Business Advisory Council (BAC)

Office Managing Partner

KPMG LLP Canada
Edmonton, Alberta

As the Office Managing Partner for KPMG's office in Edmonton, Robert Borrelli leads a team of professionals in delivering audit, tax and advisory services to clients in a variety of industries. With more than 25 years of experience, he is responsible for the overall growth of the Edmonton office and for positioning the office as a leader in the market. He is known for providing insight and guidance to his clients at each stage of their business to help ensure risks are lowered, operations are strengthened, and value is created.

As an alumnus, Mr. Borrelli is passionate about the University of Alberta. He is committed to promoting an environment of continuous learning, collaboration, and innovation that benefits the greater community. Active in the community, he has developed partnerships with a number of local and national not-for-profit organizations. He is also involved with the Edmonton Chapter of Financial Executives International, sits on the Board of Directors for KPMG in Canada, and is a member of the University of Alberta's Board of Governors Finance and Property Committee. As part of KPMG's relationship with Free the Children, Mr. Borrelli has travelled to India where he and his family helped build a school, through the Adopt-a-Village Program.

Mr. Borrelli completed a Bachelor of Commerce degree at the University of Alberta and has designations as a Chartered Accountant, Chartered Financial Analyst, and Chartered Business Valuator, as well as a designation from the Institute of Corporate Directors.

Independent Board Director

Canmore, Alberta

Charlene Butler is an accomplished Business Executive, and Board Director with over 30 years of experience leading and transforming organizations in a variety of sectors. She holds a BComm in Risk Management and Insurance and a BSc in Actuarial Science. In addition, she has an MBA in Natural Resources Energy and Environment from the University of Alberta. In March of 2022 she received her Global Competent Boards designation (GCB.D) in environmental social governance.

Charlene is a fulltime board director with +15 years’ experience. Current appointments include the Actuarial Profession Oversight Board, Alberta Lawyers Indemnity Association Board, the Bow Valley Primary Care Network Board and ChatterHigh.

Recent past appointments include the Board of Governors for the University
of Alberta (Chair of Finance and Property committee, Vice Chair of Audit and Risk committee, Member of Learning, Research and Student Experience committee and Past Member of the Investment committee), Past Chair of the Alberta Automobile Insurance Rate Board, and Past Chair of the Mental Health Foundation.

Charlene is passionate about the University of Alberta and the Alberta School of Business. In addition to her roles with the Board of Governors she has served on the Senate, Alumni Council and the Alberta School of Business Alumni Association and is a volunteer with Threshold Impact Venture Mentoring Service.

Co-founder

Fanson Capital Group
Vancouver, BC

Yue embarked on his academic journey in Canada, enrolling at the University of Alberta to pursue both his bachelor's and MBA degrees. Following his graduation, he secured positions at ATB Financial and CIBC Imperial Service, where he demonstrated exceptional expertise as a Senior Financial Advisor.

His outstanding performance garnered him numerous accolades, establishing his prominence within the banking industry in Vancouver.

In 2017, Yue took the entrepreneurial path and established Fanson Capital Group. Through this venture, he actively engages in mortgage brokerage, asset
management and real estate investment, showcasing his diverse range of expertise.
In 2020, Yue went on to co-found Cielle Properties to engage in real estate development in BC and AB and has since developed the nationally award-winning project Rundle Park in Canmore AB, among other projects.

Out of his busy schedules as the President of both Fanson Capital and Cielle Properties, Yue was also a co- founder and a board member in the non-profit organization known as Young Elite Vancouver. This organization serves as a dynamic platform for young individuals to connect, exchange ideas, share resources, and collaborate on business and charity projects.

Yue is an active sponsor for BC Children’s Hospital, BC Cancer Foundation etc. He also created an endowed scholarship “Fan Family Award in Business” to Alberta School of Business to award students with satisfactory academic standing and financial need. 

Head of Investments

ATB Capital
Edmonton, Alberta

Terry Freeman is currently the Head of Investments at ATB Capital.

