Board of Directors
The Friends of the Helen Schuler Nature Centre Society board of directors meets at least four times per year to provide governance to the organization, plan fundraising initiatives, discuss program opportunities, and strategically plan. Eligible individuals (aged 16+) are welcome to join our board and intake generally takes place during our Annual General Meeting in March.*
Our Bylaws provide structure and rules to our organization, while our Objectives provide an overview of our purpose as a charitable society. Our Executive Handbook provides an overview of the roles and responsibilities of our Board of Directors. Annual Reports provide a high level understanding of our efforts and accomplishments.
Board members actively work to ensure programs, services, and employment opportunities are inclusive to all people. Read our Commitment to Leadership, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.
Board Members must consent to a criminal record check and complete an Information Sheet and Code of Ethics Oath every year in order to keep our records complete.
The Alberta Board Development Program and Non-profit Learning Centre provides resources for non-profit organizations to better understand responsibilities and obligations of Directors.
The Government of Canada has developed a Toolkit for Directors, Officers, and Volunteers to help understand the requirements and obligations of maintaining charitable status.
*Please note, as a charity organization some individuals may be ineligible to join our Board of Directors. Please review ‘Ineligible Individuals’ guidance from Canada Revenue Agency.
You can contact the Board of Directors by email at: HSNCFriend@gmail.com
Current Executive
2023-2024
President – John Usher
Treasurer – Kristen Aspden
Secretary & HSNC Rep – Taylor Hecker
Director at Large – Deb Kellett
Director at Large - Vincent Fournier
Screenshot from the Annual General Meeting held March 14, 2021 (left-to-right) starting at top row: Kristen Aspden (Treasurer), Curtis Goodman (member), Penny Hopkins (member), Ken Moore (member), Rick Andrews (President), Coreen Putman (member), Kairvee Bhatt (Director), Taylor Hecker (Secretary & HSNC Rep), Jim Carter (member), Ellen Carter (member), Marni Hope (Vice-President), Ednna Stobschinski (guest), Dorothy Graham (member). Not in photo, but present at meeting: Rick Parker (Director).
Board members at the 2020 Annual General Meeting (left to right): Samantha Tinworth (Past-President), Marni Hope (Director), Rick Andrews (President), Taylor Hecker (Secretary & HSNC Rep), Rick Parker (Director), Curtis Goodman (Member). Missing: Ashley Pearse (Vice-President).
Board members past and present at the 2019 Annual General Meeting (Left to Right): Prisca Baptista, Rick Parker, Samantha-Shae Smuk, Samantha Tinworth, Ashley Pearse, Taylor Hecker (back row), Ken Moore (back row), Marni Hope, Ron Tsujikawa, Becky Cousins, Curtis Goodman.
2017/2018 Board of Directors (Left to Right): Ron Tsujikawa, Rick Parker (Treasurer), Ken Moore (President), Samantha Shae-Smuk (Vice President), Prisca Baptista, Linda Cerney, Mary Anderson, Coreen Putman, Loreen Blacker (member), Curtis Goodman (member). Missing: Becky Cousins (Secretary)