office and industrial management. Building strong team values and fostering meaningful tenant and contractor relationships is at the core of Mike’s approach to building management. Pulling from an extensive background in construction, maintenance and power engineering, Mike applies these skills to larger projects, team collaboration and future planning.

In Mike’s spare time, he enjoys traveling to new countries with his wife to explore and try new foods. Currently, he has two Boston Terriers and has opened his home to many foster dogs over the years needing a place to get a fresh start. Mike also enjoys playing the drums, cooking and photography.

Adam joined the UCPG team in March 2025, bringing extensive experience in architecture and design, land development, residential construction and planning. He combines local knowledge with a passion for building communities that foster diversity, innovation and sustainability.

A graduate of the Urban Studies program at the University of Calgary, Adam previously spent over seven years with a major land developer and home builder, focusing on Architectural Controls before moving into land development operations. He also worked with a Calgary-based land planning firm in a technical capacity.

Outside of work, Adam enjoys time with his daughters, playing hockey and golf, tackling home projects and exploring his lifelong passion for LEGO, a spark that inspired his career in architecture, construction and community planning.

Darnel is a Senior Project Manager with over a decade of experience delivering complex capital projects across aviation, commercial and residential sectors. Before joining UCPG, Darnel led the execution of key infrastructure projects for WestJet, including a mission-critical data centre, corporate office fit outs and operational support facilities at the Calgary International Airport.

At UCPG, Darnel applies his expertise to a range of mixed-use and institutional developments, supporting the organization’s mission to create a legacy for the University of Calgary through sustainable real estate development. He is known for his collaborative leadership style, focus on stakeholder alignment and ability to deliver high-quality outcomes on schedule and within budget.

Darnel holds certifications in project management and is dedicated to advancing developments that balance long-term value with practical functionality. His broad experience and results-driven approach contribute to UCPG’s vision of being a leader in creating amazing places and the trusted developer for the University of Calgary.

Joining UCPG in August 2020 Julie is a dedicated and passionate accountant. Julie brings four years of financial reporting experience working in private industry within the Calgary marketplace. She graduated from the University of British Columbia with a Bachelor of Management, major in accounting, and holds her Chartered Professional Accountant designation. Committed to ensuring that financial information provides accurate and valuable insight to the organization.

Prior to joining UCPG, Julie was the Financial Accountant at Mancal Corporation where she gained experience working with various industries including commercial real estate. A local Calgarian she enjoys spending her free time in the outdoors and with family.

Ashley is passionate about process improvement and automation, and brings experience from public accounting in audit, as well as industry experience in tech and fintech for financial reporting and tax.

She holds a Chartered Professional Accountant designation and is a Haskayne School of Business alumni, majoring in accounting. While at the University of Calgary, Ashley volunteered at tax clinics, went on an exchange to Kawasaki, Japan, and became a teaching assistant for Japanese courses.

When she is not buried in Excel spreadsheets, you can find her curling or doing agility exercises and tricks with her two dogs. Ashley played badminton competitively and continues to play recreationally.

Truc brings over 20 years of commercial real estate experience to UCPG, working as a commercial real estate paralegal for over 15 years prior to transitioning to the leasing industry in 2020.

She has experience in the private and public sectors representing both the landlords and tenants in commercial transactions.  Her leasing experience includes managing over 1.8 million square feet of office leases across Canada for a national public accounting firm and most recently managing a diversified real estate portfolio for the City of Calgary, including the Calgary Fire Department and Calgary Police Service. She also has experience with non-profit organizations in complex situations and uses her creative out-of-the-box thinking to find successful solutions.

She has a paralegal diploma along with a Bachelor of Management degree from the University of Lethbridge.

Truc enjoys spending time with her family, friends and her dog. She is passionate about the outdoors and can often be found on the banks of the Bow River fly fishing.

Kayley is an enthusiastic and organized team player who brings a unique and diverse skill set to the team in her role as Project Accountant. Having recently completed her Business Administration Diploma from Bow Valley College and with experience in office administration and the retail industry, a collaborative style has become an important component of her approach to work. Kayley is excited to offer diverse project support to the accounting team at UCPG.

