Governance Information and the Annual General Meeting

The Cooperative Memorial Society is a member-owned co-operative governed by its Articles of Incorporation,
​Bylaws, and policies approved by the Board of Directors.
This page provides quick access to current governance documents and annual meeting information.

Current Governing Documents
CMS is incorporated under Alberta’s Cooperatives Act. Our Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws set out the formal structure, rights, and responsibilities of the Co-op, its members, and its Board of Directors.
View Current Bylaws and Articles of Incorporation

Policies Affecting Members
These policies are available under Quick Links in the footer of every page.
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Annual Meeting Information
CMS holds an Annual General Meeting each year to report to members, present financial and organizational updates, elect Directors when required, and consider any member business or special resolutions.
View 2026 Annual Meeting Information
View 2027 Annual Meeting Information
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Questions?
Members with questions about CMS governance may contact the Board Chair or Executive Director.

The Co-operative Memorial Society is owned and governed by its members. Our volunteer Board of Directors sets strategic direction, establishes policy, and ensures CMS remains accountable to its mission and values. Day-to-day operations are carried out by our Executive Director, working within the authority the Board establishes. This structure promotes transparency, fairness, and sound decision-making — always in the best interests of our members.

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Annual General Meeting

​Each year, CMS holds an Annual General Meeting (AGM) where members come together to:

• Hear updates on CMS's activities, finances, and plans for the year ahead
• Vote on important matters, including the election of the Board of Directors
• Ask questions and share feedback directly with CMS leadership

As a member-owned co-operative, your participation shapes the direction of our organization. The AGM is your opportunity to stay informed, have your voice heard, and help ensure CMS continues to serve members well. Our next AGM is February 27, 2027. 

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Board of Directors

​What does the Board do?

• Sets strategic direction — Establishes CMS's long-term vision and priorities through policy, ensuring we continue to offer affordable, transparent end-of-life planning.
• Provides governance and oversight — Monitors organizational performance, financial health, and risk, without involvement in day-to-day operations.
• Represents members' interests — Makes decisions that reflect the needs and values of the people CMS exists to serve.
• Ensures accountability and sustainability — Holds the Executive Director accountable for operational performance while safeguarding CMS's long-term viability and community impact.

How are Board members chosen?​ Board members are elected by CMS members at the AGM. They are volunteers who contribute their time, skills, and experience to govern the organization on behalf of the membership.

Interested in joining the Board? Reach out to the Chair of our Board Development Committee at [email protected].

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Meet our Board of Directors and Staff

Tim Duthie, Board Chair
Tim grew up in a rural family with deep roots in the cooperative movement. His first job was with a co-op in rural Alberta, and he went on to build over 20 years of experience working for and with cooperatives, including UFA. He is currently working with different organizations as a fractional sales leader. Tim is also an active community volunteer, having coached numerous youth sports teams in hockey, basketball, soccer, and baseball. He also volunteers as a mentor with Higher Landing in "The Grizzly Den." Contact Tim.

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​Dianne Fehr, Vice-Chair
Dianne is a values-driven executive with 23 years in the non-profit sector. As the founding Executive Director of Windmill Microlending, she built Canada’s largest microloan program, lending $20 million to 3,000 internationally trained immigrants. A finalist for the 2016 RBC Canadian Women Entrepreneur Awards, Dianne is skilled in governance, stakeholder engagement, and strategic leadership. Contact Dianne. 

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Ross McNichol, Secretary
Ross  joined the CMS board in 2023 after serving on the End of Life Advisory Committee from 2022 to 2023. Ross was re-elected to the CMS Board of Directors effective the AGM held on February 28, 2026, for another three-year term. Ross is a Chartered Professional Accountant who operated his own practice until retirement. He currently serves as Chair of the Financial Oversight Committee and as Board Secretary. Ross brings valuable financial expertise, governance experience, and a strong commitment to supporting CMS’s accountability and long-term sustainability. Contact Ross. 

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​Don Gnatiuk
Don holds a Master’s degree in Business Administration from Royal Roads University, as well as an associate degree in Fire Sciences and  a number of designations and certificates, including Board Oversight for Strategy Change Management, Crown Director Effectiveness and Not-for-profit Governance Essentials.  He holds an ICID.D designation from the Institute of Corporate directors.  He recently retired as President and CEO of Grand Prairie Regional College.  Contact Don. 

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Rob Seipert
Rob joined the board in 2025 with  over 20 years of experience in Information Technology, including 15 years in senior leadership and cybersecurity. He brings expertise in project management, contract administration, and team leadership, with a strong focus on problem-solving, customer service, and effective communication. Contact Rob. 

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​Gael MacLeod
Gael joined the board in 2025 with over 30 years of senior leadership and board experience across cooperatives, charities, and regulatory boards, she excels at fostering collaboration and navigating complex interests. Contact Gael.