In the past, he served as Managing Director of Northern Plains Capital, a niche private equity firm specializing in growth-oriented oil field services and energy industrial investments. Founded in 2005, Northern Plains has $140 million under management in three funds and has made 17 investments in various companies. As a Managing Director, Mr. Freeman was responsible for sourcing investments and investors, driving strategy, value creation and eventual exits for investments and corporate governance at a Board of Directors level.

Mr. Freeman also spent a decade as CFO of Flint Energy Services, where he managed the financial and administrative operations of the company including investor and banking relations, risk management, mergers and acquisitions and various other executive responsibilities including acting as Corporate Secretary.

In addition to these roles, he has held multiple volunteer positions with the ICAA CFO Leadership Program, the University of Alberta, and various community and charitable organizations. He has also served on the Board of Directors of numerous public- and privately-held companies.

In his spare time, Mr. Freeman enjoys running marathons and spending time with his wife of 24 years, Kate, and their two children - Michael age 22 and Emma age 20.

President and Chief Executive Officer

Hokanson Capital
Edmonton, Alberta

Jordan Hokanson is the President and Chief Executive Officer of Hokanson Capital. He joined Hokanson Capital in 2002 and was appointed CEO in June 2009.

Today, Mr. Hokanson oversees the strategic direction of the Edmonton-based, multifaceted, real estate and investment company with a keen eye for unrecognized opportunities locally and abroad. He has the unique ambition and ability to learn an industry in short order.

Mr. Hokanson believes integrity is the foundation for good business. His relationship-focused strategy comes from recognizing that, through the sharing of information and the ability to look for win-win opportunities, Hokanson Capital along with its stakeholders and partners can be successful.

Hokanson Capital is a lean operation with Mr. Hokanson's involvement in all elements of the business - directing the strategy, operations, and execution - you might even catch him driving a combine at harvest. Key accomplishments of Hokanson Capital, under the guidance and leadership of Mr. Hokanson, are worth noting.

• Industry Leading Agriculture Investor: As one of Canada's thought-leaders on farmland investing, he has built a portfolio of best-in-class farmland in Western Canada which outperforms the FCC Farmland Index. In 2012, Hokanson Capital was the largest holder of farmland in Canada with 135,000 acres. As part of its agriculture portfolio, Hokanson Capital operates two large-scale farming operations totalling 30,000 acres.
• Commercial Property Repositioning: Hokanson Capital is the owner of the 9Triple8 Jasper office building in downtown Edmonton. Upon the exit of their previous single-tenant, he was the vision driver to transition the 9Triple8 into a LEED Gold Certified, smartly-renovated building leased to a selection of Edmonton's prime businesses.
• Hotel and Resort: As the new owner of Coast Canmore Hotel, Hokanson Capital has introduced a change at the hotel including infrastructure improvements, design, operational change, and the introduction of Table Food + Drink Restaurant.
• Multi-Dwelling Unit Investments: With an eye for opportunity, he, along with our residential development partner, has guided Hokanson Capital into select US markets where underutilized rental assets have the opportunity for repositioning to meet the in-market demand and create an anticipated ROI.

Mr. Hokanson currently serves as the Chair of the Board of Trustees for the TELUS World of Sciences in Edmonton and as the Vice-Chair of the Alberta Cancer Foundation and is on the Alberta School of Business Advisory Council. He is an active member of YPO and enjoys his Chef experiences as a member of the Edmonton Gentlemen's Dinner Club.

He received a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science (1998) from Western Ontario University, his Petroleum Engineering Technology Diploma (2000) from NAIT, and his MBA (2006) from the University of Alberta.

By combining his education, business values, and experience in finance and business development, Jordan is able to help employees, partners, and Hokanson Capital succeed.

Jordan and his wife Tracie live in Edmonton and are the proud parents of their three lovely daughters.

