About Alberta Central

Ben brings broad experience from a variety of executive and governance roles. He is currently President and CEO Alberta Central, the central bank and trade association for Alberta’s credit unions. He is also Vice Chair on the board of the Prairie Payments Joint Venture (PPJV), a technology and payments company, and Vice Chair on the board of Celero Solutions, a digital banking and information technology company. Previously, Ben was the President and CEO of the Balancing Pool, a major crown corporation in Alberta’s electricity sector, and he sat on the board of an Alberta credit union.

Ben has a Bachelor of Commerce in finance and a Bachelor of Arts in economics from the University of Calgary, and he holds an Institute of Corporate Directors (ICD.D) designation and Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation.

Jason joined Alberta Central’s Executive team in April 2022 and brings more than 20 years’ experience to his role as Chief Financial and Governance Officer. An experienced financial leader with knowledge in managing large and geographically diverse teams, he has built a solid professional reputation centred on strong corporate governance and controls. Jason is a passionate leader and an advocate for strong corporate governance and planning and is committed to continuous improvement.

Previous to Alberta Central, Jason was with Shell where he served in various positions over a 13-year career working in markets in India, North America and Canada. Most recently, Jason was the Vice President and Controller for Shell Canada Limited, leading the Canadian operations across several disciplines with a focus on governance and risk mitigation. Jason also has extensive board experience, having served on the boards of SPARK The Energy Credit Union, Shell Energy North America (Canada) Inc and Shell Canada Limited. He is currently a director on the Social Venture Partners Calgary board.

Jason holds his Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA, CA) designation, his Institute of Corporate Directors (ICD.D) designation from the Rotman School of Management and has a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Calgary.

Loree joined Alberta Central in 2020 and brings to the organization a passion for driving transformational change and building highly engaged and productive teams, partnerships and networks. As Chief Strategy and People Officer, Loree leads transformation at Alberta Central by implementing the methodologies, programs and processes needed to help achieve our vision.

Loree has more than 30 years of experience in financial services, spanning a wide range of roles including retail banking, wealth management, insurance and operations. Previous to Alberta Central, she was the President and CEO of the Vehicle Sales Authority of B.C., where she was responsible for the regulatory body that administers and enforces the legislation governing personal vehicle sales in the province. Her leadership experience across industries and provinces provides value to the credit union system, something she is enthusiastic about supporting.

Loree has a Bachelor of Arts from the University of British Columbia and holds certifications with the Institute of Canadian Bankers, the Canadian Institute of Financial Planning, Canadian Securities Institute and Lean Sensei International and holds her Institute of Corporate Directors (ICD.D) designation. She has served as selections committee chair for the Loran Scholarship Foundation since 2012 and assessor/interviewer since 2006.

Kate joined Alberta Central in 2013 and is the current Chief Risk and Compliance Officer, where she is she is responsible for external-facing services for credit unions including regulatory compliance, risk management, government relations and research. She joined the system because she believes in the credit union governance model and the value proposition that comes from everyone collaborating and solving problems together.

With previous experience that includes working in federal politics, for the Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions and within the credit union systems in British Columbia and Ontario, Kate’s background gives her the ability to view issues from multiple perspectives and to represent the interests of Alberta credit unions with government, system partners and other centrals.

Kate holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in History from Queen’s University and a Master of Public Policy and Public Administration from Ryerson University. She also holds her Institute of Corporate Directors (ICD.D) designation and a Masters Certificate in Risk Management and Business Performance from York University.

As Chief Investment Officer with Alberta Central since 2012, Sean provides oversight to Alberta Central’s financial activities. He possesses the business acumen and credit union expertise required to lead a team that provides a wide array of financial products and services to credit unions. He and his team manage over $3 billion in credit union funds along with the corresponding loans and investments that those funds are placed in. Sean joined Alberta Central because he believes in the important role it plays in ensuring credit unions are positioned for success. To further this goal, Sean is deeply engaged in key system initiatives including payments modernization and project evolution, and actively serves on the boards of CUCC and CU CUMIS Holdings. He is also currently chair of the Group Clearing Joint Venture Management Committee.

