We are individuals passionate about contributing to the Edmonton Humane Society’s values, mission, goals and objectives of enriching the lives of people and companion animals through animal sheltering, programs and services, and community engagement.
Each board member is elected to a two-year term, with the option to renew for a maximum of three additional terms (total eight years). As Board vacancies occur, new directors are elected by the EHS membership at the Annual General Meeting. The Board conducts its work through two groups: the Finance and Audit Committee and the Governance and Human Resources Committee.
At the heart of every successful organization are the people who work tirelessly to support the mission and vision set out. Great leaders lend their strength and talents to provide inspiration and guidance through every decision.
Join Our Board of Directors
Chief Executive Officer
Liza Sunley has been leading the Edmonton Humane Society (EHS) since 2019, with a focus on building a community that values the welfare of companion animals and the bonds they share with people. Drawing on over 20 years of non-profit leadership, Liza is committed to fostering a collaborative and evidence-based approach, guiding EHS toward innovative, prevention-focused solutions that strengthen the bond between pets and their families. Her extensive background in social services has been key to EHS’ evolution. At Bissell Centre, where she served as Chief Operating Officer, Liza spearheaded programs to alleviate poverty and empower vulnerable populations. Prior to this, as Executive Director of Lurana Shelter Society, she led efforts to provide critical support for women and children escaping domestic violence, fostering resilience and hope. These experiences inform her holistic and compassionate approach to addressing the challenges pet guardians face today. Liza is a Certified Animal Welfare Administrator (CAWA) and serves on the board of Ovarian Cancer Canada and as chair of the Humane Canada board. Her contributions to community well-being have earned her several accolades, including the Peggy Truscott Award of Hope and the YWCA’s Women of Distinction Award. A lifelong animal lover, Liza's passion began in childhood with her first pet, a hamster named Fifi, who sparked her enduring connection to animals. Today, she shares her home with Chester the cat, who was adopted from EHS, along with Ruby the dog. Through her leadership, Liza is dedicated to empowering EHS’ team in their mission to enrich the lives of people and companion animals.
Director, Shared Services
Director, Shared Services
Barb Bredemann, CPA, MBA
Barb Bredemann joined the Edmonton Humane Society in November 2025, bringing over 20 years of experience working with organizations across the not-for-profit, manufacturing, construction, education and service sectors. With a background as a CPA and a Master of Business Administration, she supports EHS across finance, human resources, facilities, safety and IT, helping the organization plan thoughtfully and operate sustainably. She enjoys being part of the behind-the-scenes work that keeps EHS running, supporting the systems, spaces and people that teams rely on every day. She was drawn to EHS because of its strong sense of purpose and its role as a foundational part of the community. She believes in the organization’s mission and vision, and values the opportunity to contribute to work that makes a real difference in the lives of people and animals. When she’s not at work, Barb enjoys spending time with her kids, camping, enjoying live music and trying new recipes. She grew up with hamsters, budgies and a dog, and now shares her home with Kody, a calm and sweet labradoodle who is a beloved family companion.
Director, Operations
Director, Operations
Mike Foote, DBTMc
Mike joined EHS bringing with him experience from the Edmonton Police Service (EPS) K-9 and Tactical Divisions. Building an incredible relationship with his K-9 partner allowed him to tap into a deeper connection with animals. Animal welfare and public service runs in Mike’s blood. As a youth, Mike’s parents operated the London Humane Society and his uncle later operated the Scarborough Humane Society. Exposure to animals at a young age helped inform his decision to join the K-9 unit where he really witnessed the incredible acts animals are capable of. Mike accepted the Director of Operations position after having held several other roles with EHS, including with the behaviour and training teams and most recently as the Director of Administration where he oversaw IT and facilities. When not busy with ensuring things are running smoothly at EHS, Mike enjoys spending time with his family and pets, especially playing fetch and doing scent work with his Shepard, Xena.
