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Board of Directors
The Cooperative Memorial Society (CMS) Board of Directors is dedicated to guiding the organization’s mission and governance, ensuring members' needs are prioritized. Comprised of volunteer members with diverse expertise, the board oversees strategic direction, develops policies, and maintains compliance with relevant legislation, including the Cooperative Act and its regulations. Recently, the board worked on repealing and simplifying the 2022 bylaws to align with current needs, remove unnecessary information covered by board policies or legislation, and make the bylaws more accessible to members. Additionally, the board hired an Executive Director and approved its strategic plan for 2024-2027 to further strengthen CMS’s growth and member support. We welcome member engagement and feedback as part of our commitment to transparency and service. For more information on the board’s work, policies, or to contact us, please explore the resources on this page. 2024-2025 Board of Directors
Board Chair: Sylvia Kasper (Calgary)
Vice Chair: Tim Duthie (Calgary) Secretary: Ross McNichol (Calgary) Treasurer: Deb Patterson (Calgary) Susan Costello (Calgary) Dianne Fehr (Calgary) Miriam Carey (Calgary) Don Gnatiuk (Edmonton) Mike Meredith (Resigned)
Terry Geib (Resigned to become ED) Board Committees
1. Financial Oversight (Audit) 2. Governance 3. Board Development Board Processes and Procedures
The Cooperative Memorial Society (CMS) Board of Directors follows a structured and transparent governance process to ensure effective leadership and accountability. The Board consists of 9-12 directors who serve staggered three-year terms, with a maximum of two consecutive terms before requiring a one-year break for re-election eligibility. In case of vacancies, the Board can appoint a temporary director until the next annual meeting, where a new director may be elected to complete the term. To maintain a robust and representative leadership, director nominations are open to members who meet eligibility criteria as outlined in the Alberta Cooperatives Act. Each year, the Board communicates its desired qualifications for new directors and invites interested members to submit letters of interest. A nominating committee reviews applications and presents recommended candidates at the annual meeting. Board directors are responsible for overseeing the affairs of CMS, adhering to fiduciary duties, conflict-of-interest standards, and all relevant laws. Disqualification criteria include unresolved bankruptcy, fraud, or legal disputes with the Cooperative, among others. Removal of a director requires a two-thirds Board vote and offers an appeal process through an impartial committee review. The Board may establish committees, comprised of directors or other members, to provide specialized advice. Directors serve without compensation but are reimbursed for pre-approved expenses. To protect its leaders, CMS maintains liability insurance and indemnifies directors and officers acting in good faith, while excluding coverage for misconduct, bad faith, or criminal acts. The Board also appoints officer positions, including roles like Chair, Vice-Chair, Secretary, and Treasurer, with duties specified by Board resolution in compliance with the Alberta Cooperatives Act and CMS policies. Officers may be removed by majority Board vote, with the right to be heard before any decision is finalized. This governance structure ensures accountability, transparency, and effective service to CMS members. 2024-2025 Board
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Directors since 1965
Adina Lyon
Aileen Palmer Al Beattie Al Grant Alan Davis Alan Gibson Alan Jessop Aldona Condon Alex Calhoun Andrew Jessen Angus McKinnon Art Norrington Art Turner Barb Gratton Barbara McElroy Bea Empey Betty Woodford Beverly Hanl Bill Murray Bob McPherson Bob Spinney Bobbi Reimer Charlotte Groarke Cheryl Wheat Dave Graham Debbie Patterson Diane Corbett Diane Walker Dianne Fehr Don Gnatiuk Doug Engh Doug Thornton Dyre Scheer-Peter Ed Wolf Elizabeth Baldwin Elvyra Kraus Ester Weerstra Ford Marshall Frank Sheasby G.C. Jamieson Gail Loadman George Melnyk Gerrald Haggett Gerry Merritt Gladys Dynes Hazel Hart Helen Green Irene Stobbe Jack Fears Jeff Schofield Jerry Jonasson Jim Patten John Backhouse John Gorman Joyce Tomboulian Judy Cass Ken Ferguson Knut Vesterdal Larry Truitt Laurie Mills Les McNicol Linda Harsh Lindsay Sangster Lisa Baldwin Liz Blackstock Loretta Biasutti Louis Grenier Lyle Dowdell Lyndie Kehler Margaret deVries Margaret Hall Margery Gibson Mark Farris Mary Etta Tutty Michael Cacace Mike Meredith Mike Mulligan Miriam Carey Mona Thornton Monique Rigole Myrna Malanik Neil Vanderstoop Nellie Pintus Pat Parker Patricia Sather Paul Greig Jr. Pater Jamieson Peter Stacey-Salmon Phil Davidson Ralph White Randy Kott Reverand James Taylor Rhama Friesen Richard Godwin Rick Green Rick Smith Robert Hingston Robert McPherson Robert Smiley Ross McNichol Roy Goodall Ruth Wall Sarah Cantrill Sheila Johnson Shirley Davis Susan Costello Sylvia Kasper Ted Boyko Terry Geib Tim Duthie Tom Kirkbride Tom Stalinkski Tony Villamar Verna Pollack Walter Vysholid Ward Neale Wilf Phillips |
We are Looking for Directors
Serving on the CMS Board is a meaningful way to help guide our organization’s mission, shape policies, and ensure our members' needs are prioritized. As a director, you will collaborate with other passionate individuals, represent the interests of our members, and play a vital role in strengthening and growing CMS’s services. This is a chance to contribute your unique skills and insights, while gaining valuable experience in cooperative governance and community service.
Our Board is composed of volunteer members who are committed to ensuring CMS remains a trusted, member-driven cooperative. We believe that your voice and experience could be a valuable addition. If you meet the eligibility requirements outlined in the Alberta Cooperatives Act, we encourage you to submit a letter of interest to our nominating committee. We’ll work with you to match your skills and interests with our organizational goals.
Together, let’s build a stronger CMS and continue offering compassionate, affordable, and respectful services for our community. If you have questions or would like more information about this rewarding opportunity, please reach out to us at [email protected]. We look forward to hearing from you!
Serving on the CMS Board is a meaningful way to help guide our organization’s mission, shape policies, and ensure our members' needs are prioritized. As a director, you will collaborate with other passionate individuals, represent the interests of our members, and play a vital role in strengthening and growing CMS’s services. This is a chance to contribute your unique skills and insights, while gaining valuable experience in cooperative governance and community service.
Our Board is composed of volunteer members who are committed to ensuring CMS remains a trusted, member-driven cooperative. We believe that your voice and experience could be a valuable addition. If you meet the eligibility requirements outlined in the Alberta Cooperatives Act, we encourage you to submit a letter of interest to our nominating committee. We’ll work with you to match your skills and interests with our organizational goals.
Together, let’s build a stronger CMS and continue offering compassionate, affordable, and respectful services for our community. If you have questions or would like more information about this rewarding opportunity, please reach out to us at [email protected]. We look forward to hearing from you!