Sean prides himself on the role he and his team play in helping credit unions build strong capital foundations that will ensure their increasing prominence in Alberta’s future financial landscape. With more than 20 years of executive-level experience – and 11 of those in credit unions – Sean has led teams in the areas of finance, accounting, technology and deposit-taking and lending operations. He possesses a deep understanding of credit unions and brings a strategic perspective to all that he does.

A thoughtful and results-oriented leader, Sean holds a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Saskatchewan and a Master of Business Administration from York University’s Schulich School of Business.

John joined the board of Alberta Central in 2017. From 2019 to 2023, he was Chair of the Audit, Finance and Risk Committee and Conduct Review Committee, and was elected Chair in 2023. As the CEO of Christian Credit Union since 2008, John’s experience makes him aware of the past, present and future challenges facing credit unions. Striving to be a servant leader, John uses his analytical skills to understand all sides of an issue before taking a position and strives to ensure that any decision he makes has a positive impact on the people involved.  

John believes his role on the board is an opportunity to learn from and collaborate with an exceptionally qualified group of directors and to lead Alberta Central in the promotion and support of credit unions in Alberta. He believes that the co-operative model is still the best way to ensure that Albertans get fair and competitive financial services and that this model will also allow us to meet the opportunities and challenges of the future.  

 John has a Bachelor of Commerce with Distinction and a Bachelor of Laws from the University of Alberta, and recently obtained his ICD.D designation. His focus is on encouraging excellence and motivating those around him to develop their potential. John enjoys spending time with his wife and their five boys and volunteering at various non-profit organizations. 

Robert Bhatia joined the board of Alberta Central in 2019 because he believes in the importance of community-based financial institutions like credit unions. He has extensive financial leadership experience and is known for asking thoughtful questions and working collaboratively to solve problems.  

Inquisitive and analytical, Robert is a professional executive coach and consultant. A Deputy Minister for more than ten years with the government of Alberta, he led four major portfolios: Finance and Enterprise, Revenue, Seniors and Community Supports and Government Services. He has a strong interest in supporting the Alberta financial sector and has experience as a member of the CUDGC board, the Alberta General Insurance Council and the City of Edmonton Audit Committee. He is also a member of the Local Authorities Pension Plan Corporation board.   

Robert has a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from the University of Alberta, a Master of Arts in Economics from Queens University, and his ICD.D designation from the Institute of Corporate Directors. 

Michelle joined connectFirst and Servus Credit Union Ltd. in 2010 and has been instrumental in transforming the credit union into a modern, sustainable financial co-operative that is well-positioned to thrive in the fast-moving financial services sector.  

Prior to joining, she held executive roles in a number of different industries that have experienced significant disruption including telecommunications, media, transportation and real estate development. As a Board Director, she served the Alberta Motor Association for six years and currently sits on the board of Alberta Central since 2021. She earned her ICD.D designation from the Institute of Corporate Directors in 2016.  

Michelle leads a number of connectFirst and Servus Credit Union teams that are focused on fueling the growth strategy. These include Data Analytics, Digital Sales & Banking, Product & Rewards, People & Culture, Strategy & Transformation, Marketing, and Communications.  

Ian joined the board of Alberta Central in 2024. Ian is proud to be a part of the Alberta credit union system, firmly believing in the power of credit unions to do good. As President and CEO of Connect First and Servus Credit Union Ltd., Ian led the credit union through a historic merger between Alberta’s two largest credit unions, with a goal to better serve members across Alberta. Before his prior role as President and CEO of Servus Credit Union, Ian was President and CEO of Alberta Central, where he gained a deep understanding of the role credit unions have in the financial sector.

Ian is a seasoned executive working to challenge industry norms and drive transformational change. He brings over 20 years of experience in finance, business development, entrepreneurship and relationship management, with demonstrated success leading a diverse mix of organizations. He brings a vast array of board experience to his role, having previously served as a Director with Prairie Payments Joint Venture (PPJV), Credit Union Payments Services (CUPS), Interac Corporation, Celero Solutions, Canadian Credit Union Association (CCUA) and Everlink. He is also a current Director on the Aviso Wealth and CU CUMIS Holdings boards. He looks forward to collaborating with his board colleagues to help lead Alberta Central into the future.