Director, Animal Health
Director, Animal Health
Dr. Michelle Meckelborg, DVM, CCRP
Dr. Michelle Meckelborg joined the Edmonton Humane Society (EHS) in 2017 and has served as Director of Animal Health since 2021. She provides strategic leadership to EHS’ medical team, ensuring high standards of care for animals in the shelter while advancing programs that support pet guardians across the community. Knowing from a young age that she wanted to be a veterinarian, Dr. Meckelborg graduated from the Western College of Veterinary Medicine in 2003 and spent 14 years in private practice. She developed special interests in exotic animal medicine, soft tissue surgery and rehabilitation, earning her Certificate in Canine Rehabilitation Therapy (CCRP) in 2016 before transitioning into shelter medicine. At EHS, she oversees medical care for shelter animals, ensuring high standards of treatment and advancing best practices in shelter medicine. She also works closely with internal teams to expand access to veterinary services, providing clinical expertise to support programs that improve outcomes for animals and the people who care for them. Dr. Meckelborg completed the Maddie’s Shelter Medicine Fellowship in 2022 and serves as Vice-President and Vice-Treasurer on the Board of the Canadian Animal Shelter & Community Medicine Association (CASCMA), contributing to leadership and knowledge-sharing across the sector. Outside of work, Michelle stays busy with her two teenage daughters and enjoys time with her senior dog, Ruby, fostering kittens, and unwinding with yoga or a good book.
Director, Donor and Stakeholder Relations
Mary brings over 19 years of experience to EHS’ leadership team, having previously been with the University of Alberta and Habitat for Humanity. Passionate about relationship building and community, Mary also volunteers her time with her local community league board and the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) Edmonton and Area Chapter. In her role with EHS, she oversees fund development, communications and marketing, community engagement, and humane education. She strives to build a strong team while bringing our donors, volunteers, stakeholders, and community members even closer to our work and raising awareness about what we do. Mary is known to be an out-of-the-box thinker and problem solver, whose curiosity and devotion to lifelong learning has contributed to her success with both fundraising and relationship building. She revels in sharing her knowledge and experience about development and stakeholder relations, having taught education sessions for the not-for-profit sector and speaking at national fundraising conferences over the past six years. When she’s not engaging with our EHS supporters and community, Mary can be found at Central Bark Dog Park with her two dogs: Eugene and Emmy. Her love of animals goes as far back as she can remember, from when her first dog – Fetch – came into her life at the age of five. She credits Fetch with having taught her all about the unconditional love that companion animals provide us. Mary also enjoys board-game nights with family and friends.
Board Chair
Board Chair
Allison Radford
Several years ago, when Allison brought her puppy to the Edmonton Humane Society for training, she discovered an opportunity to become more deeply involved with an organization that aligned closely with her passion for animal welfare and community impact. Since then, she has contributed her expertise in corporate governance, finance, and operations. As a Chartered Professional Accountant and Chief Financial Officer, Allison brings a strong financial perspective and practical operational insight, helping her thoughtfully assess strategic initiatives and support effective Board decision-making. Outside of her professional and board commitments, Allison enjoys golfing, playing pickleball and spending time outdoors with her family and their dogs, Ansley and Luna.
Vice-Chair
Vice-Chair
Sandra Marin
There has never been a time in Sandra’s life where animals were not part of it, beginning with her hamster Teeny up to and including current family members Squirrel, River and Rōnin. Some of her most memorable vacations are those where she was surrounded by nature and animals, in particular backcountry horse trips in Wilmore Wilderness Park and Waterton Lakes National Park. Sandra’s experience as a volunteer foster parent with EHS lit her desire to contribute in additional ways such as joining the Board. She will bring her significant Board experience including with the Edmonton Public Library, SkirtsAFire Festival and the Golden Retriever Club of Canada to the role. In addition to a focus on governance, Sandra brings more than 20 years of professional experience in sales management, human resources and enterprise-wide change management. Sandra is especially interested in the areas of animal welfare, public education and pet policies and tenant rights. She is honoured to serve and support the Edmonton Humane Society and the communities it serves.
Secretary
Secretary
Gord Gilroy
Born, raised, and educated in Edmonton, Gord graduated from the University of Alberta with a degree in Business. He is retired, having served as president and co-founder of Vision Creative, a creative and advertising agency in Edmonton that supported companies and non-profits across Western Canada for 35+ years. Gord has always wanted the best for his city, and that includes the positive impact the Edmonton Humane Society has on animals of all kinds. Having served on a number of community boards Gord understands the importance of good governance to ensure an organization can achieve its goals – both short- and long-term. He welcomes the opportunity to draw upon his commitment and experience – in addition to his love and respect for all animals – to help propel EHS forward. Gord and his wife Angie have two adult kids – Jack and Grace, and two adult cats – Katie and Henry; the only difference is that the latter two have been spoiled since birth. He and Angie enjoy cycling, hiking and skiing in the Canadian Rockies, travel abroad and art in all its various forms.
