Gordon Nekolaichuk - Vice-Chair
Gordon Nekolaichuk was appointed a full-time Vice-Chair of the Labour Relations Board in 2021.  Prior to joining the Board, Gordon practiced labour, employment, and human rights law with both employer-side and union-side law firms.  He has represented employers and unions before arbitrators, the Board, other administrative tribunals, and at all levels of Court.  He also taught labour law as a sessional instructor at the University of Alberta.  Gordon is a graduate of the University of Alberta (B.A. 2008, LL.B. 2011) and clerked for the Alberta Court of Queen's Bench before being called to the Bar in 2012.

Wassila Semaine - Vice-Chair
Wassila Semaine was appointed a full-time Vice-Chair of the Labour Relations Board in 2024. Wassila practiced at various sized firms and as a solo practitioner, focussing in areas related to labour, employment, privacy, human rights, and workplace investigations, acting, at different times, for the employer, employee, and/or union. Wassila holds a B.Sc. (2002), a MSc (2005), and an LL.B. (2008) from the University of Alberta. She has also completed other various post-graduate courses through Osgoode. As part of her articling, she clerked with the Alberta Court of Appeal, before being called to the Bar (in 2009).

William Armstrong, K.C. - Vice-Chair (Part-Time)
Mr. Armstrong has practised labour law in Alberta for over 40 years.  Bill was a partner of a boutique, management side labour relations firm from 1983 to 2013.  Subsequently, he was a senior partner of a full service, international law firm from which he retired in 2018.  Bill primarily represented employers, and occasionally employees, in labour relations, employment, human rights and related issues before arbitration boards, the Alberta Labour Relations Board, the Canada Industrial Relations Board and all levels of civil courts up to the Supreme Court of Canada. He was appointed a Queen’s Counsel in 2000.  He is a graduate of McGill University and Osgoode Hall Law School.  

M.J. (Pemme) Cunliffe - Vice-Chair (Part-Time)
Pemme Cunliffe was appointed a part-time Vice-Chair of the Labour Relations Board in 2024. Pemme has a BScN from the University of British Columbia and MSHA from the University of Alberta followed by a LLB from the University of Alberta. Prior to attending law school, she had an extensive career in Nursing and Health Administration, followed by 20 plus years in labour law. Subsequent to six years in private practice, she combined her two careers as in-house counsel for Covenant Health. Since retiring from active practice in 2016, she has been working as a Labour Relations Consultant specializing in Collective Bargaining and Workplace Investigations. In addition to providing Labour Relations advice to clients, she also has been involved in numerous arbitrations and mediated workplace disputes.
Pemme has been a member of the Labour Relations Board since 2013.

Karen Scott - Vice-Chair (Part-Time)
Karen Scott was appointed a part-time Vice-Chair of the Labour Relations Board in 2024. Karen practiced labour, employment, and human rights law for over 20 years. In addition to her law practice, Karen has mediated and adjudicated human rights matters as a part-time member of the Alberta Human Rights Tribunal since 2015. She also acts as a third-party investigator conducting workplace harassment investigations and has been retained by employer and employee counsel as a mediator in employment law matters. She has taught employment law as a sessional instructor at the University of Alberta Faculty of Law since 2017.  Karen graduated from the University of Alberta Faculty of Law in 2002 (With Distinction) and clerked for the Alberta Court of Queen's Bench and Court of Appeal before being called to the Bar in 2003.

Bill Begemann - Member
Bill has been a member of Local 424 of the International Brotherhood of Electrical workers for over thirty years. He has worked in various positions throughout his 17 year tenure within the business office of the Local Union and is currently working as an Assistant Business Manager for the membership of Local 424. As a result of his experiences he has been involved in all facets of organizing, grievances, arbitrations, board hearings and negotiations. He has sat on numerous Industry boards and is an active participant in the Labour community.

Todd Chaffey - Member
Todd Chaffey is the Director of Total Rewards & Labour Relations for EPCOR Utilities Inc.  Todd has broad Human Resource experience in all facets of human resource management including Labour Relations, Pensions, Benefits, Compensation, Employee Relations, Talent Management and Payroll.  Todd also has extensive experience in Labour Relations as a Senior HR leader in several large organizations in Alberta, British Columbia and Ontario in the Mining, Construction and Utility industries.  This experience includes leading collective bargaining, arbitration hearings, dispute resolutions and mediation.   Todd earned a BA from the University of Waterloo and a Master’s degree in Human Resource Management from Denver University.  Todd also holds a Red Seal Heavy Equipment Technician certificate from the Province of Alberta.