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​Arla Hillis
Arla joined the CMS Board of Directors effective the AGM held on February 28, 2026, for a three-year term. Arla brings strong experience in insurance, risk management, and governance, with more than 15 years of leadership experience. She currently serves as a Licensing Manager and National Ombudsperson, and holds both the CIP and Global Risk Management Institute designations. Her professional background and governance expertise strengthen the Board’s capacity in oversight, accountability, and strategic leadership. Contact Arla.

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​Jim Oscroft
Jim joined the CMS Board of Directors effective the AGM held on February 28, 2026, for a three-year term. Jim has significant leadership experience in the nonprofit sector, including serving as President of the Kinsmen Clubs and as Executive Director of the St. Albert Community Foundation. Based in St. Albert, Jim brings extensive knowledge of community leadership, organizational stewardship, and nonprofit governance. His experience will contribute meaningfully to the work of the CMS Board.​ Contact Jim.

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Greg Humphreys
Greg joined the CMS Board of Directors effective the AGM held on February 28, 2026, for a three-year term. Greg brings decades of community and volunteer leadership experience across charitable, governance, and civic organizations. He founded Kots-4-Kids and has also served on the board of Pacekids Society for Children with Special Needs. His longstanding commitment to service and community engagement will be a valuable asset to CMS as it continues to serve members and the broader community.​ Contact Greg

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CMS Staff

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Terry Geib, Executive Director
​Terry became the first Executive Director of the Cooperative Memorial Society (CMS) in 2024, after serving on its board since 2009. With a background in cooperative governance and strategic planning—and more than 25 years serving on cooperative boards at the national, provincial, and local level—she leads CMS’s operations, membership services, and outreach initiatives. Drawing on her experience as a business strategist with The City of Calgary, Terry focuses on strengthening CMS’s impact through policy development, communications, and community engagement.​ Contact Terry.

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Deb Patterson, Treasurer joined the CMS Board in 2023 after serving on the End-of-Life Advisory Committee (2022-2023) and became Treasurer in January 2024. With over 30 years of experience in tax and financial planning, she specializes in helping clients navigate estate and end-of-life financial matters, including tax implications for estates and final returns. As the founder of The GRIEF Plan Inc., Debbie has dedicated her career to educating individuals and families about wills, powers of attorney, and estate planning. Debbie move into the contracted financial administrator/treasurer role on February 1, 2026. Contact Deb. 

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Karen Ryan is a retired leadership coach and mentor who volunteers with the Cooperative Memorial Society by managing CMS mail and bank deposits on a seasonal basis.
As the former Principal Owner of Karen Ryan Consulting, Karen supported organizations and leaders through strategic planning, leadership and executive development, team development, and managing complex change. Her work reflects a systems approach to organizational problem-solving, with a strong focus on relationship-building—bringing people together to resolve conflict, strengthen trust, and support healthy team and organizational culture.
Karen’s experience, reliability, and people-centred approach make her a valued part of the CMS volunteer team.

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Barb Montgomery,
​Membership Services Coordinator
​Barb joined CMS in January 2017, following a 30-year career in hotels and hospitality. In her role, Barb manages membership inquiries, assists with telephone applications, maintains member records, and ensures smooth communication between members and service providers. Her warm, caring nature and attention to detail are highly valued by the Board. Contact Barb.

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​Jodi Murphy is CMS’s Outreach and Volunteer Coordinator and an organizational change management consultant with over six years of experience supporting complex projects in both public and private sectors. With certifications in Prosci (ADKAR) and APMG, she has led change management for major IT and process transformation initiatives—developing practical communication, engagement, and training approaches that strengthen adoption and support people through transition. Jodi also brings a coaching lens to her work as a part-time leadership coach with BetterUp, helping leaders navigate change with clarity, confidence, and purpose. She is passionate about building strong, connected volunteer teams and turning good ideas into successful, people-centred outcomes. Jodi serves primarily in the Edmonton region. Contact Jodi. 

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Honouring our Past Directors

CMS has served Albertans for decades, and much of that is owed to the volunteer directors who gave their time, expertise, and energy to guide this organization. Their leadership has shaped our governance, strengthened our financial foundation, and kept our mission firmly focused on the people we exist to serve.
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Thanks in part to their efforts, thousands of Albertans have been able to access dignified, affordable end-of-life planning. We are grateful for every person who has served on our Board, and we honour their contribution to what CMS is today.

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
​Elaine Bereziuk-Smith
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
​Stuart Cantrill
Susan Costello
Sylvia Kasper
Ted Boyko
Terry Geib
​Tim Duthie
Tom Kirkbride
Tom Stalinkski
Tony Villamar
Verna Pollack
Walter Vysholid
Ward Neale
​Wilf Phillips