Treasurer
Treasurer
Sumeet Saroya
Sumeet’s love for animals ranges from the tiniest critters to the grandest companions. His passion to assist in the nurturing and caring for animals has drawn him to joining the EHS Board. Sumeet also hopes to honour the memory of his rottweiler Oscar by serving the animals and the community at EHS. With a CPA background and experience in consulting and corporate development, Sumeet is excited to bring a unique blend of financial expertise and strategic insight to the table. In his free time, Sumeet enjoys traveling and trying new eateries in the city.
Director
Director
Sheri Cameron
In addition to contributing to the important work of animal care and well-being, Sheri joined the EHS to help others create and celebrate the special connections between people and animals. Sheri aims to support the values, mission and goals of the EHS by building relationships and facilitating connections within the community. Currently the Director of People, Culture and Communications at OFX, Sheri provides strategic advice in the areas of employee engagement, cultural development, internal communications and workforce future readiness. Through this, Sheri remains focused on building high performance teams and leading ongoing change initiatives to support business performance. She also has a thorough understanding of governance and collaboration, further enhanced through M&A and integration experience. Being a lifelong Edmontonian, a mother of two, and co-owner of a local Edmonton business with her husband, Sheri has a strong passion for bettering the community in which she lives and works. Outside of work, Sheri enjoys travelling with her husband, their two children, and Hope, the expressive and loyal Labradoodle who is instant friends with everyone she meets.
Director
Director
David Cameron
David looks forward to serving on the Edmonton Humane Society Board of Directors, bringing over 10 years of experience in corporate finance and advisory. As a Vice President at Sequeira Partners, he works closely with business owners to navigate important decisions and career milestones, with a focus on solutions-oriented outcomes. A Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) and Chartered Business Valuator (CBV), David combines a strong financial foundation with a passion for strategy. David has a lifelong love for animals and a deep commitment to animal welfare. His connection to EHS is personal – his beloved late dog, Duke, was adopted from the organization. David is excited to give back to a cause that means a lot to him and to support EHS in its continued impact across the community. When he’s not at work, you’ll likely find David spending time with his family, staying active, or out on the golf course.
Director
Director
Dr. Jocelyn Forseille
Dr. Forseille recently retired after more than 40 years as a full-time veterinarian. Jocelyn worked in private practice before joining the Animal Health Technology program at NAIT. The last nine years of her career have been with the Alberta Veterinary Medical Association. Throughout her career, she has championed animal welfare and been involved with meetings and/or initiatives with the Edmonton Humane Society, City of Edmonton Animal Care and Control, Alberta SPCA, WILDNorth and other animal welfare organizations. Her current volunteer positions are Canadian Representative from the National Examining Board to the American Veterinary Medical Association Educational Commission for Veterinary Foreign Graduates and site visitor for veterinary college accreditation. She is a volunteer veterinarian for Alberta Helping Animals Society. Jocelyn and her husband have two adult children who live nearby with grand-dog Theo
Director
Director
Kathleen Garbutt
Kathleen is a lawyer who is proud to call Edmonton home. Born and raised in Edmonton, she is proud to give back to the best city in the province. As a lawyer, Kathleen has endeavoured to provide practical advice and ardent advocacy whenever possible. Like her fellow board members, Katheen is a passionate animal lover. Her first cat, Ginger Daisy, was a Christmas gift when she was five; Ginger showed Kathleen the special bond a pet can create and sparked a lifelong commitment to caring for the animals in her life. Currently, she has a standard poodle named Theodore (Teddy for short) and a turtle named Timo. Kathleen has always had a special place in her heart for horses and was a competitive showjumper for 20 years. Currently, she loves watching her daughter ride her pony Twix. Kathleen is excited and honoured to serve the community, and particularly those who cannot speak for themselves, by contributing to the Edmonton Humane Society.
Director
Director
Connor Hastey-Palindat
Connor is an experienced management consultant, program manager, and digital product manager. His background includes working with top financial institutions and public sector organizations across North America to enhance and optimize client and employee experiences. Outside of work, Connor works to improve his community through volunteering as President of the Edgemont Community League and working in various other capacities with nonprofits across Edmonton. Connor is a lifelong Edmontonian and currently resides in the west end with his partner Kathy and 3-year-old Australian Shepherd Ollie.
Director
Director
Karen Leibovici
Karen believes that the Edmonton Humane Society is a pivotal organization in the advancement of animal welfare practices. As a former Edmonton City Councillor, she is aware of the positive impact that EHS has in advocating for vulnerable animals. She sees this as an opportunity to share her professional background in labour relations, personnel management and social work as well as her political and extensive board governance experience. She has always loved animals, which these days include the many birds and squirrels in the backyard. Karen, her husband and grandsons can sometimes be seen in the neighbourhood walking their two cats on leashes.