Ian holds his Bachelor of Arts from the University of Calgary, master’s degree in business administration from the University of Regina and his ICD.D designation from the Institute of Corporate Directors from the University of Toronto’s Rotman School of Management. He lives in Calgary with his wife and family.

Kelso has been a credit union member for more than 25 years, after obtaining his first business start-up loan at the age of 14. As a lifelong entrepreneur, he firmly believes in co-operative principles and how credit unions can add value to the small business community. Passionate about the system and its long-term success, Kelso was on the board of Lakeland Credit Union from 2013 to 2017 and is a current board member of connectFirst and Servus Credit Union Ltd.  

Kelso holds a master's degree in business administration (MBA) from the University of Alberta, a Professional Project Management (PMP) designation, and was named valedictorian of his institute of Corporate Directors Education Program when he received his ICD.D designation. He also studied Computer Systems Technology at the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology, where he received Lean Six Sigma certification. 

Kelso lives in Edmonton, Alberta with his wife Ashley and three children. He and his wife have started several businesses over the past 15 years and successfully divested in recent years. Kelso enjoys investing in real estate, and spending time at Pigeon Lake, Alberta with his family. 

Shawn joined the board of Alberta Central in 2024. He believes in the power of credit unions and has been a member himself for 25 years. Currently on the connectFirst and Servus Credit Union Ltd. Board of Directors, Shawn previously chaired their Nominating Committee and Governance/Human Resource Committee. He also served on the Board of the Safeway Employees Credit Union for five years.

Shawn is passionate about cooperative values and the support credit unions provide to the communities they operate in. He is currently the owner of the IGA grocery store in Banff and has 34 years’ experience in retail grocery operations with Sobeys and Safeway, including managing multiple individual locations, a role as the Director of Retail Support Alberta, and as the District Operator overseeing multiple stores across Alberta.

Shawn is a graduate of the Leadership Development Program at Safeway and was a licensed mortgage broker. He has completed his CCD Level one and two and is currently completing his ICD.D designation from the Institute of Corporate Directors. Shawn sits on the board of Banff & Lake Louise Tourism and is head coach of the Canmore Eagles U9 hockey team. He is passionate about skiing and hiking and lives in Canmore with his wife Marie and their two children.

A credit union member for more than 30 years, Darlene believes in giving back to the system and that is why she has joined Alberta Central’s board as a director. Presently a director on the board at connectFirst and Servus Credit Union Ltd. and Topaz Energy Corporation, she also has prior director experience with SPARK The Energy Credit Union and as Co-Chair of the Shell Canada Pension Plan. Her work experience includes more than 30 years with Shell Canada Limited, with positions of growing responsibility including Assistant Treasurer, Pension Manager, and finally as the Senior Manager of Mergers, Acquisitions and Corporate Finance. She believes in the values-based approach of credit unions that keeps members top-of-mind in all decisions and activities.  

With extensive merger and acquisition experience and expertise identifying value and managing risk, Darlene brings an open mind and results-oriented approach to her role with the board. She isn’t afraid to tackle tough issues, but always aims to be approachable and respectful in all she does. She understands the importance of being transparent and practicing good governance and is looking forward to adding value to the Alberta system.  

Darlene has her Business Administration degree with Honors from Mount Royal College, Chartered Professional Accountant designation and Managing Mergers, Acquisitions and Divestments training from INSEAD Business School. She’s also completed her Level A and B training with the Credit Union Director Achievement Program. A resident of Calgary, she enjoys gardening and biking, and volunteering as a financial coach in her community.  

Dan became a director on Alberta Central’s board in 2024. He joined because he wants to be involved in the future of the credit union system in Alberta and ensure that small credit unions in the province have a voice at the table. Dan values the system and believes that credit unions give members and staff in communities across the province the chance to succeed; he feels that credit unions are best equipped to understand what members are going through and support them along the way as a partner.