With a background as a competitive dancer, artistry and fitness have always been a passion of Kayley’s. She has enjoyed teaching and choreographing for competitive dance programs in Calgary for 10 years. Recently starting to pursue an avenue that combines both dance and fitness with barre classes. She is excited to be part of the team at UCPG.

Ansel is a registered Mechanical Engineer with experience in manufacturing, food and beverage and building operations. After earning his 4th Class Power Engineer certification from ABSA and studying at SAIT, he has worked in building maintenance and operations since 2014.

Outside of work, Ansel enjoys DIY projects, gardening, basketball and biking. He is an active volunteer with Couples for Christ International, the Special Ministry of Holy Communion and the Knights of Columbus.

Austin Nagy is a recent graduate from the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT) with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting. He has gained valuable insights through his educational pursuits and looks forward to applying his knowledge hands-on. Austin is exceptionally proud to start his professional career as a Junior Accountant with University of Calgary Properties Group.

In his spare time, Austin enjoys experimenting with cuisine and exploring Calgary’s café and restaurant scene by adventuring into unexpected dishes.

Natalya has a background in banking, most recently specializing in Anti-Money Laundering and Terrorism Financing. Since 2020, she has been dedicated to investigations and rule development/optimization ensuring compliance with regulations. With a Bachelor’s degree in Business majoring in Finance from Auckland University of Technology, she brings a strong foundation in finance and compliance to her role.

Transitioning into real estate in April 2024, Natalya applies her risk management and analytical expertise to support University of Calgary Properties Group with real estate transactions, market research and the overall financial analysis and management of each portfolio.

Kaitlyn graduated with a Legal Assistant Diploma from Bow Valley College bringing her keen eye for detail and analytical skills to University of Calgary Properties Group. Kaitlyn started her professional journey with the organization, providing her with a strong foundation and stepping stone to begin her career.

As a highly skilled administrator with over a decade of customer service experience, Kaitlyn applies her expertise across all departments supporting administrative duties, managing general inquiries, planning internal and community events and leading office management to ensure the success and smooth operation of the organization.

Further developing her customer relationship skills, Kaitlyn has completed an Emerging Leaders course through the University of Calgary Continuing Education focusing on building great customer relationships.

When she’s not reading about criminal law, you can find her out in nature hiking through scenic trails accompanied by her family and dogs. Kaitlyn looks forward to deepening her knowledge about bringing people together, fostering connections and creating a positive impact.

Lorna Prediger is an experienced leader of people, projects, and initiatives within complex multi-level organizations.  As a senior leader in diverse industries including higher education, real estate development, financial services, and hospitality, she has helped organizations achieve their goals by leading highly productive and engaged teams. Lorna is currently the Director, Marketing & Communications for University of Calgary Properties Group, which oversees the developments of University District and University Innovation Quarter.

Lorna is a UCalgary and UofA Alumna with over 30 years of experience in developing strategic marketing and communications plans and award-winning campaigns. She is a certified Lumina Spark and Emotion Practitioner and enjoys being an instructor and corporate trainer for the University of Calgary. Lorna has volunteered for various organizations, most recently the YMCA Calgary. She loves spending time with her husband, grown sons, family, and friends. Lots of fun times were had travelling to watch her sons play college baseball. Now Lorna enjoys vacation travel, playing golf and other outdoor activities.

With 33 years of hands-on experience in construction and development, Dale has built a reputation for bringing clarity and confidence to complex projects. His background spans 7 years in real estate development, 15 years as a large capital project Superintendent and 11 years as a Red Seal carpenter. Dale is known for aligning teams around shared goals and carefully planning each phase of a project to set it up for success. Often brought in during preconstruction, he draws on his deep constructability knowledge to guide design decisions, reduce risk and improve efficiency.

When he’s out of office, Dale enjoys his time in the mountains, especially in Fernie on a paddleboard in the river, a gnarly mountain bike trail or in the fresh powder.

