Meet our Board of Directors

Business Link’s Board of Directors serves to support our mission of helping Alberta small businesses start and succeed. They oversee and guide our organization, making sure we stay responsible to the people who support us and the entrepreneurs we serve all across Alberta. With members coming from various communities in the province, they bring valuable knowledge in small business, innovation, boosting the economy, education, and supporting Indigenous and immigrant communities.

Michael Oshry

Board Chair

Michael Oshry is an established entrepreneur with a lifelong commitment to driving business success. As the Co-Founder of FIRMA Foreign Exchange Corporation, he has played a key role in the company’s expansive growth with multiple locations across 5 countries. Michael continues to be a driving force in both the corporate and non-profit sectors, actively serving on the board of FIRMA, Edmonton Police Commission, and Northlands, and contributing his expertise to other city committees.

As a mentor, Michael guides aspiring entrepreneurs through the Venture Mentoring Service at the University of Alberta. He also holds an ICD.D designation, received the Entrepreneur of the Year Award, and steered FIRMA as one of Canada’s Best Managed Companies and Canada’s Top 50 Employers.

Joshua Day Chief

Board Member

Joshua is the Chief Executive Officer of AdvancedAg Inc., bringing with him a wealth of expertise in environmental reclamation and restoration. His leadership has been instrumental in steering numerous research projects funded by the National Research Council, contributing significantly to the company’s exponential growth. Committed to environmental solutions, innovation, and education, Joshua has forged strong connections within the southern Alberta agriculture and business community. He has expanded AdvancedAg Inc.’s product line through strategic collaborations in 3rd party research and a synergistic team approach.

Recognized for his outstanding contributions, Joshua received the Honouring Excellence – Rising Star Award from Lethbridge College and the Alumni Achievement Award from the Canadian Environmental Technology Advancement Corporation. In addition to being a member of the Board of Governors for the Lethbridge College, he continues to demonstrate his commitment to Indigenous initiatives by being on the Blackfoot Confederacy Entrepreneur Steering Committee.

Mark Dickin

Board Member

Mark is an Executive Professional and Certified Corporate Director with over 3 decades. With a wealth of expertise in North American Oil & Gas/Gas Liquids, Power and Renewable Energy Commodity Markets, Engineering/Procurement/Construction services, and International Investment and Canadian Retail Banking, Mark has been a President/Vice President in renowned companies such as ANC Transloading Inc., Nexen, CIBC World Markets, Lauren Engineers & Constructors ULC, and CH2M HILL Energy Canada, Ltd. Throughout his career, Mark has demonstrated exceptional leadership by leading teams in various departments and guiding entrepreneurs in refining their business strategies and plans.

A proud native Albertan, Mark holds a Bachelor of Arts in Economics degree from the University of Calgary. He also holds an ICD.D designation and serves as a board member for both private and not-for-profit organizations, as well as Advisory Boards.

Renee Fehr

Board Member

Renee is a proud descendant of Métis heritage and has nearly 2 decades of experience across various industry sectors, from banking and education to economic development. She brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to her newest venture in the tourism industry. Passionate about supporting local economies and nurturing entrepreneurship, Renee acknowledges the role small businesses and entrepreneurs play in our communities, both locally and regionally. In her current role, she relishes the opportunity to guide and empower small business owners and entrepreneurs toward success in the dynamic tourism landscape.

Renee holds a degree in General Studies from the University of Athabasca and a Human Resources Management Certification from the University of Alberta. She is dedicated to continuous learning and pursuing further education in Tourism Management. Outside of her professional pursuits, Renee spends most of her time embracing nature, hiking, and foraging for edible and medicinal plants.

Rolando Inzunza

Chair, Human Resources Committee

Rolando is an established entrepreneur dedicated to collaborating with Indigenous communities for over 12+ years. In 2019, he started his journey as an entrepreneur; he has helped others build award-winning businesses and spearheaded community engagement initiatives that have touched the lives of thousands. Rolando is the Director of Communications and Citizen Engagement for the Métis Nation of Alberta (MNA). Prior to this, his tenure with Suncor Energy in Indigenous Business Development, during his 12-year residence in Fort McMurray, showcased his dedication to bridging cultural divides and fostering sustainable partnerships.

Rolando has a passion for giving back to our community. He has generously volunteered his time and expertise on numerous boards, including FuseSocial, Leadership Wood Buffalo, the Fort McMurray Chamber of Commerce, and Community Futures Wood Buffalo. Currently, Rolando serves as a director with the local chapter of the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC Edmonton), furthering his mission to champion effective communication and collaboration.

Tsikinaakii Katie Rabbit-Young Pine

Tsikinaakii Katie Rabbit-Young Pine

Board Member

Tsikinaakii is a proud member of the Blood Tribe and is an established entrepreneur and community leader dedicated to fostering positive change. With a Bachelor of Management from the University of Lethbridge, Tsikinaakii started her entrepreneurial journey in 2015, founding Benefit Rezolutions Inc. With nearly two decades of experience in senior positions within Human Resource Management, Tsikinaakii has consistently championed human resource achievements both on and off the reserve. Currently serving as the Lead Innovator for Changing Horses NFP Society, she spearheads efforts to construct a Supportive Housing Complex for the homeless, demonstrating her unwavering commitment to social justice and welfare.

Driven by a passion for empowering First Nation members and bridging the gap in challenges faced by Indigenous communities, Tsikinaakii is deeply involved in community development and advocacy. As a Board Member for Tourism Lethbridge and a Senate member for the University of Lethbridge, she plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of her community.

