Our Team

Gord Winkel joined Commissionaires as a governor with the Northern Alberta, Northwest Territories and Nunavut Division in May 2014, and became Chair of the Division in May 2019. He was elected as National Chair at the Annual Meeting of Divisions in June 2021.

Following his retirement as Vice-President for Syncrude Canada Ltd. in 2010, Gord became Chair and Industrial Professor for the Safety and Risk Management Program in the Faculty of Engineering at the University of Alberta where he continues to work. He has held numerous senior business and board positions bringing a wealth of business-related background to Commissionaires. Gord continues to provide support in safety, risk management and organization effectiveness to firms and boards across Canada.

Tony Stack joined Commissionaires as a governor with the Newfoundland and Labrador Division in November 2020 and was elected Chair of the Division in November 2021. He is currently the CEO/Director of Education for the Newfoundland and Labrador English School District.

Brad White joined the NB PEI Division as a Governor in September 2019 and became Chair in May 2023. Brad served 23 years in the Canadian Armed Forces as an Armour Officer (8CH) with tours in Cyprus and Germany. In 1998 Brad left the military and joined the National Headquarters of The Royal Canadian Legion where he served another 21 years, culminating in his appointment as National Executive Director in 2009. 

Brad retired in 2019 and he and Thérèse moved to Dieppe NB to be close to their two sons and families.  Retirement life brings the joys of spoiling six grandchildren and many rounds of recreational golf.

Mike joined the London Division of Commissionaires in 1996 which merged with the Toronto Division in 1998 to become Commissionaires Great Lakes. Joining the Board in 2003, he served as Chairman from 2010-2012. In 2022, he rejoined the Board and in 2023 was elected Chairman after the death of the incumbent. Mike was awarded the Commissionaires Distinguished Service Medal in 2012 and has the third bar to the Commissionaires Long Service Medal. He is a Life Governor. In addition to his CD with two bars, he was also awarded the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal.

Dr. Hoare has led a diversified career in health and human services, the military, post-secondary Education, human resources and consulting. He served 32 years in the Army and Navy in both Regular and Reserve components. His doctorate from the University of Toronto was received in 1996 and he is a longstanding member of the Canadian Psychological Association. He has worked in hospital administration in Northern Manitoba and as a health care consultant in Saudi Arabia and the Philippines.

His volunteer involvement has been extensive in a wide variety of military related organizations, too many to name He served as President and Executive Director at the Royal Canadian Military Institute from 2016- 2021 and most recently completed six years on the Board of the Naval Association of Canada.

Glenna Swing joined Commissionaires as a governor with the Hamilton Division in November, 2008. She acted as Board Secretary for six years and became Chair of the Division in June, 2022. She was also awarded her Long Service Medal.

Glenna has maintained her ties with HMCS STAR where she serviced with the Reserves for more than 40 years. Glenna also acts as the HLCol for the Royal Hamilton Light Infantry and has a long history of service within her community.

Robert Poirier joined Commissionaires as a governor with the Manitoba Division in 2010 and became Chair of the Division in July 2022.

Robert Poirier was raised in Kenora, Ontario and joined the Canadian Army in 1971 as a militia soldier. He served the Royal Regiment of Canadian Artillery for the subsequent 38 years in the Regular and Reserve armies. As a second career he worked in municipal governments in Manitoba, and owned a business providing emergency management services.

Darwin Forbes joined the Board of the Commissionaires, North Saskatchewan Division in 2012 and was elected Division Chair in 2023. He joined the Audit Committee in 2020, was Chair of the Committee for three years and also served as Division Vice Chair from 2020-2023.   

Darwin is an accomplished and focused executive with over 30 years of leadership experience. Following graduation from the University of Regina, Darwin has held senior leadership positions and has acquired extensive experience in the Canadian insurance market. He has a passion to build exceptionally strong, high performing teams and as a leader and mentor, Darwin enjoys coaching and supporting others in sports as well as in business.  He continues to enjoy many sporting activities as a participant such as hockey, golf and Triathlon.  He was honoured to receive the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal for service to the community in 2023.