Kalkidan has been a dedicated professional in the commercial real estate industry since 2013, specializing in Class-A mixed-use office properties.  She supported legal administration within a corporate in-house legal department and managed special projects involving leasing and accounting departments. Prior to this role, she gained valuable experience in banking, both in a customer-facing role and back-office compliance.

In her current role at UCPG, Kalkidan serves as a Paralegal, collaborating closely with the Executive Leadership Team to prepare legal documents and related materials. She also supports the UCPG Board of Directors in her capacity as Corporate Secretary. Kalkidan holds a Business Administration Diploma with a major in Accounting from St. Mary’s College and a Legal Assistant Certificate from SAIT.

Abdul is an Electrical Engineer and certified 4th Class Power Engineer with over six years of experience in operations and facility management. Currently serving as a Building Operator at the University of Calgary’s research buildings, he specializes in maintaining and troubleshooting HVAC systems, Building Automation Systems (BAS), HMI, PLC, SCADA systems, plumbing, electrical distribution and fire monitoring systems.

Abdul’s professional background includes commissioning large-scale water treatment plants during his time as a Water Treatment Technician, as well as achieving a BC Mine Supervisory Certificate. Abdul is highly skilled in contractor management, developing and implementing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and leading complex maintenance projects to ensure safe, efficient and reliable building operations.

In his spare time, he enjoys traveling and exploring new places and cuisines with his family. He also enjoys playing badminton.

Elizabeth brings with her many years of experience at the University of Calgary, where prior to her retirement, was a program director and instructor of leadership, management and coaching programs. Elizabeth is a proud University of Calgary alumna with an undergraduate degree in Anthropology and a graduate degree in Workplace Learning. She is an executive coach and has experience as a career transition consultant. She is currently an independent Cabi clothing consultant.

Elizabeth’s experience in delivering excellent customer service combined with her understanding of the home buying process including owning a property on leasehold land and leading a condo board will help her promote University District to future residents.

Deb Seabrook has over 30 years of diverse accounting experience across retail, manufacturing, insurance and service industries. Over the course of her career, she has gained a wealth of knowledge working with small businesses in consulting, general accounting and payroll in addition to personal tax preparation.
Prior to joining UCPG full-time, Deb worked closely with the team on a consulting basis for six years, in addition to providing bookkeeping services to a number of privately owned businesses.

Deb is a proud graduate of the University of Calgary with a Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting) and went on to attain her Certified General Accountant designation. She has a reputation for providing quality service and dedication to her work. A proud mother of two, she enjoys baking, spending time in her garden, or working on puzzles in her spare time.

Adam seamlessly applies digital platform knowledge, event management expertise, leadership and strategic communications planning to support the internal and external marketing activities of UCPG.

Prior to joining UCPG in 2018, Adam built his experience through progressively strategic marketing roles in the technology, post-secondary and consumer goods industries with organizations such as Safeway Canada, SMART Technologies, Mount Royal University and the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology. Career highlights have included managing conferences for hundreds of delegates across North America, supporting organizational re-brands and leveraging the latest digital platforms to help drive unprecedented marketing success and awards achievements. He holds a Bachelor of Management from the University of Lethbridge.

Adam is committed to bringing UCPG’s vision to life through effective marketing initiatives and meaningful stakeholder engagement across UCPG’s projects.

Jacqueline is a results-driven marketing and communications professional known for leading high-impact communications strategies, managing reputational risk, and building brands. Prior to joining UCPG, she worked at TELUS Spark Science Centre leading the marketing and communications team through strategic planning, award-winning campaigns, travelling exhibitions, public relations, and event planning. She was also the former host of a weekly science communications segment on Global News Calgary that aimed to boost curiosity in STEAM learning through live experiments. Jacqueline holds a bachelor’s degree in Communications and a Digital Marketing Certificate from the University of Calgary. She is currently pursuing her MBA. As an alumni, she prides herself in supporting UCPG’s vision and its UCalgary connection.