Rohit Joshi

Board Member

With a diverse academic background spanning life science, law, fintech, and health technology, Rohit brings a distinctive perspective to the forefront. Currently serving as the Co-Founder and CEO of Brightsquid Secure Communications Corp, he steers the company with vision and purpose. Over the course of his career, Rohit has forged collaborations with numerous companies at various stages of growth, offering invaluable strategic counsel and operational expertise.

Driven by a passion for entrepreneurship, Rohit actively engages in diverse initiatives. He frequently shares his insights at conferences, contributes to government working groups, and imparts knowledge to students at the University of Calgary. Moreover, he extends advisory services to aspiring entrepreneurs, drawing upon his wealth of experience to guide and inspire others.

Kim Orlesky

Board Member

Kim is the Founder and CEO of KO Advantage and has been recognized as one of LinkedIn’s foremost sales influencers, consistently listed as a top leader in the field. Kim’s expertise is not confined to the stage; it is also showcased in her literary endeavours. Her third book, “Sell More. Faster.”, is a testament to her mastery, while she pens her fourth book, “Virtual Selling Best Practices”, poised to revolutionize the industry once again. Kim was awarded Startup Canada’s Women Entrepreneur and Most Inspirational Blogger by Success Magazine. With a commitment to empowering others, Kim has been selected as a presenter and speaker for groups such as Inbound, Comcast, Zoom, and Inc. Magazine.

Drew Tetz

Treasurer, Chair, Finance & Audit Committee

Drew is a Partner at Tetz Powell LLP and is passionately committed to empowering small and medium-sized business owners to realize their full potential. With a wealth of expertise garnered through CPA Canada’s prestigious In-Depth Tax Program, Drew brings a nuanced understanding of tax strategies to the table. He actively contributes as a board member of the Edmonton CPA Club, where he is shaping the future of the accounting profession in his community.

Hansine Ullberg

Chair, Government Relations Committee

Hansine is a Certified Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) and financial executive with over 25 years of extensive industry experience, ranging from oil and gas services to technology sectors. Hansine thrives as a strategic partner to leadership teams, offering extensive business acumen gained from working with multinational, public, and private companies. Currently serving as CEO at NumberzCPA, Hansine is deeply dedicated to philanthropy, actively contributing to her community. She lends her support to various charitable organizations, including the Calgary Flames Ambassadors, the Calgary Stampede, and Habitat for Humanity Southern Alberta.

Steve Whittington

Chair, Governance and Nominating Committee

Steve brings over 25 years of executive expertise in retail and manufacturing to his role as President of Roadmap Agency Inc. Prior to his current position, Steve held esteemed leadership roles within national retailers and manufacturers, demonstrating his ability to navigate complex business. His commitment to shaping future leaders is evident through his extensive board involvement, including serving as Co-Chair of the Marketing Program Advisory Committee for NAIT’s JR Shaw School of Business, Chair for Flaman Fitness Canada, and Director for Mealife, an innovative meal prep internet startup. Notably, Steve also chaired the Lethbridge Housing Authority, a pivotal role in one of Alberta’s largest social housing NGOs.

Steve holds a Bachelor of Commerce (Honours) and is a Certified Sales Professional (CSP), Project Management Professional (PMP), Marketing (CMS), and Customer Experience (CCXP). He shares his wealth of knowledge and insights in his book, “Thriving in the Customer Age.”

Colin Christensen

Board Member

Colin has over 3 decades of hands-on experience in starting, funding, and scaling businesses. His mission is to empower entrepreneurs globally, steering them away from unnecessary pitfalls and towards sustainable success. Among his array of ventures, Colin takes particular pride in co-founding a platform alongside a globally recognized benevolent corporation. He’s also a published author and the visionary behind an app tailored for aspiring entrepreneurs, illustrating his unwavering commitment to nurturing indigenous business initiatives through innovative curriculum design and staunch advocacy for underestimated founders.

Colin’s influence extends beyond the business sphere as he holds the esteemed positions of Entrepreneur in Residence at MacEwan University and Chair of the Board for Action for Healthy Communities. Furthermore, his active involvement in various capacities within the innovation ecosystem underscores his dedication to driving positive change. Adding to his diverse portfolio, Colin also serves as the General Manager of a prominent hockey team.

Board Committee Members
Finance & Audit Drew Tetz (Chair)
Hansine Ullberg
Joshua Day Chief
Rohit Joshi
Human Resources Rolando Inzunza (Chair)
Kim Orlesky
Renee Fehr
Tsikinaakii Katie Rabbit-Young Pine
Governance & Nominating Steve Whittington (Chair)
Mark Dickin
Colin Christensen
Government Relations Hansine Ullberg (Chair)
Mark Dickin
Tsikinaakii Katie Rabbit-Young Pine

Board Chair

Michael Oshry

Board Chair

Scott Beeby

Board Observer, Government of Alberta

Marie Soprovich

Board Observer

Bev Therrien

Board Observer, Government Member Representative

Finance & Audit Committee

Drew Tetz

Board Chair, Treasurer

Hansine Ullberg

Board Chair

Joshua Day Chief

Board Member

Rohit Joshi

Board Member

Human Resources Committee

Rolando Inzunza

Board Chair

Kim Orlesky

Board Member

Renee Fehr

Board Member

Tsikinaakii Katie Rabbit-Young Pine

Tsikinaakii Katie Rabbit-Young Pine

Board Member

Governance & Nominating Committee

Steve Whittington

Board Chair

Mark Dickin

Board Member

Colin Christensen

Board Member

Government Relations Committee

Hansine Ullberg

Board Chair

Mark Dickin

Board Member

Tsikinaakii Katie Rabbit-Young Pine

Tsikinaakii Katie Rabbit-Young Pine

Board Member