LCol. (Ret’d) Keith W. Prior was born in Regina. Keith was a reserve military legal officer with the Canadian Forces Office of the Judge Advocate General for 22 years, retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel; having been the Deputy Assistant Judge Advocate General Prairie Region for the final 11 years of his service.

Keith was admitted to the bar in 1975 and became a partner in his law firm in 1978. He retired after 47 years of general practice having a broad range of experience both as a barrister in the Courts, and as a solicitor.  In his early years he acted as defense council and as a drug prosecutor (for just over 10 years); however, his preferred areas of practice were real estate, business law and wills and estates, with an interest in mediation/Alternative Dispute Resolution. He also volunteered as a lecturer for Public Legal Education, particularly to retirees, for many years.

Keith has been active in the community, sitting and holding offices on many boards and committees, including the Downtowners Optimist Club of Regina, his Church, his local community association, Regina South Zone Recreation Board, as well as Regina Crime Stoppers. 

Keith has served as a judge for debates for the Saskatchewan Elocution and Debate Society, coached and coordinated recreational soccer and received various awards for his volunteerism, and he served as an officer with Air Cadet Squadrons in Regina and Saskatoon.

Tim Grant brings extensive command and staff experience accumulated through his 31 years of military and 11 years of Alberta Government service. He was Deputy Minister of several departments including Deputy Solicitor General and is currently the Public Service Commissioner. A former Commander of Land Force Western Area, Tim also led Canada’s missions in Bosnia and Afghanistan.

Ray Romses joined the board of Commissionaires Southern Alberta in August 2012 and became Board Chair in June 2023.

A native of Lethbridge, Alberta, Ray brings extensive command and staff experience accumulated through his 39 years of military service. Since retiring in 2009 he has served on numerous non-profit Boards and has brought a wealth of both experience and common sense to them. He is also currently the Colonel of the Regiment of the Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry.

During his 13 years at National Defence, Lorne worked in finance, logistics, and staff development. He managed budgets ranging from 1 billion to 20 billion dollars. As Chairman, he helped grow the Army Run from 7,500 to 30,000 runners. He provided critical infrastructure and logistics to field units between Israel and Syria. He managed a large team of career managers, handling more than 16,000 military files and guiding the professional development and career progression of personnel.

Lorne also planned three professional golf tournaments for the National Capital Open with the Canadian Forces Morale and Welfare Systems.

Mike Jeffery joined the Commissionaires Ottawa Division in June 2013 and was elected Chair of the Division in June 2024.

Mike joined the Canadian Army in 1964 as a Soldier Apprentice. He was appointed Chief of the Land Staff/Commander Canadian Army in August 2000 and retired in 2003. He served as Colonel Commandant of the Royal Regiment of Canadian Artillery from October 2011 to October 2014.

Dave Madeira joined the Commissionaires, British Columbia Division, as a governor with BCCC Enterprises (BCCCEnt) in 2017 and became the BCCCEnt chair in 2019. In 2018, he joined the main CBC board and subsequently became the Chair of the BC Division in 2023. Dave represents the Pacific region in the National Honours and Awards Committee beginning in 2021, becoming their chair in 2022.

Dave began his military career in 1979 as a signalman in the Royal Canadian Navy. He rose through the ranks and sailed on many warships. Dave was then commissioned from the ranks to serve as a maritime surface officer. As an officer, he served in several units in various training, operations and administrative roles. The highlight of his 35-year career was in recruiting where his unique leadership skills dramatically improved the success of his BC unit in attractions and diversity.

He attended the University of Windsor for Computer Science studies and worked in Information Technology as a technician, administrator and manager. He was employed in these capacities at the Royal Bank of Canada and with the Innotech-Execaire Aviation Group. Dave later obtained his Bachelor of Business Administration from Kwantlen Polytechnic University in 2011.

Dave has supported a wide variety of volunteer activities: almost twenty years serving on various parent advisory committees, mostly as Chair; as a trustee of the South Arm Community Association and now in his second term as President; and with the Royal Canadian Marine Search and Rescue (RCMSAR) station in Richmond.