As an active member of the Canadian Armed Forces with the Royal Canadian Air Force she has learned no challenge is too gargantuan to conquer if disciplined. She dedicates her services to empowering Canadian youth to engage in survival skills, aviation, drill, dress and deportment, leadership, and citizenship. When she’s not in uniform you can find her on the volleyball court or lost within the pages of a philosophy and neuroscience book.

Shona Waddell brings over 25 years of progressive property management experience to the UCPG team. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from Saint Mary’s University in Halifax, NS. Before joining UCPG, Shona worked at TrizecHahn Corp and then transitioned to Brookfield Properties, where she spent 21 years managing over 3 million sq. ft. of commercial properties in downtown Calgary.

As the Director, Property Management & Leasing in University District and the University Innovation Quarter, Shona oversees all aspects of the real estate and property management team’s daily operations. Her responsibilities include managing leasing activities, such as marketing available spaces and overseeing the negotiation of lease agreements. She works closely with prospective tenants to understand their needs and provide suitable solutions while maintaining strong relationships with current tenants to ensure their satisfaction and retention. This also involves ensuring compliance with safety and regulatory standards, managing budgets and financial performance, and liaising with various stakeholders, including tenants, contractors, and regulatory bodies, to ensure seamless operations and high service standards.

Shona’s role requires her to stay informed about market trends and emerging opportunities, enabling her to make strategic decisions that enhance property value and tenant experience. Her leadership and proactive approach ensure that both leasing and property management functions operate efficiently and effectively, contributing to the overall success of the organization. Shona is dedicated to empowering her team members and supporting their professional growth. She believes this approach has enabled her to successfully lead a diverse team through major events, such as the 2013 Calgary floods and the recent impacts of the pandemic. Shona fosters a culture of innovation and continually seeks opportunities for improvement. She obtained her Real Estate License in 2007 and continues to expand her knowledge through ongoing education.

Shona is a mother of two young adult sons and cherishes the time she spends with her family. She values family gatherings and enjoys organizing activities that bring everyone together. Traveling is another passion of hers; she loves exploring new destinations, immersing herself in different cultures, and experiencing the unique flavors and traditions each place has to offer. Shona finds joy and inspiration in her travels. These experiences not only enrich her personal life but also provide her with fresh perspectives and ideas that she brings back to her professional role.

Rhonda joined UCPG in 2017 as Customer Experience Ambassador for the launch of University District, and the grand opening of the Discovery Centre. A graduate of Mount Royal University, Rhonda has a diploma in Interior Design and brings 30 years of experience in commercial, retail, and industrial tenant improvement design & construction. She also has a diploma from the Canadian Institute of Financial Planning, and a completion certificate in Floral Design.

Born and raised in rural Saskatchewan, community is intrinsic. She is a former vice president & planning committee member of the Montgomery Community Association, a former member of the South Shaganappi Area Strategic Planning Group (SSASPG) and participated in the University of Calgary long range development plan.

In her spare time Rhonda is an avid gardener, and puzzler of all types.

Chandra Fundak is the Administrative Services Manager at UCPG. Joining the team in August 2020, Chandra brings with her 15+ years of C-Suite administrative support and management.  In this position, Chandra works closely with the UCPG team providing organizational and technical support.

Chandra prides herself on being a direct extension of the UCPG team and as such relies on an intuitive approach to anticipate needs and resolve matters before they arise. Committed to meeting the diverse objectives of UCPG in a timely, efficient and effective manner.

Throughout her career, Chandra has worked within many different sectors between both the corporate and non-profit worlds but her true passion lies in being a builder of communities and fundamental institutions that make Calgary one of the top five livable cities in the world.

Natalya has a background in banking, most recently specializing in Anti-Money Laundering and Terrorism Financing. Since 2020, she has been dedicated to investigations and rule development/optimization ensuring compliance with regulations. With a Bachelor’s degree in Business majoring in Finance from Auckland University of Technology, she brings a strong foundation in finance and compliance to her role.

