Board of Directors

Emma Pietroleonardo, Board Chair

Emma Pietroleonardo has more than 20 years of experience in the hospitality industry and is the General Manager of the Executive Royal Inn in Leduc. Currently earning her MBA, Ms. Pietroleonardo offers a strong marketing background and keen business savvy. Her past community involvement includes serving as President of the Leduc & District Chamber of Commerce, Accommodations Director for the 2008 Alberta Winter Games and as the Leduc and District Chamber of Commerce Representative for the City of Leduc's Budget Committee.

Congratulations to the Leduc-Nisku EDA Board Chair, Emma Pietroleonardo: as of January 16, 2012, she has been promoted as the new Director of Hotel Operations and Marketing for four Executive Royal Inns and one Quality Inn in Alberta.  She will continue to be the General Manager of the Executive Royal Inn Leduc.

Kristina Dembinski, Vice Chair

The owner of Sagewood Communications, Kristina thrives on working with organizations and companies to bring order and efficiency to their programs, services and activities. With strong roots in and 20 years of experience working with organizations in Alberta's food, agriculture, conservation and environment communities, Kristina brings a unique perspective and understanding of the needs and expectations of clients in these industries.

Before starting her own communications and public relations company, Kristina worked for Growing Alberta, managing the development and delivery of communications and public relations efforts to build awareness for Alberta's agri-food industry, and facilitate greater public dialogue between the industry and Albertans.

She also worked in municipal government for eight years, holds a Masters degree in business administration, is a Northlands volunteer, and is a member of the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC).

Throughout her career, Kristina's perspective and passion have enabled the successful development and delivery of many effective communications programs, impactful public relations and marketing initiatives, and strong organizational profiles for her clients.

Dana Smith, City of Leduc Council Appointment

Dana Smith is a City of Leduc Alderman and is employed at Christ the King Junior-Senior High School while being actively involved in her family business, Venger Group. She is a graduate of the Red Deer College Rehabilitation Program and demonstrates strong community commitment as a founder of Leduc RCMP Victim Services, past Chair of the Leduc Housing Authority and a past member of the Performing Arts Council. Ms. Smith is a past volunteer with the RCMP Community Housing Committee and is a Board Member with the Alberta Mental Health Board Review Panel. Her successes include raising $120,000 for the Playground Committee Project as Chairman for the Parents Council at Notre Dame.

John Schonewille, Leduc County Council Appointment

John Schonewille found his way to Leduc County in the early 1980s after travelling through the greater part of Canada. An integral community member, he was involved with the Nisku Fire department for over 20 years as a volunteer firefighter and moved through the ranks from rookie to Fire Captain. Now in his third term as division 3 councillor, Mr. Schonewille feels a strong connection to the residents he serves and to the projects he has been a part of. His vision is for an open and people-focused government, one he hopes will be achieved soon with the support of his fellow councillors. Mr. Schonewille and his wife have four children and 10 grandchildren, whom they love spending time with.

Ray Smith, Board Member

Ray Smith has over 25 years in the upstream oil & gas industry, working in several countries in Drilling Engineering and Management. Beginning his career as a Civil Engineer technologist, he has a thirst for knowledge and continually returns to the classroom to further his education, having also obtained a Business Management Honors Diploma, and most recently a Bachelor of Technology in 2012. He was awarded the Alumni Award of Distinction from his former Alma Mater.

Originally from Edmonton, Ray returned to Canadian management in 2008 and is strongly invested in the growth of the Leduc-Nisku area as he is currently responsible for 1100 personnel. Ray has been active in technology development with 14 patents and represented the Society of Petroleum Engineers as a distinguished Lecturer. 

Annie Yee, Edmonton International Airport Representative

Annie Yee has more than 20 years of legal experience both in private practice and as Corporate Counsel.  Prior to joining Edmonton Airports, she was Corporate Counsel at Vancouver International Airport Authority for over 10 years.  She is a graduate of the University of Alberta with a Law Degree and a Bachelor of Science in Home Economics.

Annie joined Edmonton Airports in December of 2006 as General Counsel, and was appointed Corporate Secretary the following year.  She is a member of the Executive Management Committee and is an officer of the corporation, serving as a key advisor to the President and CEO and the Board of Directors on corporate governance and strategic, commercial and regulatory matters from a legal perspective.  Annie is also responsible for the provision of in-house and external legal services, advice and counsel to the Board of Directors, Executive Management Committee and management and staff of Edmonton Airports.

Annie is a member of both the Alberta and British Columbia bar and is a member of the Canadian Corporate Counsel Association.

Glen Finstad, City of Leduc Alternate Rep

Alderman Glen Finstad and his wife have bought, sold and started several businesses over the past 15 years.  He has a passion for coaching and mentoring other business owners.

Glen has been actively involved with Leduc Regional Chamber of Commerce as a board member.  He is additionally associated with the following boards, appointments and committees:

• Agri-Food Initiative
• Budget Committee
• Disaster Services Committee
• Grant Application Review Sub-Committee
• Leduc and District Chamber of Commerce Executive (Alternate)
• Leduc Community Drug Action Committee
• Leduc Environmental Advisory Board
• Leduc/Nisku Economic Development (Alternate)
• Subdivision & Development Appeal Board
• Vandalism Prevention Committee

Jocelyn MacKay, Leduc County Alternate Rep

Originally from Edmonton, Jocelyn Mackay is an organizational specialist by trade, with training in human resources, labor relations and education. She is in her first term on Leduc County Council, however she has been politically active her whole life. Representing the needs of Leduc County residents and Businesses are her priority.