Clayton Davis - Member
Clayton Davis is the Executive Director, Human Resources, at NAIT. He provides strategic HR direction and is accountable for labour relations matters. He started his labour relations involvement in the 90s with the Alberta healthcare sector, including a number of years with Alberta Health Services, then shifted to post-secondary in 2005. Clayton is an active community volunteer, with a focus on STEM initiatives for young people. He has held board roles for a variety of local non-profit organizations.

Lauren Connell - Member
Lauren Connell is a Senior HR Leader with over 17 years of experience in human resources and labour relations. She is currently the Senior Manager, Human Resources and Labour Relations for ATCO Electric, overseeing strategic HR planning, talent strategies, workforce development, performance management, talent acquisition, compensation administration, employee relations, and labour relations. Lauren has extensive experience with unions and associations in both the public and private sectors. She has led teams of labour relations professionals and served as a lead negotiator on multiple collective agreements, focusing on timely dispute resolution and strategic bargaining decisions. Her expertise includes overseeing grievance, mediation, arbitration, and Alberta Labour Relations Board activities, as well as delivering progressive compensation and benefit programs. Lauren holds a Bachelor of Management in Human Resources and Labour Relations from the University of Lethbridge and is a Certified Human Resources Professional (CHRP).

Jodi Edmunds - Member
Jodi Edmunds has been a labour relations practitioner for over 30 years. Early in her career, she worked for the Non-Academic Staff Association at the University of Alberta, as well as the United Nurses of Alberta. In 2016, Jodi joined the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology as the Director of Employee & Labour Relations. In this role, she oversees the labour relations strategy for NAIT, acting as the chief spokesperson at the bargaining table with both the support and academic unions. She is also responsible for NAIT’s HR Consulting, Ability Management, and Recruitment teams. Jodi has played a key role in supporting NAIT with various organizational initiatives, demonstrating leadership and commitment to the institution's goals. Jodi holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree with a focus in Labour Relations. For the past eight years, Jodi has served as a public adjudicator for the Alberta Law Society. She has continued her professional development by completing courses offered by the Alberta Arbitration & Mediation Society, the Foundation for Administrative Justice, and the Executive Leadership Program at the University of Toronto’s Rotman School of Business.

Laine Fowler- Member
Laine is the Executive Director for the Mount Royal Staff Association (MRSA). As the lead staff person and sole labour relations practitioner at the MRSA she attends to all representational and negotiation matters, including labour board activities, as well as operational management of the MRSA. Previously she gained experience in the health care sector as a Labour Relations Officer, providing representation to union members as well as, organizing and certification, determination, and acted as chief negotiator on approximately 2 dozen negotiations, which included bringing forward various labour board applications. She has a BA, Law and Society and a certificate in NonProfit and Voluntary Sector Management.

Debbie Gervais-Arbane - Member
Debbie has an extensive background in labour relations working with unions, including: involvement in numerous union organizing drives; negotiating first and subsequent Collective Agreements; dispute resolution and mediation; grievance processing up to and including presenting arbitrations; sitting as nominee on grievance panels; and appearing before the Labour Relations Board. Debbie has formal training in both the arbitration and mediation processes which provides a good background for her position as Board Member.

Carol Graham - Member
Carol is currently a Management Consultant with over 25 years experience working with public, private and non-profit organizations. Her experience is creating and implementing successful human resource strategies in a challenging and constantly changing environment. She has provided a leadership and mentoring role while involved with a number of reorganizations focusing on strategic planning, change management and the evaluation of various initiatives. Carol's legal education and experience as an advocate in court and in front of a number of administrative panels has assisted in the development and presentation of training and orientation programs dealing with a number of legal topics, including reasonable accommodation, collective bargaining and privacy. Carol is a member of the Alberta Labour Relations Board and deals with matters under the Labour Relations Code and the Public Service Employee Relations Act. She also frequently sits on Arbitration Boards as an Employer nominee.

Randy Klassen - Member
Randy Klassen is the Regional Director of the CLAC Member Centre in Calgary and has over 20 years of experience working as a Union Representative with employees in a variety of sectors.  Randy currently serves on the CLAC H&W Board of Trustees and has served on two other Boards over the last 15 years.  Randy has completed and obtained Trust Management certificates from the IFEBP and holds a Marketing Diploma from Mount Royal College in Calgary.