Transitioning into real estate in April 2024, Natalya applies her risk management and analytical expertise to support University of Calgary Properties Group with real estate transactions, market research and the overall financial analysis and management of each portfolio.

Kaitlyn graduated with a Legal Assistant Diploma from Bow Valley College bringing her keen eye for detail and analytical skills to University of Calgary Properties Group. Kaitlyn started her professional journey with the organization, providing her with a strong foundation and stepping stone to begin her career.

As a highly skilled administrator with over a decade of customer service experience, Kaitlyn applies her expertise across all departments supporting administrative duties, managing general inquiries, planning internal and community events and leading office management to ensure the success and smooth operation of the organization.

Further developing her customer relationship skills, Kaitlyn has completed an Emerging Leaders course through the University of Calgary Continuing Education focusing on building great customer relationships.

When she’s not reading about criminal law, you can find her out in nature hiking through scenic trails accompanied by her family and dogs. Kaitlyn looks forward to deepening her knowledge about bringing people together, fostering connections and creating a positive impact.

Kalkidan has been a dedicated professional in the commercial real estate industry since 2013, specializing in Class-A mixed-use office properties.  She supported legal administration within a corporate in-house legal department and managed special projects involving leasing and accounting departments. Prior to this role, she gained valuable experience in banking, both in a customer-facing role and back-office compliance.

In her current role at UCPG, Kalkidan serves as a Paralegal, collaborating closely with the Executive Leadership Team to prepare legal documents and related materials. She also supports the UCPG Board of Directors in her capacity as Corporate Secretary. Kalkidan holds a Business Administration Diploma with a major in Accounting from St. Mary’s College and a Legal Assistant Certificate from SAIT.

Cheryl Coke is an accomplished accounting professional whose interest in the field began in high school, when she undertook the bookkeeping for her father’s business. This formative experience laid the groundwork for a distinguished career in property management accounting, a specialization she entered in 1980 and has pursued with dedication ever since. Known for her precision and commitment to excellence, Cheryl continues to embrace the challenges and rewards of her profession.

Beyond her career, she has been a regular attendee at the University of Calgary’s Rozsa Centre for more than a decade, with a particular appreciation for jazz performances and theatrical productions. Her longstanding commitment to the arts extends to her volunteer work, which has included roles ranging from box office administration to stagehand duties for small theatre companies—contributions that reflect both her enthusiasm for the performing arts and her support for the communities that create them.

Joining UCPG in August 2020 Julie is a dedicated and passionate accountant. Julie brings four years of financial reporting experience working in private industry within the Calgary marketplace. She graduated from the University of British Columbia with a Bachelor of Management, major in accounting, and holds her Chartered Professional Accountant designation. Committed to ensuring that financial information provides accurate and valuable insight to the organization.

Prior to joining UCPG, Julie was the Financial Accountant at Mancal Corporation where she gained experience working with various industries including commercial real estate. A local Calgarian she enjoys spending her free time in the outdoors and with family.

Ashley is passionate about process improvement and automation, and brings experience from public accounting in audit, as well as industry experience in tech and fintech for financial reporting and tax.

She holds a Chartered Professional Accountant designation and is a Haskayne School of Business alumni, majoring in accounting. While at the University of Calgary, Ashley volunteered at tax clinics, went on an exchange to Kawasaki, Japan, and became a teaching assistant for Japanese courses.

When she is not buried in Excel spreadsheets, you can find her curling or doing agility exercises and tricks with her two dogs. Ashley played badminton competitively and continues to play recreationally.

Kayley is an enthusiastic and organized team player who brings a unique and diverse skill set to the team in her role as Project Accountant. Having recently completed her Business Administration Diploma from Bow Valley College and with experience in office administration and the retail industry, a collaborative style has become an important component of her approach to work. Kayley is excited to offer diverse project support to the accounting team at UCPG.

With a background as a competitive dancer, artistry and fitness have always been a passion of Kayley’s. She has enjoyed teaching and choreographing for competitive dance programs in Calgary for 10 years. Recently starting to pursue an avenue that combines both dance and fitness with barre classes. She is excited to be part of the team at UCPG.

