Meet Our Board of Directors
The Community Futures Centre West Region team is powered by its Board of Directors. Our board members really care about the community and understand the challenges of owning a business. Meet our Board of Directors:
Serina Kwok, Airdrie, Alberta
Chair, SMARTstart Expansion Committee
Jacqui Jepson, Airdrie, Alberta
Vice Chair, SIRC Member
LinkedIn Profile
President | The Pink Wand Cleaning Services Ltd. (est. 2008) | The Pink Wand Licensing Inc. | Jepson Holdings Ltd. Franchise Developer & Entrepreneur
Jacqui Jepson is the Founder and President of The Pink Wand Cleaning Services (est. 2008), The Pink Wand Licensing Inc., and Thrive at Home. Over the past 19 years, she has grown a solo startup into an award-winning, multi-location franchise system rooted in purpose, people, and community impact.
Jacqui is passionate about mentoring entrepreneurs, empowering women in business, and building companies that give back through initiatives like Clean for a Cause. Headquartered in Airdrie, Alberta, her mission is simple: build businesses that care deeply, innovate boldly, and create lasting impact.
"My experience as a founder and business owner informs my commitment to helping others navigate the challenges of entrepreneurship with confidence and clarity. I'm proud to contribute to an organization that believes in the power of small businesses to transform communities".
Community Involvement / Volunteer Experience:
Business mentor for SMARTStart 2015-2022
Drew Hyndman, Cochrane, Alberta
Secretary, SMARTstart Expansion Committee
Planning is Drew's specialty. He is our Board Secretary and brings a rich project management background, strategic development, leadership, and planning skills to the table. He is currently the Executive Director of Development and Infrastructure Services for the Town of Cochrane. He has an excellent sense of how all players need to collaborate and work together to build a strong community.
Drew is a lifelong learner and is an associate of the Canadian Institute of Planners, Alberta Professional Planners Institute, American Planning Association, and the Community Planning Association of Alberta – Board of Directors.
"I'm interested in helping CFCWest meet its goals of helping new and emerging businesses succeed throughout the region - I'm committed to making a difference."
Ryan Cameron, Airdrie, Alberta
Treasurer, SIRC Member
Ryan brings over 25 years of senior leadership roles in environmental and regulatory activities to our Board. His recent work as Consultant – Environment Social Governance (ESG) and First Nations at Ventures 360 Consulting and Management focuses on sustainability and First Nations relations. In addition to his technical and professional roles, Ryan describes himself as a serial entrepreneur and has started and operated various ventures, including an environmental and social governance advisory firm.
"I understand the troubles and challenges of being a start-up. I have been through the process more than once and feel the world needs bold ideas from brilliant people. Working with CFC West will enable me to share my passion for entrepreneurship and business with new and budding business leaders."
Nick Townson, Cochrane, Alberta
Director, SIRC Chair
Palwinder Singh, Cochrane, Alberta
Director, SMARTstart Expansion Committee
Currently serving as a newly elected Town Councillor for Cochrane, AB. Paul Singh is dedicated to strengthening the community he calls home. He has served on the Board since 2022, bringing a grassroots perspective shaped by local involvement and service.
Over the past eight years, his commitment to volunteering in Cochrane has been recognized with several awards, including the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Award. With nearly five years of experience as a Realtor, Paul helps local families and individuals navigate home ownership and sales with confidence.
He joined the Board to support diversification and to help newcomers and young entrepreneurs explore opportunities beyond traditional employment.
“As we diversify, newcomers and young entrepreneurs may want to opt out of traditional 9–5 jobs and working for someone else. I want to help.”
Jo-Anne Yau, Airdrie, Alberta
Director, SMARTstart Expansion Committee
LinkedIn Profile
Jo-Anne is an Innovation lawyer who holds a post-doctorate degree in Internet Law. She joined our Board because even though she found starting a business exciting, she understood how terrifying it could be. She wants to help entrepreneurs to understand the risks better, know where to invest their grit, and protect themselves from pitfalls. A mentor for entrepreneurs for over 15 years, Jo-Anne has worked with women's business development centres, minority and diversity-focused groups, and incubators.
“As a business, litigation, and intellectual property lawyer, I like to contribute my daily experiences to organizations that support local entrepreneurs."
Warren Hall, Cochrane, Alberta
Director, SIRC Member, SMARTstart Expansion Committee
Gary Manocha, Airdrie, Alberta
Director, SMARTstart Expansion Committee
Tara Pickford, Airdrie, Alberta
Director
Tara Pickford is a serial entrepreneur, mother and proud Airdrie citizen. As the owner and CEO of Ambition Performing Arts Inc, Classion Designs Corp., and Pickford Consulting Ltd., Tara spends the majority of her time raising tomorrow’s leaders through the arts while providing direction and mentorship to her business and arts communities. As an international speaker, author and business coach, Tara has dedicated her life to teaching others to be more and reach further. Alongside of her many certifications and accolades in the dance industry, Tara is most proud of her contribution to local organizations and the success of many of her coaching clients. She is Chair of the Airdrie Arts& Culture Council, active with 100 Kids who Care Airdrie, a SMART Start Mentor and a long standing member of the Wild Rose Dance Arts Association. Tara is invested in her local community in so many ways and is eager to serve.
“I joined the CFCWest Board to give back to the entrepreneurial community and support business owners as they build sustainable, values-driven companies.”
Duane Maluga, Cochrane, Alberta
Member - SIRC
Duane thrives on working with non-profits in our community and enjoys helping entrepreneurs reach their business dreams. A former CFCWest Board Chair, Duane has been on our Board twice, sharing his strong financial expertise, gained over twenty years in the financial services industry.
He thrives on working with non-profits in the community and enjoys helping entrepreneurs reach their business dreams.
David Saxby, Rocky View County, Alberta
Member - SIRC
A seasoned business coach, professional speaker, and entrepreneur at heart, David joined our Board with a sincere wish to help small businesses succeed.
Creative Director and President of Spark Communications, he is an international professional speaker on business innovation, sales, and marketing and has delivered over 2500 presentations. David catalyzes to help his clients achieve significant growth, even during difficult economic times.
"After seeing so many start-ups fail because of lack of funding, business strategies, and marketing plans, I wanted to volunteer my experience and insights as a CFCWest Board member."
Stephen Simms, Cochrane, Alberta
Member - SIRC
Stephen is a past chair of our Board and holds an MBA in Sustainability and Leadership. A former senior executive with a global Fortune 500 company, he now shares his skills as a professional executive and business coach and is President of ASMA Performance Consulting.
Stephen joined our Board because it allows him to give back to his community by sharing and applying his in-depth business experience, success, and leadership approach.
"My major purpose in life is to be of service to others. I have an innate desire to give back and to
ensure my experience and the wisdom I've gained throughout my journey are put to good use."
Board Recruitment
Should you have questions in regards to becoming a Board Director, please contact Laura McDonald
Want to Give Back to the Community and Share Your Expertise? Be Part of our Board.
Impact the growth of our community and join our board. We’re always looking for great people to help better our business community here in the Centre West region and offer new growth opportunities to Centre West region-based entrepreneurs.
