Board of Directors

Kelly Smith-Fraser, an Alberta cattle producer who has served on multiple boards, brings a wealth of knowledge, leadership experience and a passion for agriculture to the role of board chair. She has previously served with Results Driven Agriculture Research, Alberta Beef Producers and the Canadian Maine-Anjou Association.

Rodney Bradshaw operates a diversified family-farming operation in central Alberta. Bradshaw serves on several boards and commissions in both the agriculture industry and non-profit sector. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture and was a Canadian Nuffield Scholar in 1994.

Shelley Vandenberg is an experienced financial services executive with over 25 years of experience with portfolios consisting of commercial and agricultural lending, insurance, wealth management, risk management and debt restructuring. Vandenberg is the Chief Executive Officer for a professional financial services corporation. She has served on several local, national and for-profit and non-profit boards. Vandenberg holds a Master of Business Administration and has completed the ICD Rotman Directors Education Program.

Chioma Ufodike is a Fellow of Chartered Professional Accountants (FCPA) and leader in finance, regulatory compliance, risk management and forensic accounting, with over 22 years of experience spanning across various industries. Ufodike is currently the Chief Compliance Officer for a financial services (trust) corporation. She serves on a number of provincial, national and not-for-profit boards. She is also a financial literacy educator, helping Albertans improve their financial decision-making skills. Ufodike holds a Bachelor of Arts in Criminology and a Master of Forensic Accounting. She is a Certified Fraud Examiner, a Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialist and has completed the ICD-Rotman Directors Education Program.

Andre Harpe is a family farm owner and active board member. He brings his passion for lifelong learning to this role. He is currently the chairperson on the Grain Growers of Canada board.

Michael Howden is an experienced executive with an accounting designation. He also dedicates his time to a variety of committees, councils and board work. He brings his extensive operational and risk management knowledge to this role.

Ross Bricker is a third generation cattle producer, and active board and committee member. He brings his experience in venture capital, corporate finance and lending, and knowledge of the agriculture and food industry, to this role.

Ron Greidanus is a beekeeper and an active board and commission member. He has held positions with the Alberta Beekeepers Commission and Canadian Honey Council, focusing on advocacy for the interests of beekeepers and sustainable industry practices.