Austin Nagy is a recent graduate from the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT) with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting. He has gained valuable insights through his educational pursuits and looks forward to applying his knowledge hands-on. Austin is exceptionally proud to start his professional career as a Junior Accountant with University of Calgary Properties Group.

In his spare time, Austin enjoys experimenting with cuisine and exploring Calgary’s café and restaurant scene by adventuring into unexpected dishes.

Deb Seabrook has over 30 years of diverse accounting experience across retail, manufacturing, insurance and service industries. Over the course of her career, she has gained a wealth of knowledge working with small businesses in consulting, general accounting and payroll in addition to personal tax preparation.
Prior to joining UCPG full-time, Deb worked closely with the team on a consulting basis for six years, in addition to providing bookkeeping services to a number of privately owned businesses.

Deb is a proud graduate of the University of Calgary with a Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting) and went on to attain her Certified General Accountant designation. She has a reputation for providing quality service and dedication to her work. A proud mother of two, she enjoys baking, spending time in her garden, or working on puzzles in her spare time.

Lorna Prediger is an experienced leader of people, projects, and initiatives within complex multi-level organizations.  As a senior leader in diverse industries including higher education, real estate development, financial services, and hospitality, she has helped organizations achieve their goals by leading highly productive and engaged teams. Lorna is currently the Director, Marketing & Communications for University of Calgary Properties Group, which oversees the developments of University District and University Innovation Quarter.

Lorna is a UCalgary and UofA Alumna with over 30 years of experience in developing strategic marketing and communications plans and award-winning campaigns. She is a certified Lumina Spark and Emotion Practitioner and enjoys being an instructor and corporate trainer for the University of Calgary. Lorna has volunteered for various organizations, most recently the YMCA Calgary. She loves spending time with her husband, grown sons, family, and friends. Lots of fun times were had travelling to watch her sons play college baseball. Now Lorna enjoys vacation travel, playing golf and other outdoor activities.

After retiring from a 30-year career in print media, Milton transitioned into home sales, which has led him to the Discovery Centre as a Customer Experience Ambassador. He’s passionate about meeting new people and sharing the rich history and promising future of University District, which he considers one of the city’s finest developments.

In his younger days, he enjoyed running, hiking, camping and spending time outdoors. Now, he passes on his love for the outdoors to his grandchildren, teaching them how to ski and ride their bikes. In his free time, Milton enjoys puttering in the garden with good food and the company of his friends and family.

Prior to arriving in Calgary in spring 2018, Matthew held multiple positions in sports broadcasting in Toronto, focusing primarily on professional hockey and university athletics. Matthew then joined Global News Calgary, where he first worked as a morning show anchor, and later, dayside reporter covering breaking news, municipal and provincial politics and human-interest stories. He departed broadcast journalism in 2022 to transition into corporate communications and public relations and is thrilled to bring his passion for storytelling to the UCPG team.

Outside of work, Matthew enjoys spending time with his family and touring around Calgary’s many pet-friendly craft breweries with his two dogs, Alfie and Daphne. He is an avid skier, sometimes hiker and lover of men’s fashion.

Elizabeth brings with her many years of experience at the University of Calgary, where prior to her retirement, was a program director and instructor of leadership, management and coaching programs. Elizabeth is a proud University of Calgary alumna with an undergraduate degree in Anthropology and a graduate degree in Workplace Learning. She is an executive coach and has experience as a career transition consultant. She is currently an independent Cabi clothing consultant.

Elizabeth’s experience in delivering excellent customer service combined with her understanding of the home buying process including owning a property on leasehold land and leading a condo board will help her promote University District to future residents.

Adam seamlessly applies digital platform knowledge, event management expertise, leadership and strategic communications planning to support the internal and external marketing activities of UCPG.