Pierre Ducharme is a Certified Management Consultant and Chartered Business Strategist. He founded Marcon Management Consulting Group “ Conseillers en management MARCON, ” a consulting boutique specializing in energy and transportation, in Montreal in 1989, and now works solo (or almost solo) with Marcon-Miratech, his personal consulting firm. Since 1982, he has been advising the management teams of utilities, manufacturing companies and government departments in Canada, the U.S. and Europe.

Mr. Ducharme was born in Shawinigan, Quebec, in 1956. He attended the Royal Military College Saint-Jean from 1974 to 1979, where he studied engineering and administration. He then continued his training in marketing at the University of Quebec in Montreal (1981) and in strategy at McGill University (Montreal), from which he obtained a doctorate in management in 1984. He is currently completing a Master’s degree in Orthodox Theology at Laval University. During his graduate studies, Mr. Ducharme taught at the University of Quebec in Montreal (Marketing) and Concordia University (Executive MBA).

After leaving the Canadian Forces, he pursued his career in the private sector with SNC-Lavalin. After three years, he joined Woods Gordon (now Ernst & Young) as a Strategy Consultant. In 1986, he was recruited by MERCER Consulting (now Oliver Wyman) and moved to Toronto. He returned to Montreal in 1989 to set up MERCER Consulting’s Strategy Division for Eastern Canada.

During Pierre Ducharme’s tenure at MARCON, the firm has grown into a major management consulting boutique with over 40 high-calibre professionals. Mr. Ducharme is a recognized expert in the fields of energy, alternative energies and low-emission vehicles. He has also held several interim management positions as Vice-President Marketing & Sales for Bombardier’s Recreational Products Division, President of Hydrogen Systems (acquired by Hydrogenics, now Cummins) for four years, and Vice-President Marketing & Strategy for BODCO in the Eastern Townships.

He has served and continues to serve on several boards in North America, Europe and India. Most recently, he was Chairman of ATF Canada, an organization dedicated to the promotion and implementation of advanced, clean Canadian energy technologies in developing countries. After serving as Chairman of the Board of the Royal Military Colleges Alumni Association of Canada, he was appointed by the Minister of National Defence to the Board of Governors of the Royal Military College of Canada in Saint-Jean, where he served for six years. He is now Chairman of the Canadian Corps of Commissionaires, Quebec Division, and sits on the Board of Directors of Tugliq Energie Co. an independent power producer.

Colin Smith joined the Board of Commissionaires Victoria, the Islands and Yukon in 2017 and became Chair in June 2024. In addition to serving as CVIY’s Vice Chair and Audit Committee Chair, Colin has Chaired the AAC and is a member of the Corps’ Government Relations Committee.

Colin earned his BASc in mining engineering at UBC and an MS and MBA at Stanford. He is a registered professional engineer in BC and Idaho. His career has spanned international operations and corporate management, entrepreneurship and private practice consulting in the resource and infrastructure sectors and leading of British Columbia Crown Corporations at a Deputy Minister Equivalent rank.

He has served in both executive and board roles on major BC projects including Metro Vancouver’s Millennium Line Skytrain; Vancouver’s West Convention Centre Building and Victoria’s Capital Regional District Tertiary Wastewater Treatment Project.

Throughout his lifetime, Mr. Smith has engaged himself in the leadership of local, provincial and national service organizations and has served as President of Engineers and Geoscientists BC, Engineers Canada and the BC Chamber of Commerce. In addition to his current roles with the Corps, Colin Chairs the British Columbia Government House Foundation, and The Pacific NorthWest Economic Region (PNWER)’s Finance and Audit Committee. He is also a Board Member of the Vancouver Island Engineering Society, Canadian Society of Senior Engineers, Corporation of the Seven Wardens, Iron Ring Camp 23 and is an active Rotarian.

His service has been recognized with numerous leadership awards, Fellowships, the 125th Anniversary of Canada, the Queen’s Golden, Diamond and Platinum Jubilee medals and a Vice Regal Commendation.