Co- Founder and Co-CEO

AltaML
Edmonton, Alberta

Katie Lafreniere

Professor, Department of Marketing, Business Economics & Law
Alberta School of Business

Dr. Lafreniere earned her BMgt (General Management, 2009) and MSc (Marketing, 2011) from the University of Lethbridge and her PhD (Marketing and Research Methods, 2019) from the University of Alberta. She joined the Alberta School of Business as Assistant Professor in 2022. Katie has also held a faculty appointment at the Dhillon School of Business, University of Lethbridge.

Katie’s research interests focus on the impact of taboos and language on consumer behaviour. She has published in leading scholarly journals in marketing and her research has been featured in top trade journals, including Harvard Business Review and the Wall Street Journal. Katie’s research has been recognized with awards from the American Marketing Association and the International Association of Language and Social Psychology.

Chairman

StoneBridge Merchant Capital
Calgary, Alberta

Michael Lang has been involved in the development and financing of businesses throughout his career. He has been the Chairman of StoneBridge Merchant Capital Corp for over ten years. StoneBridge is involved in making equity investments in private companies, purchasing private companies, and assisting in the restructuring of private companies. Prior to this period, Mr. Lang was the Vice-Chairman and CFO of Beau Canada Exploration Ltd., a company he co-founded in 1988 and sold in 1999 as a TSE 300 company with approximately 17,000 barrels per day of production.

Mr. Lang is currently the Chairman of Ag Junction, a TSE public company. He has been a director and an investor in over a dozen private companies including Creative Door Services Ltd. and Brews Supply Ltd.

Prior to StoneBridge and Beau Canada, Mr. Lang was a corporate banker. He completed his MBA (1981) and BSC (1979) degrees at the University of Alberta.

He is currently the Chairman of CUPS, a Calgary-based charitable group, and an Honourary Lieutenant Colonel in the King's Own Calgary Regiment (KOCR). He has been President of a number of groups including the Calgary Winter Club.

Landon Leclair

CEO, Kingston Ross Pasnak LLP

Landon Leclair is the Chief Executive Officer of Kingston Ross Pasnak LLP.  As CEO, Landon is responsible for KRP’s overall strategic direction and growth. Landon leads a team of diverse, inspiring team members who all have one thing in common—a commitment to delivering customized solutions and services for our clients.

As an innovative leader who builds on the firm’s entrepreneurial foundation, Landon brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the CEO role. A Chartered Accountant with nearly two decades of experience, Landon embodies a set of core values that are a perfect fit for KRP: integrity, work ethic, continuous improvement, responsible stewardship and a strong focus on clients.

Since becoming CEO in 2018, he has seen KRP grow in size and scope while remaining independent with a deep sense of community and local connection.

Education

• CICA, Chartered Accountant (CA) Designation — 2002
• Bachelor of Commerce Degree, Major in Accounting, University of Alberta — 2000
• Bachelor of Arts Degree, Major in Political Science, University of Alberta — 1995

Experience

Prior to rejoining KRP as our CEO, Landon served as Vice President and CFO of LTCO Inc. from 2003 to 2017.

 Professional & Community Activities

• Member, U of A Business Advisory Council – 2022 to present
• Board of Directors, PGD Educational Foundation — 2008 to present
• Past Minor Hockey Coach, Sherwood Park Minor Hockey
• Past Member of the ICAA Young Industry Committee
• Various private corporate boards

Landon Leclair, Boom, BA, CPA, CA

lleclair@krpgroup.com

780-702-4249

Principal

+SM Consulting

Currently Steve is Principal at +SM Consulting, providing practical wisdom to governments and the private sector. His primary areas of practice are the energy transition, innovation, organizational change and issues management.