Prior to joining UCPG in 2018, Adam built his experience through progressively strategic marketing roles in the technology, post-secondary and consumer goods industries with organizations such as Safeway Canada, SMART Technologies, Mount Royal University and the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology. Career highlights have included managing conferences for hundreds of delegates across North America, supporting organizational re-brands and leveraging the latest digital platforms to help drive unprecedented marketing success and awards achievements. He holds a Bachelor of Management from the University of Lethbridge.

Adam is committed to bringing UCPG’s vision to life through effective marketing initiatives and meaningful stakeholder engagement across UCPG’s projects.

Jacqueline is a marketing and communications professional with over six years of combined experience in the industry. Prior to joining UCPG in 2022, she worked at TELUS Spark Science Centre leading the marketing and communications team through strategic planning, award-winning campaigns, travelling exhibitions, public relations, and event planning. She was also the former host of a weekly science communications segment on Global News Calgary that aimed to boost curiosity in STEAM learning through live experiments. Jacqueline holds a bachelor’s degree in communications from the University of Calgary and is currently pursuing a digital marketing certificate. As an alumni, she prides herself in supporting UCPG’s vision and its UCalgary connection.

As an active member of the Canadian Armed Forces with the Royal Canadian Air Force she has learned no challenge is too gargantuan to conquer if disciplined. She dedicates her services to empowering Canadian youth to engage in survival skills, aviation, drill, dress and deportment, leadership, and citizenship. When she’s not in uniform you can find her on the volleyball court or lost within the pages of a philosophy and neuroscience book.

Rhonda joined UCPG in 2017 as Customer Experience Ambassador for the launch of University District, and the grand opening of the Discovery Centre. A graduate of Mount Royal University, Rhonda has a diploma in Interior Design and brings 30 years of experience in commercial, retail, and industrial tenant improvement design & construction. She also has a diploma from the Canadian Institute of Financial Planning, and a completion certificate in Floral Design.

Born and raised in rural Saskatchewan, community is intrinsic. She is a former vice president & planning committee member of the Montgomery Community Association, a former member of the South Shaganappi Area Strategic Planning Group (SSASPG) and participated in the University of Calgary long range development plan.

In her spare time Rhonda is an avid gardener, and puzzler of all types.

Shona Waddell brings over 25 years of progressive property management experience to the UCPG team. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from Saint Mary’s University in Halifax, NS. Before joining UCPG, Shona worked at TrizecHahn Corp and then transitioned to Brookfield Properties, where she spent 21 years managing over 3 million sq. ft. of commercial properties in downtown Calgary.

As the Director, Property Management & Leasing in University District and the University Innovation Quarter, Shona oversees all aspects of the real estate and property management team’s daily operations. Her responsibilities include managing leasing activities, such as marketing available spaces and overseeing the negotiation of lease agreements. She works closely with prospective tenants to understand their needs and provide suitable solutions while maintaining strong relationships with current tenants to ensure their satisfaction and retention. This also involves ensuring compliance with safety and regulatory standards, managing budgets and financial performance, and liaising with various stakeholders, including tenants, contractors, and regulatory bodies, to ensure seamless operations and high service standards.

Shona’s role requires her to stay informed about market trends and emerging opportunities, enabling her to make strategic decisions that enhance property value and tenant experience. Her leadership and proactive approach ensure that both leasing and property management functions operate efficiently and effectively, contributing to the overall success of the organization. Shona is dedicated to empowering her team members and supporting their professional growth. She believes this approach has enabled her to successfully lead a diverse team through major events, such as the 2013 Calgary floods and the recent impacts of the pandemic. Shona fosters a culture of innovation and continually seeks opportunities for improvement. She obtained her Real Estate License in 2007 and continues to expand her knowledge through ongoing education.

Shona is a mother of two young adult sons and cherishes the time she spends with her family. She values family gatherings and enjoys organizing activities that bring everyone together. Traveling is another passion of hers; she loves exploring new destinations, immersing herself in different cultures, and experiencing the unique flavors and traditions each place has to offer. Shona finds joy and inspiration in her travels. These experiences not only enrich her personal life but also provide her with fresh perspectives and ideas that she brings back to her professional role.