Peter Marsden - Member
Peter has over 30 years of labour relations experience in the municipal and electrical industry. Prior to his retirement in 2016 Peter spent 28 years as full-time President of Local 38, Canadian Union of Public Employees. His experience includes collective bargaining, contract administration, grievances and disputes resolution. Peter has served on many boards including Employment Insurance Board of Referees, Local Authorities Pension Plan, CUPE Alberta and his community association.

Kevin Metz - Member
Kevin Metz has over 25 years of experience in labour and employee relations, supporting human resources activities across various industries, including the oil and gas energy sector and the steel industry. Throughout his career, Kevin has worked across Canada, providing expertise in labour relations strategy, dispute resolution, and workplace policy development.

With a deep understanding of labour laws, collective bargaining, and employment standards, Kevin has played a key role in fostering fair and effective workplace practices. He brings a wealth of experience in navigating complex labour environments and is committed to impartial and balanced decision-making in labour relations matters.

Alexandra Montanaro - Member
Alexandra is an HR Leader at The City of Calgary with over 16 years of Employee and Labour Relations experience. She has successfully negotiated numerous collective agreements as the chief spokesperson, achieving success by fostering strong union relationships and employing an interest-based approach. With a proven track record in policy and process development, Alexandra has successfully driven change by redeveloping policies, optimizing operational processes, and implementing strategic initiatives. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Labour Studies from McMaster University. As a dynamic Leader and thought partner, Alexandra is dedicated to implementing cohesive organizational solutions and enhancing service delivery, while fostering a forward-thinking and inclusive workplace culture.

Adeel Mulla - Member
Adeel acts as Corporate Counsel for Legal Aid Alberta to achieve their mandate in providing service and expertise to individuals in need and supporting fairness in the justice system. Prior to joining the Board, he represented both employers and unions in several different industries including construction, food processing, retail, and legal services. He is an active volunteer and has held board and committee positions with various non-profit organizations and institutions. Adeel was called to the Bar in 2015.

Wayne Olmstead - Member
Wayne has over 35 years of experience in labour relations and human resources in Canada and the U.S.   He has appeared before both the Alberta and Saskatchewan Labour Boards; has lead negotiations on behalf of employers in the mining, construction, aerospace and manufacturing industries; and has served on several industry boards and committees.  Throughout his career, Wayne has worked to balance the interests of the employer and employees and their representatives – only by working together, can all parties be successful. Wayne previously served on the Alberta Labour relations Board from 2009 – 2016.

Wayne holds a Masters Degree in Industrial Relations from Queens University as well as a B.Comm. from the University of Alberta.

Cal Ploof - Member
Cal is currently the Director of Organization and Recruitment, for the United Association of Journeymen and Apprentices of the Plumbing and Pipefitting Industry of the United States and Canada, local Union 488. Mr. Ploof has been involved in Organized Labour for 34 years obtaining experience in collective bargaining, grievance proceedings, unfair labour practice complaints, duty of fair representation complaints as well as numerous certifications and revocations.

Brygeda Renke - Member
Brygeda Renke is the Executive Director and General Counsel for the Association of Academic Staff of the University of Alberta (AASUA) which represents over 4200 academic staff - faculty, librarians, administrative and professional officers, trust research staff, academic teaching staff, faculty service officers, and temporary administrative staff. She first joined the organization in December 2007 and took on the role of Executive Director in July 2010. She graduated from the University of Alberta with a BA (Distinction) in 1982 and then obtained her LLB from the University of Alberta in 1985. She is a member of the Law Society of Alberta in good standing with nearly 25 years of legal experience, with a focus in civil litigation and employment law. As AASUA's Executive Director and General Counsel, she has extensive experience in the post secondary sector and provides legal advice to the organization. She serves as a resource to the Association's negotiating team for collective bargaining. She represents the Association on all matters arising from the seven collective agreements, including grievances, appeals, arbitrations, and discipline matters. As well, she is responsible for all management, personnel, and financial matters, and is responsible for the effective delivery of all AASUA services and administrative duties associated with her role as Chief Administrative Officer for the AASUA.

Todd Romanow - Member
Todd Romanow is the interim Director Labour Relations – North at the Health Sciences Association of Alberta (HSAA). Todd is accountable for planning, organizing, and coordinating the labour relations, administrative, and support services required by the membership and staff of HSAA. With over thirty years labour relations experience with HSAA and other unions covering
both public and private sectors, Todd was responsible for collective bargaining, contract administration, organizing, member engagement and dispute resolution including arbitrations.