Douglas Ruck is a lawyer with extensive experience in the fields of labour and employment law, human rights, civil litigation and administrative law. He was the first full-time Chairperson of the Unified Nova Scotia Labour Board, and formerly served as the Vice-Chair of the Canada Industrial Relations Board, Nova Scotia Labour Standards Tribunal, Labour Relations Board, and Board of Inquiry for the Human Rights Commission. Douglas is also the former Chairman of the Labour Standards Tribunal, Civil Service Employee Relations Board, and Public Sector Compensation Board, and was the managing partner for the private law practice of Ruck & Mitchell.

Douglas has lectured and presented workshops and seminars at the provincial, national, and international level on a variety of topics in labour and employment law, human rights and more. As well as Nova Scotia’s former Ombudsman, Douglas was instrumental in the creation of Nova Scotia’s Children’s Ombudsman and was the founding Director of the Canadian Ombudsman Association.

As part of his father’s legacy, the late Senator C.W. Ruck, he continues to promote the memory and significance of the No. 2 Construction Battalion. Canada’s first and only all-black Battalion. The story of the Battalion and its place in Canadian history may have been lost if not for the book written by his father in 1987 The Black Battalion 1916-1920: Canada’s Best Kept Military Secret.

He is the Honorary Colonel for the Princess Louise Fusiliers and serves as Chair of the Board of Governors of the University of King’s College.

Tamas Zador, our Director of Operations, brings extensive expertise in international law enforcement and the Canadian security sector, enhancing our team with his wealth of experience. He has developed comprehensive security strategies, conducted meticulous Threat Risk Assessments (TRA`s), and provided managerial oversight for projects and accounts across various sectors, including commercial properties, educational institutions, and gaming facilities throughout Southern Ontario.

In addition, Tamas’s collaborative work with international police agencies and his provision of onsite security and infrastructure support across Europe and Canada highlight his invaluable contributions to our organization’s mission and vision.

Born and raised in Hamilton, Ontario. Megan has a wide range of customer service work experience ranging from waitressing to multifunctional customer and staff support at The Hamilton International Airport. A devoted mother to her daughter, Megan has since found her way to The Canadian Corps of Commissionaires – starting at Hamilton as an ID Service Assistant in May 2023, she is now the Manager of the ID Services and eagerly strives to build new connections and community relationships for the Hamilton division.

Megans excitement, knowledge and respect for the Military continues to grow every day as a direct result of her passion to help the industry and veterans. Being the youngest in the office, she holds herself to high expectations while still maintaining a professional presence.

Tracy brings over 20 years of accounting experience to the company. She worked in a variety of industries in Toronto and Hamilton, progressing from Accounting Clerk to Bookkeeper. She is very knowledgeable in QuickBooks and Ceridian. Her primary focus is on collections and ensuring timely accuracy of financial reporting.

Tracy is a member of the Royal Canadian Legion, poppy campaigning when time permits. In addition, she volunteered with the bygone Her Majesty’s Army and Navy Veteran’s Society of Hamilton where she served as Financial Secretary for several years. Her leisure activities include swimming, walking, and reading.

Ken has been with Commissionaires Hamilton since 2000 starting as a part-time Guard. In 2004 Ken moved to Division HQ into the Dispatcher position then in 2005 he became the Administration Manager. Not only is Ken our Administration Manager but he also fills the position of Quartermaster, Corporate Security Officer and Designated Official for Controlled Goods as the saying goes ‘Jack of all Trades’.

Ken spent 20 years in the Canadian Forces (regular component) then after a few years out of uniform went into the Reserve component as a CIC Officer completed over 37 years in the military after a medical release. Ken continues working with the Cadets as a member of the Army Cadet League of Canada (Ontario).

Helen Dang joined Commissionaires Hamilton in the year of 2024. She first started as a regular security guard and was able to receive the promotion from within to become the Scheduling Manager. As the Scheduling Manager, she is responsible for the accuracies of scheduling and managing short-term accounts. Helen has professional work experience working within the security industry as a security supervisor within the sectors of health care and various others such as financial, corporate, and warehouses. After being in both the security industry, she decided to pursue the career avenues within law enforcement and worked as a Correctional Officer in the province of Ontario and with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) as a police cadet to constable in Saskatchewan. From her professional work experiences within law enforcement and security, she has decided to continue furthering her career within the security industry with Commissionaires Hamilton as a part of the management team. Additionally, Helen continuously keeps fit for duty by running and weight training and volunteers with the Women’s Centre of Halton Region.

