Who We Are

In 2014, Chris began his journey with the Blackfalds Food Bank Society as a Member of the Board of Directors before transitioning to the Food Bank Manager and now serving as its Executive Director.

Chris has a commitment to community and a passion to make a positive impact. He has served on town boards, been involved with a non-profit coffee house, coached local hockey and soccer teams. Chris has a breadth of experience which guides his well-rounded perspective, combining task-oriented leadership with an understanding of human needs. Over 25 years, across more than 25 countries, Chris has led initiatives ranging from education and clean water projects to orphanage and prison outreach in the non-profit humanitarian sector.

Chris was raised in Blackfalds from a time of just 1000 residents. In his free time, Chris enjoys time with his children, outdoor adventures, and motorcycle road trips. In particularly, the road trips that lead to the mountains or ocean.

Having over 20 years of experience with the non-profit sector and government, Karie has a deep commitment to social equity and community development. Her extensive background includes various roles that have allowed her to advocate for and implement meaningful changes within communities.

Having spent IO years living in Switzerland, Karie returned to Canada with a renewed dedication to making a positive impact. Her passion for supporting those facing food insecurity led her to Blackfalds Food Bank Beyond Food Community Hub in 2014, where she is driven to create inclusive, sustainable solutions that address the root causes of
hunger.

Outside of her professional work, Karie enjoys hiking, reading, volunteering and spending quality time with her family. Her love of the outdoors and lifelong learning keeps her grounded and inspired as she continues her mission to uplift and support those in need.

Motivated by a desire to help those facing food insecurity, Tammie joined the Blackfalds Food Bank Society Board of Directors in 2020. Understanding the challenges individuals and families experience in accessing food, She is passionate about making a positive impact in the community.

Professionally, Tammie has a background in the food service industry and working with children. After graduating high school, She dedicated her career to both sectors, and currently works at St. Gregory the Great Catholic School, making a difference in the lives of students. Additionally she has a legacy of volunteering, serving the Girl Guides for five years and the St. Gregory parent council for six years.

Originally from Peers, AB., Tammie has been an active part of the Blackfalds community since 1997. She enjoys cooking, reading, music, camping, hiking, and paddleboarding. Above all else, Tammie values spending quality time with family and friends.

With a passion for ensuring access to healthy meals and driven by the belief that no one should go without food, Robyn joined our Blackfalds Food Bank Society Board of Directors in 2022. She aims to help individuals overcome the challenges of food insecurity while bringing dignity and hope to those in need.

An active volunteer from her teenage years, Robyn believes in the power of community. In 2024 for her volunteer work, she received the Stars of Alberta Award in the Breaking Barriers Fighting Gender Discrimination in addition to the Town of Blackfalds Volunteer of the Year Award.

Originally from Vancouver Island, Robyn’s family has called Blackfalds home since 2014. She works in Central Alberta as an Educational Assistant at an Outreach School. Outside of work and volunteering, Robyn enjoys reading, knitting, paddle boarding, camping, travelling, and spending time with loved ones.

Previously serving in various Blackfalds community roles, Jen joined the Blackfalds Food Bank Society Board of Directors in November 2023. She knows strong communities thrive when they support each other and the Beyond Food Community Hub makes people feel valued, giving a sense of purpose and playing a crucial role in the well-being of residents.

Professionally, Jen has 20 years in education, workforce development, and economic development services at the municipal and provincial levels. She has volunteered with various organizations, as well as served on municipal boards and committees related to planning, economic development, and social services.

Originally from Calgary and having lived in several places across Alberta, Jen’s family made Blackfalds their home in 2004. Outside of her professional and volunteer work, she enjoys spending time with her family outdoors gardening, camping, canoeing, and snowshoeing.

Drawn to the Food Bank by its innovative and inclusive approach combating food insecurity and its role building a stronger, more connected community, Jill joined the Board of Directors in 2021. Her commitment to our community has had her serve on several Town of Blackfalds boards as well as volunteer for various organizations.

Jill is well traveled, growing up across Canada and the U.S., she has shared time between B.C., Ontario, and South Dakota as well as some in Mexico and Spain. She attended the University of Calgary before moving to the Lower Mainland and finally settling in Blackfalds in 2011. Jill works at Care for Newcomers, where she started as a volunteer in 2013.

Outside of work, Jill enjoys traveling and camping with her family. She has two young kids so much of her time is spent at local sports events, visiting playgrounds, attending community events, and making the most of the many great amenities Blackfalds has to offer.

Motivated by a desire to help others, Jeanette joined the Blackfalds Food Bank Board of Directors in October 2014. Hearing an increased need for food assistance in the community, she lent a hand to be a part of the solution. Dedicating herself to the food bank mission has been a rewarding experience, and Jeanette loves every minute of it.

Jeanette brings a life filled with experience to the food bank. Her early career was at The Bay in Red Deer before moving to Blackfalds where she worked in a local grocery store and then spent ten years at Servus Credit Union. Jeanette is an active volunteer, further demonstrating her commitment to making a positive impact and currently serving as
the Secretary of the local seniors’ club.

Born in Rimbey and growing up in Red Deer, Jeanette married in 1970 and moved to Blackfalds to raise her family. She loves going to Bulldogs’ hockey games, crocheting, walking, riding her bike, meeting up with friends and hanging out with family.

With a desire to build a deeper community connection and inspired by the impactful work of the Blackfalds Food Bank Society, Melissa joined our Board of Directors in February 2021. She is dedicated to the continued success of the food bank while fostering stronger ties in our community.

Professionally, Melissa is a CPA, CA, with extensive experience in public accounting, specializing in supporting private businesses. Prior to returning to Central Alberta, Melissa spent eight years in Calgary where she attended university and began her career. As a former Board Member of Blackfalds FCSS she and her family are deeply
invested in our local community.

Originally from Lacombe, Melissa and her family have called Blackfalds home since 2014. In her free time, she enjoys reading, listening to music, sharing meals with loved ones, and keeping up with the busy lives of her children.

With an interest in strengthening community connections, Shane became a member of the Blackfalds Food Bank Society Board of Directors in 2021. His interest in our work stems from a belief in giving others a hand up.

Shane is a Red Seal Endorsed Certified Master Electrician and Safety Codes Officer who works in the Apprenticeship Education Program. An active member of his profession, he is the chair of industry committee and industry board member. In our community Shane has
served as a volunteer hockey coach.

Growing up in Winnipeg, MB., Shane moved to Blackfalds in 2000 and married a long-time resident. Together they enjoy a passion for the outdoors, namely camping and ice fishing or just relaxing on the deck. Shane is an avid sports fan, growing up as a rink rat playing hockey he has a particular affection for the game.

Having personal experience with the generosity of non-profits like the Blackfalds Food Bank Society, Shelby welcomed the opportunity to give back to the avenues that provided support to her and her family in her youth and join our Board of Directors in 2025.

Shelby spent her early adult years as a journalist, living in different communities across Alberta, before making her move into municipal communications in 2018. In 2019, she settled in Blackfalds to grow stronger roots and be close to her family in Central Alberta. In her spare time, Shelby is a serial hobbyist, avid reader, and also manages a slo-pitch team in the spring and summer alongside her husband.

With growing ties to our community, Shelby will use her skills and experiences to help grow our food bank initiatives. She looks forward to bringing her life full circle and supporting the accessible programs that once supported her.