Previously, Steve served 6 years as CEO of Emissions Reduction Alberta (ERA), an Alberta-based, not-for-profit corporation with a mandate to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and grow Alberta’s economy by accelerating the development of innovative technology solutions. Under his leadership, ERA invested $440 million in over 110 projects worth more than $4 billion.
Prior to his role at ERA, Steve spent over 35 years in the Alberta Public Service, serving in a range of lleadership positions including Deputy Minister of Children’s Services, Human Services, Innovation and Advanced Education, Energy and Climate Change, and Executive Council. During this time, he led major initiatives to guide and transform policy and delivery systems to improve outcomes for Albertans.

Steve holds a BCom from the University of Alberta, the ICD.D designation, and is a director on the boards of AltaLink, Canada West Foundation, Generate Canada, Modern West Advisory and Elevate Consulting. In 2018, Steve was honored to become a member of the Kainai Chieftainship.

Marcela Mandeville

CEO, Alberta Women Entrepreneurs (AWE)

Marcela has explored the world of business through a globally focused business undergraduate degree, designation as a Certified International Trade Professional and more than twenty years of global experience developing and implementing business strategies. A career highlight has been taking on leadership roles at Alberta Women Entrepreneurs (AWE) to support AWE’s goal to build stronger communities and economies through women’s participation in entrepreneurship.

Marcela believes strongly in continuous learning and contributing to the community. In addition to serving as Chair of the Women’s Enterprise Organizations of Canada and past Chair of Explore Edmonton, she volunteers her time on the Works for Women Advisory Board, the Edmonton Region Innovation Network Steering Committee, and is a member of the Business Advisory Council for the University of Alberta, School of Business.

Deputy Minister, Jobs, Economy and Trade

Government of Alberta
Edmonton, Alberta

Christopher is the Deputy Minister of Alberta’s Jobs, Economy, and Trade department, which is responsible for economic development, investment attraction and international trade, labour policy and labour relations, and child care funding and licensure.

Since joining the Government of Alberta in 2014, Christopher has served in several senior leadership roles, including managing a historic amount of Cabinet business during more than four years as Deputy Clerk of Executive Council and Deputy Secretary to Cabinet. Prior to that, Christopher held assistant deputy minister roles in economic policy, operations and machinery of government, and strategic communications.

Before moving to Alberta, Christopher was Director of Public Affairs and Member Communications for the Ontario Hospital Association and held senior advisor roles in the Government of Ontario.

Christopher holds a Master of Business Administration degree from Athabasca University and received the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal (Alberta) for his public service to Albertans.

Bjorn Morisbak

Executive Vice President Corporate Development, Stantec

Bjorn Morisbak is Executive Vice President, Corporate Development at Stantec and has been with the company for over 23 years.

Through strategy development and m&a execution, Bjorn has played a key role in the rise of Stantec to become a Top 10 Global Design firm. During his tenure, the company has grown from about 2,000 people, principally in Canada, to over 25,000 employees spread across the globe. In his current role, Bjorn directly oversees the many aspects of acquisition from sourcing and early discussions through to completion of integration. Experienced in valuations, financing, negotiations, change management, operations and integration, Bjorn has been involved in over 100 transactions ranging in size from very small to over 7,000 people.

Bjorn proudly holds a Master of Business Administration, with a specialization in International Business, from the University of Alberta, School of Business. He is active in the local community and the Honorary Consul for the Kingdom of Norway in Northern Alberta.

An active runner, biker, and skier, he loves escaping to the mountains together with his wife and three children.

CEO

Cameron Corporation
Edmonton, Alberta

The primary focus of Cameron Corporation, an Alberta-based real estate development company, is the development and management of commercial real estate projects; primarily Grocery Anchored and Power Centre developments.

In addition, Cameron has a land development division "Cameron Communities Inc."; a homebuilding division "Cameron Homes"; and a multi-family division "Cameron Lifestyles." Cameron develops and holds its assets on behalf of itself and various joint venture partners; ranging from private businesses to Pension Funds and REITS.

Cameron Corporation is a family-based company celebrating 36 years in business this year. Ms. Naqvi-Rota has been with Cameron since 1991 and took over the Presidency in 2012.