Heather has been with Commissionaires Hamilton since 2005 starting as a security guard at Mohawk College then moving to Division HQ as a part-time accounting assistant. In 2009, she was employed full-time as the accounting and administrative assistant and she took on the role of human resources and administrative assistant. Heather was also employed as a duty dispatcher from 2019 to 2023. Heather spent 20 years in the Canadian Forces finance trade and retired at the rank of Sergeant.

Brandi has excelled working in customer service her whole life spending a majority of her time working as a Front-Line Receptionist for a busy small business in Hamilton and as a Secretary for the Hamilton School board.

She is a devoted mother to her two sons and recently found her way to working for The Canadian Corps of Commissionaires. Brandi started in Hamilton as an ID Service Assistant in September 2024 and eagerly strives to build new connections and community relationships for the Hamilton Division. While originally a Hamilton native, she has called the Niagara Region home for the past 9 years.

Lorne Gelowitz, Saskatoon Police Service (Ret’d) Chief Executive Officer Commissionaires North Saskatchewan Lorne Gelowitz was appointed Chief Executive Officer of the North Saskatchewan Division of Commissionaires in January 2019. He first joined Commissionaires in 2015, as Vice President of Operations for Saskatoon, Prince Albert, North Battleford, and La Ronge, and represented the Division on National Office Committees including the National Business Working Group, the Business Development Network, and the Communications Network.

Lorne brings over 31 years of proven leadership experience from his distinguished career with the Saskatoon Police Service. At the time of his retirement in 2015, he was serving as Detective Staff Sergeant in charge of the Criminal Investigations Division (CID) where he was responsible for criminal operations, staffing, and budgeting for 10 Units within the Police Service. His leadership and dedication have earned him many honours including the Governor General’s Caring Canadian Award, the Saskatchewan Volunteer Medal, the Saskatoon Volunteer of the Year Award, the University of Saskatchewan Alumni Humanitarian Award, the Saskatchewan Centennial Medal, the Sovereign’s Medal for Volunteers, and several Law Enforcement Exemplary Service Awards, including the prestigious Chief of Police Award of Excellence. Lorne was a finalist in the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police “Canadian Top Cop Award,” and has been inducted into the International Law Enforcement Hall of Fame.

In addition to his community involvement, Lorne maintains memberships in the Saskatoon Police Association, both the Saskatoon and Saskatchewan Chambers of Commerce, the North Saskatoon Business Association, the Royal Canadian Air Force Association 602 Lynx Wing, the Army Navy & Air Force Veterans Club (ANAVETS), the Royal Canadian Legion and the Canada Remembers Our Veterans Air Show.

Lorne attended the University of Saskatchewan where he achieved a B.A. Adv. Degree majoring in both Political Science and Sociology. He has obtained his Strategic Management in Policing Certification, Senior Police Administration, and both the General and Advanced Certifications in Police Studies.

Lorne and his wife, Deidre, have two married children and four grandchildren. He enjoys travel, golf, time with family and friends, and his new role as grandfather.

Les Speers is responsible for the overall day to day Operations and Contract Management. Joining the Corps in 2002, Les has over 19 years’ experience in security management. Les is a Certified Protection Professional (CPP), board certified in security management with ASIS International, Risk Assessments and CPTED Reviews.

Darwin is an accomplished and focused executive with over 30 years of leadership experience. Following graduation from the University of Regina, Darwin has held several senior positions and has acquired extensive experience in the Canadian insurance market. As a leader and mentor, he has a passion to build exceptionally strong, high performing teams. Darwin enjoys coaching and supporting others in sports, as well as in business. He continues to be active in hockey, golf and Triathlon.