Director
Director
Darren Lunt
Becoming a member of the Edmonton Humane Society's Board brings Darren full circle to where his career began in 1990 when he was hired as EHS' fundraising manager. The six and a half years working at the shelter offered many rewarding experiences. A personal highlight for Darren was launching the inaugural Pets in Park event that continues to this day. Darren’s professional career continued in the non-profit sector, where his fundraising skills evolved into senior manager responsibilities with both the Royal Tyrrell Museum and Pilgrims Hospice Society. A switch over to the corporate sector in the mid-2000s eventually led him to the President role at Weldco Companies, a large heavy steel fabricator with locations across Canada. In early 2024, Darren transitioned back to the non-profit sector and is currently serving as the President and CEO of the Mental Health Foundation of Alberta. Darren is originally from Edmonton, where his two adult children currently pursue their post-secondary degrees. Free time is spent with his wife and their Bernedoodle, Cleo, at their cabin. It was the recent addition of Cleo to the Lunt family that reignited Darren’s passion for animal welfare and his desire to become involved with the EHS.
Director
Director
Deb Manz
Deb is a retired executive with more than 30 years of leadership and board experience. She brings deep expertise in governance, compliance, and strategic oversight, along with a strong record of helping organizations deliver on their mission. Deb has served in executive and board roles across healthcare, post-secondary education, research and community not-for-profit organizations and is known for her collaborative approach, clear communication and relationship-building. Edmonton has been Deb’s home for most of her adult life, and she is committed to supporting a community that welcomes everyone, including the animal members of the family. A long-standing advocate for animal welfare, Deb is delighted to be supporting the many innovative services EHS provides to Edmonton and its citizens. Deb and her husband, Davie Graham, enjoy the lifestyle Edmonton has to offer. They are lifelong travellers and rugby supporters, and they also love reading, theatre and music of all kinds.
Director
Director
Scott McHale
Scott is a longtime resident of the Edmonton area and enjoys giving back to organizations that make a real difference in the community. Recently retired, Scott was a Partner at BDO and part of the firm’s Digital (technology) group, where he spent many years working across regulatory, public sector, and not-for-profit environments. He brings a practical and thoughtful approach to leadership, governance, and helping organizations operate effectively. Scott has always loved animals — especially dogs. As a kid, he would ride his bike several miles to visit the animals at what was then the SPCA, an early sign of a lifelong connection to animal welfare. He has had both dogs and cats throughout his life, and his current dog, Ruby, was trained as a puppy through the Edmonton Humane Society. Once known for zooming around the yard, Ruby now prefers to take her time and follow every interesting scent — giving Scott a firsthand appreciation for the organization’s impact on animals and their families. Scott is proud to support EHS and is passionate about helping advance its mission to care for and protect animals in the community.
Director
Director
Lorenzo Pasutto
Since joining the EHS board, Lorenzo remains dedicated to advancing humane education and community engagement while considering supports for the long-term financial viability of the organization. He is drawn by his desire to contribute to a longstanding pillar of the community in an area of personal interest that enriches so many lives. Bringing experience as a management consultant, working collaboratively to identify and solve complex organizational issues across several industries, Lorenzo adds valuable perspective and skills to the collective wealth of the EHS Board of Directors. His ingenuity as the founder of a technology company working with Artificial Intelligence and focus on gauging customer satisfaction provide a unique view of data analytics. Lorenzo believes his love of animals began after seeing “The Velveteen Rabbit” as a child and shortly after adopting a stuffy he lovingly named “Bunny Rubble”. He currently spends as much time as possible saving his yard from his rambunctious and truffle-seeking Lagotto Romagnolo puppy.
Director
Director
Michael Paull
Michael is a financial advisor specializing in insurance and retirement planning. Born and raised in Edmonton, he has been involved on many boards and committees including the Royal Alexandra Hospital Foundation, Fort Edmonton Park, Glenora Community and RAH Ethics. He currently volunteers at the Pilgrims Hospice. As Michael is reaching closer to a full retirement, he is looking for ways to continue giving back to his community. He looks forward to working alongside other professionals for the betterment of the Edmonton Humane Society, after all, “No one loves you as unconditionally as your beloved pet.”
Driven by a passion for understanding dogs, Shea, a dedicated EHS staff member, exemplifies the power of collaboration and compassion in making a meaningful difference for both animals and people.