Ms. Naqvi-Rota earned her Civil Engineering Degree from the University of Alberta in 1990 and her MBA from the same institution in 1995. She is married to her husband Tony, and together, they have three children.

Derek Neldner

CEO and Group Head
RBC Capital Markets

Derek Neldner is CEO and Group Head of RBC Capital Markets and is a member of RBC’s Group Executive. Derek has global oversight of the firm and, along with the Capital Markets Operating Committee, sets the growth strategy for RBC’s Corporate & Investment Banking and Global Markets business activities worldwide. Together with other members of Group Executive, Derek is also responsible for setting the overall strategic direction of RBC.

In addition to his leadership role with RBC Capital Markets, Derek is also Board Chair and Chief Executive Officer of RBC US Group Holdings LLC, RBC’s intermediate holding company (IHC) in the United States. In this role, Derek coordinates governance over the IHC’s regulatory, compliance, and business initiatives, and its communications with key stakeholders.

Derek joined RBC in 1995 and has held a broad array of responsibilities across the firm, and served as Global Head of Investment Banking prior to his current role. He has significant experience across all aspects of investment banking including mergers and acquisitions, and debt and equity financing, and he continues to provide senior coverage and advice to a number of the firm’s most significant clients. Derek has also been a strong advocate for diversity and inclusion, including having co-chaired RBC Capital Markets’ Canadian Diversity Leadership Council.

Derek has an active and longstanding commitment to philanthropy and giving back to the community. He has volunteered with a variety of charitable organizations including serving as a member of the Major Individual Giving campaign cabinet for the United Way of Toronto & York Region and is currently a board member of The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids) Foundation.

Derek holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree in Finance from the University of Alberta and is a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA), as designated by the CFA Institute. Derek is married with four children and lives in Toronto, Canada.

CEO

Token Naturals

Keenan Pascal is the CEO of Token Naturals, an Alberta-based cannabis manufacturing company with a processing facility in central Edmonton. In a few short years, Keenan grew the company from an idea to a multi-million dollar manufacturing facility able to produce extract and derivative cannabis products. During that time, Keenan led three investment capital raises and created a subsidiary company, Token Bitters, that now sells products across Canada and exports to Asia.

Before Token, Keenan spent eight years gaining financial and consulting experience at major banks paired with numerous entrepreneurial endeavours including industrial and residential real estate ownership. Keenan has a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Alberta and an MBA in Consulting & Strategic Management from UBC Sauder School of Business.

With a mandate to stay engaged with his greater community, Keenan sits on the executive board of the National Black Coalition of Canada, the Edmonton Downtown Business Association and the Edmonton Innovation Council. He founded the Black Canadians in Cannabis Network, a space for Black Canadians to connect and share resources. In addition, he lends his expertise to the committee boards of Concordia University and the University of Alberta’s Venture Mentorship Program.

Managing Director

Broad Venture International Limited
Hong Kong

A recipient of the University of Alberta's Honorary Doctor of Laws Degree and Alumni Award of Excellence, John Poon currently devotes much of his time to community service in Hong Kong and in China. He is Chairman of the Hong Kong Financial Reporting Council, a non-executive Director of the Hong Kong Mandatory Provident Fund Schemes Authority and a member of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (Shanghai Committee).

Dr. Poon, a Solicitor and Justice of the Peace (JP) in Hong Kong, received his Bachelor of Arts Degree in Economics and a Bachelor of Laws Degree from the University of Alberta. In July 2015, he was awarded the Bronze Bauhinia Star (BBS) by the Government of Hong Kong Special Administration Region in recognition of his meritorious public service and his valuable contributions to Hong Kong.

Dr. Poon was admitted as a Barrister & Solicitor of Alberta in 1985, a Solicitor of England and Wales in 1988, and a Solicitor of Hong Kong in 1989. After practicing law in Edmonton for several years, John ventured into the corporate arena in Hong Kong.