Darwin has served as Governor for the Commissionaires, North Saskatchewan Division since 2012. He joined the Audit Committee in 2020, served as Vice Chair 2020-2023 and was elected Chairperson in 2023.

• Cary Primeau, Vice Chair
• Vance McNab, Past Chair
• Joan Steckhan
• Janine Harriman
• Heidy Shockey
• Andrea Curliss
• Colin Phippard

Originally from Mount Pearl, Newfoundland, Mr. Pitcher is a Royal Roads Military College graduate who served seven years in the Canadian Armed Forces as an infantry officer. He spent 24 years with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) before retiring in 2019 at the rank of Inspector. Mr. Pitcher worked as an international security consultant prior to his role as Chief Executive Officer.

Mr. Pitcher deployed to Afghanistan in 2007 and has been a member of the Primary Army Reserve since 2010. He is currently a Colonel with the 5th Canadian Division in Halifax and has served as Operations Officer for the local response to the COVID-19 pandemic and as Commanding Officer of the Princess Louise Fusiliers. Most recently, Mr. Pitcher was the Community Engagement and Event Lead for the federal government’s apology to the descendants of the No. 2 Construction Battalion.

Mr. Pitcher comes from a family of police and military veterans and is an avid fitness and outdoor enthusiast. He is passionate about prioritizing people and culture in the workplace and recently completed a yearlong Equity, Diversity and Inclusion program at Dalhousie University.

Originally from New Brunswick, Ms. Hachey is a Chartered Public Accountant with more than 30 years of varied experience, including financial reporting, internal controls, budgeting and planning, equity and debt financings, corporate governance, and operational and financial management.

Ms. Hachey began her career with Ernst & Young in Saint John, New Brunswick focusing on audit-related services for clients in several different industries. After two years of working at NB Tel Inc, she moved to Halifax and worked in increasingly senior roles with Emera Inc. and its subsidiaries from 2001 to 2006.

She was the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and Corporate Secretary of Corridor Resources Inc. for 14 years, and most recently the CFO and Corporate Secretary of Nova Leap Health Corp. 

When not at the rink, gym, or sports field watching her daughter play sports, she loves to cook and spend time with her family and two dogs.

Rebecca Landry, originally from Gothenburg, Sweden, is a dynamic leader known for her creative, detail-oriented, and innovative approach, and drive to succeed. Rebecca holds a Bachelor of Science in Engineering from Chalmers University of Technology, specializing in Industrial Management and Production Engineering. Her education emphasized continuous improvement, innovation, and sustainable practices, values that she continues to prioritize in her professional life.

Rebecca’s career has been marked by a dedication to making processes more efficient and effective, considering sustainability, cost, and quality. In her previous role as Head of Operations with Saab, Rebecca managed operations involving Saab equipment for both the Canadian Navy and Army. She has extensive experience in operational management, government contracts, customer satisfaction, and strategic planning, overseeing key business functions such as project management, logistics, and field services.

Rebecca is also deeply committed to continuous learning, both for herself and her team. She serves on the board of directors for the Chalmers Alumni Association USA-Canada, a non-profit organization promoting the university and offering scholarships to students in North America. Additionally, she is involved in various mentorship programs, advocating for and supporting female leadership, particularly within the Defence and Security industry.

Outside of work, Rebecca enjoys spending time outdoors, hiking, and exploring new areas of the province. She also loves cooking, gardening, and spending time with her family.

During his legal career, Mr. Ruck specialized in labour relations and employment, human rights, occupational health and safety and administrative law. In 1995, he was appointed Ombudsman for Nova Scotia. In 2011 he became the first full-time chair of the Unified Nova Scotia Labour Board. Mr. Ruck has shared his time and expertise with a range of volunteer organizations and is currently Chair of the University of King’s College Board of Governors. He was elected to the CNS Board in 2018. He holds a Bachelor of Law from Dalhousie University, Bachelor of Arts (Political Science) from Kings College, and Mediation from Harvard University Law School.