Dan is currently the Chief Operating Officer with Vision Credit Union, having previously held the role of Chief Financial Officer for many years. In his work with Vision, he has been exposed to all aspects of the business and understands that a strong provincial system is vital to the success of each credit union. Dan is known for his ability to build relationships and collaborate and always keeps empathy and kindness top-of-mind. He cares deeply about the future success of credit unions in Alberta and is looking forward to making a positive impact on the board of Alberta Central.

Hard working and down-to-earth, Dan has his Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA, CMA) designation, a Bachelor of Management in Finance and is a fellow of the Credit Union Institute of Canada. He lives in Camrose with his family and enjoys traveling, hiking and minor league sports.

Kendra currently serves as Chief Strategy & Productivity Officer with connectFirst and Servus Credit Union Ltd. Kendra brings over twenty-five years of progressive experience in financial services encompassing sales, credit, risk, strategy and executive leadership roles across chartered banks, credit unions, and federal crown corporations.  

Recognized as a collaborative, innovative and future-focused leader, Kendra is deeply passionate about the co-operative financial services sector. She believes in the transformative power of co-operative principles, particularly in values-driven approaches, local support, and community engagement, which she considers pivotal differentiators for the credit union system. Kendra emphasizes the importance of sector-wide collaboration to achieve shared objectives and fuel the growth and prosperity of Albertans. 

In her leadership capacity, Kendra prioritizes mentorship and team empowerment, fostering proactive and results-oriented environments. She is known for her inclination to pose challenging questions to shift the status quo.  As a risk management expert, Kendra is dedicated to converting risks into opportunities for optimization and enablement.  

Kendra considers herself a life-long learner and holds multiple degrees and designations, including an Agriculture Business degree with a major in Finance from Olds College, a Certified Chief Executive (CCE) designation and a master's certificate in Risk Management and Business Leadership from the Schulich School of Business. She lives in Airdrie and enjoys curling, hiking, and biking. 

Kellen became a member of Alberta Central’s board in 2022. He is a vocal advocate for smaller and rural-based credit unions and wanted to join the board to ensure their needs are heard. Currently a Manager at R. Snelgrove & Sons construction and member of the Board for Vermilion Credit Union for the past five years, Kellen brings a common-sense perspective to all that he does and is interested in learning more about the credit union system. He sees the value of the services offered by Alberta Central and wants to work with the board to ensure these services continue.  

 Kellen brings a wide skill set to the board, with previous work experience with Natural Resources Canada and a background in research focused on natural resources, energy and the environment. He believes in the importance of recognizing the strengths of those around him and always aims to listen, gather information and work with the team to determine the best plan forward.  

Kellen has his Master of Business Administration and Bachelor of Commerce focused on Business Economics and Law, both from the University of Alberta. He is an active volunteer with the Vermilion Agricultural Society and lives in Vermilion.  

Carey is a Chartered Accountant specializing in agricultural tax issues and runs an accounting practice from home. She has a Bachelor of Commerce degree from the University of Calgary and has worked with Cremers & Elliott, serving retail auto and agricultural sectors. Carey and her family also run a grain farm in Hussar.

Mark joined Alberta Central’s board because he believes in supporting a vibrant credit union system. For Mark, it’s the co-operative, member-ownership model and commitment to giving back to the community that positively differentiates credit unions from other financial services organizations.  

With more than 35 years’ business experience, Mark was Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of EPCOR Utilities Inc. from 2001 to 2013. He brings to the board expertise in finance, governance and the financial services industry as well as risk and people management skills. His board and committee work includes time leading multiple executive committees while at EPCOR and serving on corporate boards.  

Mark holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree from the University of Alberta and has his Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA, CA) designation and a member in good standing of CPA Alberta. Mark is a member of the Institute of Corporate Directors and holds his ICD.D designation. He has completed the ICD-Rotman Directors Development Program and is a graduate of the Queen’s University Executive Development Program.