In 1999, Dr. Poon became the Executive Director and Group Chief Financial Officer of Esprit Holdings Limited and was appointed Deputy Chairman of the Board of Directors in 2004. Under his leadership and management over a period of nine years, profit after tax rose over eleven-fold while the multinational apparel company's market capitalization expanded from approximately US$1 billion to a high in excess of US$20 billion. Esprit was repeatedly recognized as one of the best-managed companies and best-performing stocks on the prestigious Hang Seng Index of Hong Kong.

As a firm believer in sound corporate governance, Dr. Poon has received a number of accolades, including "Director of the Year 2002 (Listed Company)" from the Hong Kong Institute of Directors and "Best Chief Financial Officer in Retail Sector 2005" from the Asian Investor Relations Market Report.

Dr. Poon was a non-executive Director of the Canadian International School of Hong Kong in mid-2000 and successfully advocated for the introduction of the International Baccalaureate program. He has also served as a Council Member of the Hong Kong Institute of Certified Public Accountants, a member of the Standing Committee on Company Law Reform, a member of the Board of Review (Inland Revenue Ordinance), and a Governor of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong.

Dr. Poon, a Justice of the Peace in Hong Kong, received his Bachelor of Arts Degree in Economics and a Bachelor of Laws Degree from the University of Alberta.

Senior Vice President

Syncrude
Fort McMurray, AB

After studying at Keyano College and graduating from the University of Alberta

Senior Vice President

Head, Public Affairs and Business Development
Adani North America
Washington, D.C.

Anurag Varma has been a driving force for over 25 years at the nexus of key public and private sector initiatives between India, the United States, and increasingly, Canada. As Senior Vice President and Head of Public Affairs and Business Development for Adani North America, part of India’s largest infrastructure and logistics conglomerate, Anurag shapes the company’s partnerships and strategic growth from his base in the Washington, D.C.

Before joining the Adani Group, Anurag was Vice President, Head of Global Government and Public Affairs at Infosys, a global leader in technology consulting. There, he led complex public policy strategies across major markets, from the U.S. and Canada to Europe, Australia, and India.

Anurag has also served in senior counsel roles at top-tier law firms Patton Boggs and Akin Gump, where he represented international governments, including the Government of India, Indian corporations, and major Indian American trade associations before the U.S. Congress and the administration. Anurag played a pivotal role in advising multinational companies navigating India’s intricate market entry landscape, while advancing U.S.-India trade relations.

In addition to his public law and policy work, Anurag served on the lead plaintiffs’ counsel teams for groundbreaking national civil rights class action cases on behalf of African American farmers and Native American farmers resulting in settlements of over $2 billion and $760 million,
respectively.

Born in Calgary and raised in Edmonton, Anurag proudly carries his Albertan roots. After earning his Bachelor of Commerce (B.Comm) from the University of Alberta, he pursued law at the University of Denver (J.D.) and Georgetown Law (LL.M.). He now lives in Alexandria, Virginia, with his wife, Monika Kalra Varma, a distinguished human and civil rights lawyer, and their three children, Ambika (16), Akshay (12), and Amrit (12).

President

York Realty Inc
Edmonton, Alberta

Matt has been with York Realty for a decade and at its helm since 2016. As President, he sets the direction for York, guides the team to achieve its goals and deliver on its promises, and provides timely and effective service for our diverse client base. His ability to be nimble and make decisions quickly is a crucial part of York Realty's competitive edge. Matt developed his passion for real estate as a child when his father Glenn took him for weekend drives to go look at interesting properties.

A husband and father of three, Matt is committed to his family and community. Over the years, he has supported several nonprofit organizations that focus on the health and well-being of children and teens, including Little Warriors, Youth Empowerment & Support Services (YESS) and the Stollery Children's Hospital Foundation. He is also involved with Scouts Canada and coach's his daughter's U5 soccer team.

Matt has a Civil Engineering degree from the University of Waterloo and an MBA from the University of Toronto.