RAdm Weadon joined the CNS Board in 2020. He served 35 years with the Royal Canadian Navy with his final appointment as ADM Finance and Corporate Services and Senior Financial Officer for National Defence. Since retirement, RAdm Weadon helps deliver the CPA/CMA accreditation programs. An active volunteer, he serves as National Treasurer of the Navy League of Canada, Royal Military Colleges of Canada Foundation, and Canadian Naval Memorial Trust. He is also Director and Disbursement Advisory Committee Chair for the True Patriot Love Foundation.

C/Supt Bennett was elected to the CNS Board in 2006. He served with the RCMP for 37 years in a number of positions across Canada, including criminal operations officer in Nova Scotia, and operational and administrative positions in Saskatchewan, and Newfoundland/Labrador. Since retiring in 2009, he has continued to work in law enforcement and was appointed the Commissioner of Police in Antigua and Barbuda assisting their government in modernizing their police force and developing competency to fight criminal activity, resulting in award of a Meritorious Service Medal.

D/Commr Graham is the former Deputy Commissioner East, responsible for RCMP services in Ontario, Quebec and the Atlantic Provinces. After 38 years with the RCMP, he retired in 2013. Prior to becoming D/Commr East, he was the Deputy Commissioner Atlantic Canada and Commanding Officer for Nova Scotia (“H” Division). He also has served as the Commanding Officer of New Brunswick (“J” Division) and Prince Edward Island (“L” Division). D/Commr Graham was elected to the CNS Board in January 2011.

Cdr Armstrong joined the CNS Board in 2014. She served 25 years in the Canadian Armed Forces Personnel/Logistics Branches followed by 10 years as a civilian in Chief of Military Personnel. She holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree from Saint Mary’s University, is a graduate of Canadian Forces Command and Staff College and NATO Defence College. In 2017, Saint Mary’s University presented her with an honorary degree (Doctor of Civil Law, Honoris Causa) in recognition of her service to Canada.

Cdr Hickey, a former Commanding Officer of HMCS Scotian and naval reservist for 35 years, was elected to the CNS Board in 1996 and served as the Board\’s first female Chair from 2018-2020. As a partner at McInnes Cooper, Halifax, she practices in the areas of litigation and administrative law. Cdr Hickey is a Past President of the Nova Scotia Barristers’ Society. She currently chairs the Governance Committee for Commissionaires Canada. She holds a Bachelor of Arts (Magna Cum Laude) from Saint Mary’s University and an LLB from Dalhousie Law School.

LCol Espenant was elected to the CNS Board in 2021. She served in the Canadian Armed Forces for 36 years in a variety of nursing, medical planning and health care leadership roles in Canada, the United States and overseas. Prior to joining the military, Anne was a critical care nurse at the Victoria General Hospital in Halifax and her career ended full circle as the Commanding Officer of 33 (Halifax) Field Ambulance. Her post-retirement focus has been on community volunteer work where she currently serves as a Board member of Queens VON Community Corporation, Queens Manor and Queens Home Support, and the Astor Theatre for the performing arts. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Alberta and has completed all courses in the Executive Master of Arts in Leadership and Training at Royal Roads University.

Mr. MacRae is the President of RKM Investments which has interests in a number of Nova Scotia businesses. He has served his community in the roles of Honorary Colonel of The Cape Breton Highlanders and as Board Chair of The United Way of Cape Breton, Celtic Colours International Festival, Gaelic College of St. Ann’s, as well as Sydney Airport Authority and Chamber of Commerce. Kirk also spent ten years as a Board Member of The Royal Canadian Mint and presently sits on the Cape Breton University Board. Mr. MacRae was elected to the CNS Board in February 2020.

Cdr Oland joined Commissionaires in September 1995. With a career in the private sector and the Naval Reserve, he was owner/operator of Accurate Security Services before selling the enterprise to Chubb Industries. He held numerous positions in the Naval Reserve including command positions at sea and ashore, retiring as the Atlantic Regional Advisor to the Commander of the Naval Reserve. Cdr Oland is currently President of Lindwood Holdings Limited. He holds a commerce degree from McMaster University.

LCdr Harding served in the Canadian Navy for 24 years, in both the regular and reserve forces. She was Commanding Officer of MAROPSGRU 5 and held a variety of logistic positions at sea and ashore.

