We have 15 director positions on our Board with each normally serving three year terms, The terms are staggered so that five are elected by our members each year at our AGM. On September 22nd at Fort Gibraltar, seven directors were elected to the Board, because we had two directors resign due to other commitments, primarily professional work and family obligation. One of those departing directors was Delaney Vun, a long time Board Member, who served in various capacities, both chairing and serving on multiple committees, and was vice president for a few years. The departing director was Matt Jerome, who was elected to our Board in 2020 and served as our Vice President this past year. We thank both of them for their service.

This year four of the five directors whose terms were expiring, ran for election, and were reelected. Those directors are Doug Forbes, John Popowich, Kathleen Vandale and Alan Forbes. The one director that decided not to run for election was Phil Jenkinson, who we thank for this service the past two years. The other three directors elected are Patricia Salam, who served our Board previously as Secretary for a one year term, along with Alex Abraham and Seth Henoch, who were volunteer members of our Communications Committee this past year.

The director profiles that follow will hopefully highlight to you the diversity of skills and experiences we have amongst our Board members, and perhaps prompt you to consider sharing your skills and abilities with us in the future, either as a committee either as a committee member, as a director, or as a volunteer.

JOHN POPOWICH

John is an accountant with Lazer Grant LLP and obtained his Certified Aboriginal Financial Manager (CAFM) designation in 2006. John has been involved withindigenous communities for over 30 years, starting with First Nation Audits and then becoming an Advisor on financial matters as well as providing training and direction to First Nation communities in Manitoba and Ontario.

Aboriginal Financial Officers Association (AFOA) has become an important component in John’s life from developing new friendships and business relationships to being able to stay current on the latest news and requirements by government agencies. The CAFM designation is recognized as an integral part of Indigenous Finance.

Outside of his work life, he loves to travel and is a model train enthusiast. John has traveled throughout Europe, Asia, South America and the Caribbean.

John has always been concerned about the condition and management of the condominium he purchased in 2001. He was elected to the board and became the treasurer of Winnipeg Condominium Corporation # 14, a position he has held since 2011. Along with the other members of the board, he has ensured his condominium corporation has met the requirements of the reserve study and feels the board has been instrumental in keeping the condominiums in pristine condition. In September 2019 joined the board of CCI Manitoba and currently is Chapter President and National Council Representative.

KATHLEEN VANDALE

Kathleen has worked in the Insurance Industry at Hub International for over 36 years, specializing in residential realty – Condominiums and Apartments. Sheworks along side her clients to provide the best insurance solutions, risk management and risk transfer services.

Kathleen continues to manage some of HUB Manitoba’s largest and most complex clients including a large Property Management Portfolio. She has the proven ability to identify customers’ needs and her attention to detail combined with her commitment to unparalleled customer service have resulted in many long term, loyal relationships with both her clients and insurance underwriters.

Kathleen’s dedication to her vocation has led to her involvement as a member of the Manitoba Chapter of the Canadian Condominium Institute and the Professional Property Managers Association.

DOUG FORBES

Doug was introduced to condominium law as an articling student in 1989, and then as a unit owner. Doug subsequently became a member of the Board of Directors of his Condominium’s Corporation, and eventually President.

Doug has been a professional member of the Canadian Condominium Institute (Manitoba Chapter) for over 30 years. He has been on the Board of Directors of the Manitoba Chapter since 1998 and is a Past President of the Manitoba Chapter. Doug is also the Chair of the Manitoba Chapter’s Government Relations Committee.

Doug is also a Past President of CCI (National).

As a partner in the law firm of Thompson Dorfman Sweatman LLP, Doug acts for condominium corporations, developers, lenders, and individuals in apartment, townhouse, and bare land style condominiums. In addition to his involvement in condominium law, he practices in the area of Real Estate law and in Corporate/ Commercial law.

Doug frequently provides advice and assistance in areas such as drafting, interpreting, and amending declarations and by-laws, disputes between boards and unit owners, collection of common expense arrears, and assisting in governance issues for condominium developments of all styles and sizes. Doug regularly contributes to, or chairs, meetings for condominium corporations.

Doug says he likes condominium law because “it is a nice mixture of commercial and business law with a human element. There is more at stake than money, it involves how people live, and how they live with each other.”

PATRICIA SALAM

Patricia is a retired financial services professional, having most recently worked with Investors Group for 15 years as a financial advisor. Prior to that she worked in various accounting and management capacities for 25 years with TD Bank. Patricia enjoyed her working career in the financial services industry with TD Canada Trust and IG Wealth Management. Her most rewarding experiences was her engagement with clients and assisting them to achieve their financial goals.