Leanne Rosinski - Member
Leanne Rosinski is the Associate Director, Labour Relations, at the Association of Academic Staff University of Alberta (AASUA). She oversees the services provided by labour relations officers and leads the case management and grievance processes for the AASUA, including arbitration hearings. Leanne provides advice and strategic counsel to the executive director on labour relations issues and is also involved in collective bargaining. She has extensive labour relations and human resources experience in both management and union roles and is skilled in negotiation and conflict resolution. Leanne received her Bachelor of Education in 1994 and taught elementary and junior high school before she transitioned to the university teaching environment. Leanne holds a Master of Laws in Labour Relations and Employment Law, and certificates in labour relations, labour-management relations, grievances and arbitrations, and information access and protection of privacy (completion in Spring 2023). Leanne is also a Commissioner for Oaths in the Province of Alberta and a Professional Investigator licensed through Alberta Justice and Solicitor General.

Rod Schenk - Member
Rod Schenk works for PCL Constructors Inc. as the Director Labour Relations, Western Canada. He has 30 years of experience in labour relations, working on both the union and management side. He has worked for CLAC in Alberta and British Columbia, JV Driver Projects, and Bemac Construction. His labour relations experience is primarily in the construction, maintenance, and fabrication sectors in Western Canada, but also has construction labour relations experience in Ontario and Atlantic Canada.  He has a Bachelor of Management degree, specializing in Human Resources and Labour Relations from the University of Lethbridge. Rod was a ALRB Member previously from 2011 – 2017.

Jay Stewart - Member
Jay Stewart holds a B.Sc (2003) degree from the University of Wisconsin-Superior, currently working as a Labour Professional for the Construction Labour Relations Association – Alberta. With over 20 years of experience spanning across the private and public sector, including industries such as New Construction, Oil & Gas, Municipality and Post Secondary, Jay’s experience includes managing employee & labour relations, such as dispute resolution, grievance management/arbitrations, workforce management, policy & program development and brings a practical understanding of collective bargaining, having led several tables in negotiations. Jay has sat on several Boards including the Labourers Pension Fund of Western Canada and the Millwrights Health Welfare & Pension trust funds.

Travis Titley - Member
Travis has more than 20 years of experience leading teams within human resources and labour relations departments in the oil and gas, mining, and heavy industrial sectors. He has acted as lead negotiator in collective bargaining for large multi-union organizations in several Canadian jurisdictions. Travis has represented his employer before third-party panels and has directed counsel on behalf of his employers as the senior leader with binding authority. Travis currently consults in the areas of labour relations, human resource management, and organizational effectiveness through Vital Human Capital Solutions, a boutique human capital consultancy based in Edmonton. He holds a Master of Laws from Osgoode Hall Law School, a Master of Business Administration from Smith School of Business, and a Bachelor of Arts in psychology from Western University. Travis is a CPHR (CPHR Alberta), CHRL (HRPA Ontario), and a SHRM-SCP (Society for Human Resource Management of America). He is currently the Vice-Chair, and past Chair of the CPHR Alberta Discipline Committee.

Richard Williams - Member
Richard Williams is a Senior Human Resources/Labour Relations Leader who has held various leadership roles in the energy, utility and aviation sectors. In his previous roles, he has led collective bargaining, contract implementation and administration, workplace investigations and dispute resolution at the provincial and federal level. Richard serves as the Principal Consultant for Progress HR Solutions, where he offers strategic labour relations and collective bargaining support, mediation and conflict resolution strategies and training designed to empower businesses and organizations in maintaining positive employee relations. Richard teaches management, negotiation and labour relations courses as a sessional instructor at MacEwan University. He is a trained mediator, holds a Chartered Professional in Human Resources (CPHR) designation, and has an MBA from the University of Alberta. His volunteer experience includes Board of Director and coaching roles within amateur sport in Alberta

John Worden - Member
John Worden is a Business Agent with General Teamsters, Local Union No. 362, which represents over 6,000 members in Alberta. The Teamsters is the largest union in North America. Since 2018, John has negotiated numerous collective agreements across a broad range of sectors and has developed extensive experience in grievance handling and dispute resolution. He holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree from the University of Guelph and is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Industrial Relations from Queen’s University. He also holds a Certificate in Labour Law from Osgoode Hall Law School of York University. In addition to his representational work, John serves as a trustee on the union’s Health and Welfare and Pension plans.