A real estate agent for more than 20 years, LCdr Harding is a Broker and Licensed Partner for Engel & Völkers Nova Scotia. She manages seven locations and oversees roughly 100 advisors/staff working throughout Nova Scotia.

LCdr Harding holds an instructor position on the Real Estate Institute of Canada (REIC) faculty, with FRI and CIPS designations. She holds a Bachelor of Political Science from the Royal Military College of Canada.

LCdr Harding is active in numerous community charities. She was elected as a CNS Governor in 2023. She also serves on the Boards of CUA, the Halifax Chamber of Commerce, A Home for Everyone, and REIC – Atlantic Chapter.

Dean Rae was appointed as the Chief Executive Officer of the Commissionaires, South Saskatchewan Division in March 2024. Prior to this, Dean was a member of the Regina Police Service for over 34 years, serving as both the Deputy Chief of Operations and Administration for the last 9 years of his career.

Through Dean’s extensive experience, he has developed strong leadership, management and interpersonal skills while maintaining a strong presence in the community.

Dean has earned numerous awards and recognition for his commitment to policing and the community. These include Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal, Governor General of Canada Member of the Order of Merit of the Police Services, Saskatchewan Protective Services Medal, Premier’s Award in Excellence in the Public Service (Honourable Mention) and the Police Exemplary Service Medal.

Dean has a Bachelor of Education from the University of Regina and has completed many courses at both the Saskatchewan and Canadian Police Colleges. He also completed the Senior Management Institute for Police program hosted by the Police Executive Research Forum and the Leadership in Police Organizations course from the International Association of Chiefs of Police.

Dean served as the chair on a number of the Saskatchewan Association of Chiefs of Police committees as well as a member of the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police, Ethics and Policing with Indigenous Peoples Committee.

Adam is a seasoned Human Resources professional, bringing a unique mix of HR and educational experiences to his role. Adam holds a Master’s Degree in Human Resources, a Bachelor’s Degree in Education, an Advanced Certificate in Human Resources, and his designation through the Chartered Professionals in Human Resources. Adam and his team lead Commissionaires South Saskatchewan’s recruitment, onboarding, labour relations, disciplinary functions, organizational development and various training and educational opportunities. In addition to his work with Commissionaires, Adam is also an active instructor with Saskatchewan Polytechnic in human resources, leadership and organizational management and development, since 2020.

He is Past President for the Rotary of Regina Oskaya, a past Board Member with the Regina Work Preparation Centre and the long-standing secretary of the Kenosee Boys and Girls Camp.

Norm retired from the military after 36 years of service as a gunnery and drill instructor. His service brought him to numerous postings throughout the world, serving in both NATO and United Nations operations, notably performing as an Air Defence Artillery NATO Evaluator for Supreme Allied Command Central Europe and as the Training Coordinator/Sgt-Major for the International Security Assistance Force/International Joint Command’s Counter-Improvised Explosive Devices Branch in Afghanistan.

In addition, Norm has served with Commissionaires for 24 years and is currently Director of Operations. For his service to Canada, Norm received the following commendations:

• Chief of Defense Staff Coin of Excellence
• Canadian Forces Decoration Medal (CD)
• Special Service Force Medal (SSM)
• Peace Keeping Medal (PKM)
• United Nation Emergency Force Middle East Medal (UNEFME)
• Afghanistan Campaign Star (ACS)
• Commissionaires Long Service Medal (CLSM)
• Queens Diamond Jubilee Medal (QDJM)

Yvonne has extensive experience in finance and management in the financial services sector and not-for-profits.  She has over 25 years experience working with one of the top 5 banks in Canada in customer service, management and financial compliance. 

Joining us in 2002, Yvonne leads Commissionaires South Saskatchewan’s financial services team in payroll services, benefits, budgeting, compliance, preparation and analysis of  financial statements, and manages all fiscal reporting.

She has been the volunteer lead for the Branch 1 Legions poppy fundraising initiative for the past 4 years, as well as being a recipient of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Medal in 2022.