Wim is a 5th Class Power Engineer with a diverse background that spans military service, security and building operations. Born and raised in Amsterdam, Wim began his career in 1992 with the Royal Netherlands Air Force, serving as a Ground Based Air Defense Officer on multiple systems until 2007. Following his service, he immigrated to Canada, where he worked in the security field for more than 15 years before transitioning into his current role as a Building Operator.

Wim is passionate about music, with a particular love for heavy metal, and enjoys attending concerts. He also dedicates time to reading and studying, continually expanding his knowledge and interests.

David has a strong background in building exceptional teams with his rooted background in human resources and international management. He began his career in the tourism and hospitality industry with various roles including a training manager focused on employee development, food and beverage manager, and brand ambassador. His expertise has taken him across the world including working with renowned establishments such as Chateau Lake Louise, the Fairmont in Bermuda, Savoy Hotel in London, England, and Starwood Hotels and Resorts in Calgary.

After completing the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT) Red Seal Electrician Program, David made a career shift and spent over a decade as a service electrician specializing in high rise construction and maintaining electrical systems in various buildings including the Saddledome and organizations with the Alberta Health Services and University of Calgary. To deepen his expertise, David is currently pursuing a Fourth Class Power Engineering Ticket from SAIT.

His diverse background uniquely equips him to provide exceptional customer service skills as the Building Operator for University of Calgary Properties Group. David appreciates people, places, and processes and is thrilled to be a part of UCPG’s legacy in the making. He is a life-long learner who enjoys mountain biking, camping, and spending time with his family.

Mike brings over 10 years of operations experience to the UCPG team with a background in commercial high rise, office and industrial management. Building strong team values and fostering meaningful tenant and contractor relationships is at the core of Mike’s approach to building management. Pulling from an extensive background in construction, maintenance and power engineering, Mike applies these skills to larger projects, team collaboration and future planning.

In Mike’s spare time, he enjoys traveling to new countries with his wife to explore and try new foods. Currently, he has two Boston Terriers and has opened his home to many foster dogs over the years needing a place to get a fresh start. Mike also enjoys playing the drums, cooking and photography.

Truc brings over 20 years of commercial real estate experience to UCPG, working as a commercial real estate paralegal for over 15 years prior to transitioning to the leasing industry in 2020.

She has experience in the private and public sectors representing both the landlords and tenants in commercial transactions.  Her leasing experience includes managing over 1.8 million square feet of office leases across Canada for a national public accounting firm and most recently managing a diversified real estate portfolio for the City of Calgary, including the Calgary Fire Department and Calgary Police Service. She also has experience with non-profit organizations in complex situations and uses her creative out-of-the-box thinking to find successful solutions.

She has a paralegal diploma along with a Bachelor of Management degree from the University of Lethbridge.

Truc enjoys spending time with her family, friends and her dog. She is passionate about the outdoors and can often be found on the banks of the Bow River fly fishing.

Ansel is a registered Mechanical Engineer with experience in manufacturing, food and beverage and building operations. After earning his 4th Class Power Engineer certification from ABSA and studying at SAIT, he has worked in building maintenance and operations since 2014.

Outside of work, Ansel enjoys DIY projects, gardening, basketball and biking. He is an active volunteer with Couples for Christ International, the Special Ministry of Holy Communion and the Knights of Columbus.

Abdul is an Electrical Engineer and certified 4th Class Power Engineer with over six years of experience in operations and facility management. Currently serving as a Building Operator at the University of Calgary’s research buildings, he specializes in maintaining and troubleshooting HVAC systems, Building Automation Systems (BAS), HMI, PLC, SCADA systems, plumbing, electrical distribution and fire monitoring systems.

Abdul’s professional background includes commissioning large-scale water treatment plants during his time as a Water Treatment Technician, as well as achieving a BC Mine Supervisory Certificate. Abdul is highly skilled in contractor management, developing and implementing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and leading complex maintenance projects to ensure safe, efficient and reliable building operations.

In his spare time, he enjoys traveling and exploring new places and cuisines with his family. He also enjoys playing badminton.