Meet Our Board Of Directors
John Husch
Chair
John is a senior business professional with 40 years of comprehensive experience in all facets of the electrical industry. From 2003 to 2014, John provided solid leadership in various senior management roles at a major consulting engineering firm. He oversaw and supported multi-faceted and large-scale EPC projects with upwards of $2 billion in aggregated project costs. As a senior business consultant, John has consulted with organizations in various areas, including Business Development and Operational Business strategy.
Don Budgen
Vice Chair
Donald has been a 35 year hospitality professional and has worked or consulted with large chains as well as independent entrepreneurs. He has a wide variety of work experiences including front line food service, entrepreneur, property manager for Prince of Wales Hotel, Business Consultant with Community Futures in Pincher Creek, VP of Operations for Perkins Canada as well as operating a private consulting business. He has also worked in a variety of tourist destination locations which has shaped his vision of needs analysis for the development of business plans in specialised communities. Over the years he has worked on projects within provincial and federal parks systems to enhance the community prosperity and quality of life for staff, residents and business.
He and his family have lived in the community for over 20 years and have been privileged to enjoy everything the area has to offer. He has also sat on local and regional boards, committees and focus groups such as chair of the Culture and Recreation board and also chaired the Alberta Southwest Regional Alliance marketing committee. He is now looking forward to serving Community Futures.
Marie Ruzek
Secretary
Marie is a long-time resident of the Crowsnest Pass, completing most of her education in the area and raising her family. She has over 25 years of experience in the insurance industry and as an owner of Crowsnest Insurance Agencies. Marie was co-owner of Crowsnest License & Registry Ltd., providing registry services for Service Alberta. In 2023, she sold her business, retired, and is living her best life.
Marie holds the Canadian Accredited Insurance Broker designation from the Independent Insurance Broker Association of Alberta and the Chartered Insurance Professional designation from the Insurance Institute of Canada.
Fred Bradley
Director
Fred served as the MLA for Pincher Creek- Crowsnest from 1975 to 1993. During that time he held a number of posts including Minister of Environment, Chair of the Alberta Research Council and represented Alberta’s equity interest on the Syncrude Canada Board of Directors. After leaving elected office, Fred has been engaged as an international democracy and governance consultant in the former Soviet Union and pursued other private business interests. Recently he served as Chair of the Alberta Historical Resources Foundation and on the Premier’s Council on Culture.
Fred has been active in many community and heritage organizations, including the Crowsnest Historical Society, Crowsnest Heritage Initiative, Crowsnest Pass Doors Open and Heritage Festival, Hillcrest Mine Disaster Memorial Committee, Crowsnest Pass Municipal Historic Resources Board, and Community Futures Crowsnest Pass. He is also currently a representative member on the University of Lethbridge Senate. In addition, he is a hobby beekeeper whose Rocking Crow Apiary produces Alpine Wildflower Honey.
Jolienne Halisky
Director
Jolienne Halisky has over 15 years of experience as a Controller and Director across various industries and sectors. Jolienne Halisky is a seasoned financial executive known for her strategic insight and leadership. Her expertise spans global financial exposure within large publicly traded companies, where she has excelled in driving strategic goals and spearheading change management initiatives.
Jolienne brings a wealth of experience in board reporting and presentations, showcasing her ability to distill complex financial information into clear, actionable insights. She has a proven track record of building high-performance teams and fostering a culture of collaboration and empowerment, driving innovation, and delivering high-impact results across many industries, including Public Practice, Construction and Land Development, Real Estate, Manufacturing, Service and Rental, Hospitality and Tourism, Oil and Gas, Municipal and Provincial Government, and Not-For-Profit.
Jolienne has volunteered actively with many community programs, including the Regional Victim Serving Society, Kaleo Collective, Cherished Women, Habitat for Humanity, New Life Nicaragua, Canadian Women’s Foundation, and Bea Fisher Enterprises Inc.
Dawn Rigby
Director
Dawn is a Journeyman Cook who has worked as a trained chef for over 30 years. She was an instructor at the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology for three years and has operated Country Encounters, a catering and accommodation business, for 25 years.
Dawn served on the Board of Directors of the Crowsnest Pass Chamber of Commerce, the last five of which were Treasurer, three years as President of the Alberta Bed & Breakfast Association and two years on the Crowsnest Historical Society Board of Directors. She sits on the board and is Treasurer of the South Canadian Rockies Tourism Association (SCR).
Valerie Saje
Director
Valerie is a retired lawyer with over 30 years of experience advising small, medium and large businesses in various industries. She has lived and worked in Crowsnest Pass for more than 15 years. Valerie has been active in the community by serving on the Municipality's Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee, the Board of Directors of the Crowsnest Pass Historical Society and the Crowsnest Pass Food Bank. She also volunteers at many running and cycling events in the Crowsnest Pass during summers.
Dean Ward
Director
Dean is currently starting his fifth term as councillor for the Municipality of Crowsnest Pass. He has been on the Municipal Planning Commission for Crowsnest Pass for ten years. Presently, he is the Crowsnest Pass/Pincher Creek Landfill board chairman. He holds a particular interest in diversifying and encouraging the promotion of the Crowsnest Pass to a positive economic future.
Jackie Woodman
Director
Jackie has over 20 years of professional and volunteer experience in Crowsnest Pass. She has been an elected councilor for the Municipality of the Crowsnest Pass and a manager of small businesses. She has worked with the Crowsnest Pass Chamber of Commerce as the event manager for the Crowsnest Pass Lifestyle & Outdoor Adventure Show. Currently, Jackie is responsible for human resources at Northback.
Jackie has served on several community volunteer boards, including the Sole Survivor Trail Race organizing committee, the Crowsnest Pass Skating Club, treasurer for the Crowsnest Pass Cross Country Ski Association, and chair of the Horace Allen School Council. She is also active in the community as a volunteer coach.
Want to Give Back to the Community and Share Your Expertise?
If you are interested in joining our board or know of someone who might be, please review our CF-CNP Board Recruitment Package, download the Application form and return it to us at info@albertacf.com.
The Community Futures Crowsnest Pass team is powered by its Board of Directors. Our board members care about the community and understand the challenges of owning a business. Meet our Board of Directors:
