Chris Lee (Board Chair)
Independent Corporate Director
Chris Lee was appointed to the Mount Royal University Board of Governors in August 2019. Mr. Lee recently retired as the Vice-Chair and Deputy Chair of the Deloitte Board of Directors.
Formerly, Mr. Lee was the Managing Partner of the Prairie Region; co-chair of the firms Marketplace committee; the national Energy, Resources & Industrials industry leader; and, Director of Operations for the Calgary Financial Advisory practice.
Mr. Lee holds the distinction of being a former leader of the Deloitte & Touche LLP National Litigation Support Committee and the former President, Vice-President and executive member of the Canadian Institute of Chartered Business Valuators.
His community affiliations include being a Board Member of Alberta Blue Cross, Board Member of WinSport Canada and Makadiff Sports. He is co-founder and Board Member of Ignite Calgary, Global Business Forum planning committee member, and member of SAIT Business Advisory Council.
Formerly, Mr. Lee was a Board Member on the Calgary 2026 Bid Committee, Member of the Calgary Bid Exploration Committee and Board Member and Chair of Theatre Calgary/Theatre Calgary Endowment Foundation and Co-Chair of the Gold Medal Plate Committee.
Mr. Lee holds a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Manitoba, a Chartered Accountant designation for the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Manitoba and a Chartered Business Valuator designation from the Canadian Institute of Chartered Business Valuators.
Shannon Pestun (Board Vice-Chair and Alumni Member)
Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Pestun Consulting Inc.
Co-Founder, The Finance Cafe
Shannon Pestun was appointed to the Mount Royal Board of Governors in September 2019 nominated by the MRU Alumni Association. Originating from the Métis homeland and Treaty 1 territory, Ms. Pestun resides in Treaty 7 territory and is a member of the Métis Nation of Alberta.
Ms. Pestun is the Senior Advisor to the Diversity Institute for Canada’s Women Entrepreneurship Knowledge Hub and the 50-30 Challenge where she supports the development of research and strategies that advance gender equity and diversity in leadership and helps organizations accelerate diversity strategies already underway. She is also the CEO of Pestun Consulting, Co-founder of The Finance Cafe and a board member at NPower Canada.
Prior to this, Ms. Pestun worked in the financial services sector where she became known for her advocacy around women's financial inclusion and empowerment and her role in setting the stage for gender equality in Canada's banking and financial services. She was later appointed to serve on Canada’s Women Entrepreneurship Strategy expert panel. Her commitment to building an inclusive economy has made her a sought-after finance consultant and trusted voice for educators, government, industry and media.
Ms. Pestun is committed to bolstering Indigenous economic prosperity, driving economic growth and bringing an Indigenous-centered approach to her work. In 2020, she created the Gifting Circle Bursary for Indigenous women entrepreneurs raising over $150,000 in support of advancing Indigenous women’s entrepreneurship in Canada.
Dr. Timothy Rahilly
President and Vice-Chancellor, Mount Royal University
Dr. Timothy Rahilly is the 10th President and first Vice-Chancellor of Mount Royal University in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. He provides inclusive and strategic leadership to Mount Royal, working with the campus community and its many community stakeholders to develop and achieve Mount Royal’s strategic goals and contribute to the vibrancy of the City of Calgary.
Dr. Rahilly believes that education is transformative and that Mount Royal plays a critical role in the economy by graduating work-ready students equipped with practical and critical-thinking skills. In addition, the University supports students in becoming engaged, responsible citizens who contribute to their communities. Originally trained as a psychologist, he emphasizes mental and physical well-being as part of that personal growth.
Dr. Rahilly promotes Mount Royal’s exemplary post-secondary undergraduate education by building and sustaining relationships at the local, provincial, national and international levels. He is also the lead ambassador for the University in seeking opportunities and raising funds from private and public sources.
A focus on student-centred learning is the hallmark of his career. Having worked in higher education for more than 25 years, Dr. Rahilly has served in both academic and administrative roles. Most recently he served as Vice-Provost, Students & International at Simon Fraser University and held an academic position in the Faculty of Education. He has also held positions at the University of British Columbia and McGill University. He has served on many non-profit boards, including the Canadian University Survey Consortium, Canadian Association of College and University Student Services (President) and the Katimavik Foundation.
Dr. Rahilly was named one of 20 Compelling Calgarians by the Calgary Herald (January 2020) and was awarded the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal (September 2022). He has won numerous awards for teaching and leadership. He is enthusiastic, open and inquisitive — traits he brings to his work on behalf of Mount Royal and its students.
He holds a PhD in Educational and Counselling Psychology from McGill University, a Master of Arts in Educational Psychology and Counselling from McGill University and a Bachelor of Arts (Psychology and Education) from Concordia University.
Tala Abu Hayyaneh (Student Member)
President, Students' Association of Mount Royal University
Tala Abu Hayyaneh was appointed to the Mount Royal University Board of Governors in October 2024. She is the current President of the Students’ Association of Mount Royal University’s (SAMRU) Representation Executive Council, serving as the first Arab and Muslim woman to hold this position. Ms. Abu Hayyaneh brings a wealth of experience and a well-rounded perspective to her leadership. She holds a degree in Policy Studies from Mount Royal University and consistently applies this academic foundation in her work, advocating for student rights, equity, and accessible education.
An immigrant from Jordan who settled in Calgary in 2015, Ms. Abu Hayyaneh’s unique perspectives on global issues and community building fuel her drive to create meaningful change for students. She became a Canadian citizen in 2020 and has since devoted her time to strengthening connections with the local community, promoting Indigenous reconciliation, and engaging in broader conversations around equity and inclusion. Her ability to work collaboratively with a range of stakeholders, including students, faculty, administration, and government officials, makes her a contributor to the MRU Board of Governors.
Ms. Abu Hayyaneh's leadership extends to key initiatives undertaken during her tenure as Vice President Academic 2023/2024, where she focused on academic policy reform and advocating for student-centric solutions. She was instrumental in the ongoing development of the Zero Textbook Cost (ZTC) program at MRU, reducing financial barriers by promoting Open Educational Resources (OERs). Additionally, since her first involvement with SAMRU in 2018, she has played a vital role in establishing and running the World University Service of Canada (WUSC) Student Refugee Program (SRP) at MRU, an initiative to support student refugees with a post-secondary education and resettlement in Canada.
Beyond her executive roles, Ms. Abu Hayyaneh's commitment to student leadership includes serving as an executive member of the Policy Studies Students Society for four years and completing a two-year internship with the Trade Commissioner Service at Global Affairs Canada as part of her degree. She also served on the General Faculties Council for four years prior to becoming Vice President Academic, further demonstrating her dedication to academic excellence and governance.
Laura Daniels (Public Member)
Corporate Director and Alumni Partner, PricewaterhouseCoopers
Laura Daniels was appointed to the Mount Royal University Board of Governors in March 2024.
Laura was with PricewaterhouseCoopers for 32 years acquiring significant business acumen working with private and family-owned businesses, public sector organizations and not for profits. Her work spanned several industries including manufacturing and distribution, real estate, engineering, professional services, aviation, senior care facilities, technology, private investment companies and hospitality. Ms. Daniels had the distinction of leading the Public Sector assurance practice for the Calgary office.
In the community Ms. Daniels serves as a director of the Alberta Children’s Hospital Foundation chairing both the F&A Committee and the Governance Committee. She also served as a Director of Invest Alberta.
Ms. Daniels is active in her professional association having served as a member of the Practice Review Committee of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Alberta. She demonstrates her passion for education through instruction of various technical courses for the Institute.
Ms. Daniels is a Chartered Professional Accountant and was awarded her Fellowship of Chartered Professional Accountants in 2023 in recognition of her contributions to the community and the Profession. She earned her ICD.D designation from the ICD- Rotmans Directors Education Program in 2021. She holds a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Calgary.
Sherri Evers (Public Member)
Senior Vice-President, Sustainability, Commercial Development and Product Solutions, Imperial Oil Limited
Sherri Evers was appointed to the Mount Royal University Board of Governors in December 2022.
Ms. Evers was appointed Senior Vice-President, Sustainability, Commercial Development and Product Solutions at Imperial on May 1, 2023. In her role, Ms. Evers oversees the development and execution of the company’s sustainability strategy, Imperial’s downstream business, external affairs and commercial development. She also has oversight of the Imperial’s low carbon solutions organization – which is focused on leveraging the company’s unique capabilities to bring lower-emission technologies like renewable fuels, hydrogen and carbon capture and storage to market, helping customers meet their sustainability goals.
Ms. Evers is also one of the Steering Committee members of the Pathways Alliance.
Ms. Evers has worked for Imperial in a range of positions, beginning in 1998 including sales, logistics, pricing and analysis. Ms. Evers managed the marine business for Canada in 2006 and moved into the role of Canada pricing and logistics manager a few years later. In 2012, Ms. Evers began a series of global assignments with ExxonMobil Corporation in Fairfax, VA and in Houston, TX as manager of business planning center of excellence, the integrated business team lead for the Midwest northeast U.S. fuels business, and then as the Americas exchange and analysis manager for the third-party terminal and pipeline business. In 2018, Ms. Evers returned to Canada as the Eastern Canada fuels manager for the Downstream and was appointed Vice-President, Commercial and Corporate Development in 2021.
Ms. Evers is an active committee member with the United Way of Calgary.
Ms. Evers is Canadian and holds a bachelor of commerce degree from the University of Saskatchewan in Marketing and General Business.
Denise Hughes (Public Member)
Founder and Principal Consultant of Blueridge Management Consulting Inc.
Denise Hughes was appointed to the Mount Royal University Board of Governors in November 2024. Ms. Hughes is the Founder and Principal Consultant of Blueridge Management Consulting Inc. Prior to owning her firm, Ms. Hughes was a human resource executive for over 32 years with Imperial supporting all areas of HR and management at a local, national and global level in the energy sector. She has had multiple leadership roles supporting senior management, C-Suite executives as well as Board of Directors and multiple projects.
As a former Vice-President of Human Resources, Ms. Hughes has led large HR departments with compassion and energy, managing multiple projects, leading talent management, designing compensation programs, implementing change management efforts, HRIT systems projects, supporting acquisitions and divestments, pension plan redesigns, business process redesign, led cultural engagement surveys and actions for change, outsourcing activities to third parties and global centres. Her extensive Canadian and global leadership roles have provided Ms. Hughes with insights on how to lead and develop cross functional teams to common objectives by engaging and motivating employees across different geographic and cultural business units.
Her community involvement includes being the Board Chair of Kindred Connections Society, and the former Vice-Chair, and HR Committee Chair for Kindred and a longtime supporter of United Way.
Ms. Hughes holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Mass Communications from York University and a Master’s in Industrial Relations from the University of Toronto. Ms. Hughes has also completed several executive leadership programs at Columbia University, Thunderbird School of Global Management (Arizona State University) and University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill. She also holds her Project Management Professional (PMP), PROSCI Change Practitioner and Certified Human Resources Professional (CHRP) designations.
Brenden Hunter (Public Member)
Partner, Fasken Martineau DuMoulin LLP
Brenden Hunter was appointed to the Mount Royal University Board of Governors in September 2020. A partner with the multinational law firm Fasken Martineau DuMoulin LLP, Mr. Hunter’s career in private practice focuses on assisting energy companies in regulatory and judicial proceedings. His project experience includes acting for and advising applicants on high-voltage and distribution electrical transmission facilities, renewable energy projects, telecommunications facilities, and midstream projects. He also advises and assists regulated utilities with their rate-related applications, including rate design and tariff applications.
Mr. Hunter is a member of Saddle Lake Cree Nation, one of Alberta's largest Cree First Nations. His great-great-grandfather Onchaminahos or “Little Hunter” was a signatory to Treaty 6. With significant experience engaging with First Nations and other Indigenous groups, Mr. Hunter also advises on Indigenous consultations and partnerships.
He holds a B.A. (with distinction) from the University of Alberta, and a J.D. from the University of Victoria law school.
Cheryl Melatdoost (Non-Academic Staff Member)
Academic Quality Assurance Coordinator, Mount Royal University
Cheryl Melatdoost, nominated by the Mount Royal Staff Association (MRSA), was appointed to serve
on the Board of Governors at Mount Royal University in October 2024. Mrs. Melatdoost is
currently the Academic Quality Assurance Coordinator in the Office of Institutional Research and
Planning. She works closely with senior administration and faculty across the University to ensure the
ongoing quality of MRU ministry-approved credentials.
Mrs. Melatdoost has more than 20 years of post-secondary employment history spanning a career
that started in 2002 at Bow Valley College administering Computer Based Skills Assessments. Years
later Mrs. Melatdoost moved onto the University of Calgary as an Undergraduate Admissions Officer,
but eventually moved “home” to MRU in 2011. Mrs. Melatdoost has spent the vast majority of her 14
years with MRU in Academic Advising roles in various Faculties across MRU, earning herself an
Excellence in Advising Award from NACADA, the Global Community for Academic Advising.
As an alumna of Mount Royal College, and current employee of Mount Royal University, Mrs.
Melatdoost identifies strongly with the “You Belong Here” motto of the institution. With a dedication to
lifelong learning and building strong, vibrant communities, Mrs. Melatdoost continues to evolve her
learning journey with active engagement on university committees and meaningful service to her
community, both within MRU and beyond.
Dr. Jacqueline Musabende (Academic Staff Member)
Associate Professor, Bissett School of Business, Mount Royal University
Dr. Jacqueline Musabende was nominated by the Mount Royal Faculty Association to serve on the Board of Governors at Mount Royal University for a second term starting in July 2023. Dr. Musabende is an Associate Professor of International Business in the Bissett School of Business.
Passionate about teaching and learning, Dr. Musabende’s pedagogy focuses on nurturing innovation and building entrepreneurship ecosystems as tools that instill economic growth, create business opportunities and help businesses identify international opportunities. Her research interests include public financial management, international institutions and emerging markets, international development, experiential learning in higher education, and information technology.
Dr. Musabende has extensive global professional experience, having worked for organizations such as the International Monetary Fund, the World Bank and the African Development Bank, in addition to working for international banks (BNP Paribas and La Société Générale) and multinational corporations.
She is a board member, and currently the chair of the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Decolonization (DEI&D) committee, of the Association for Nonprofit and Social Economy Research (ANSER).
In partnership with the UN Canada Association, she established the How2BeU© program that connects universities and communities/businesses in Calgary through students’ initiatives to address UN Sustainable Development Goals.
She holds a PhD degree in International Business and a master’s degree in Geographical and Spatial Information Systems. She also has a project management designation (PMP®) and is bilingual.
Dexter Nelson (Public Member)
Owner/Operator of Horsetrack Ranche Ltd.
President Sport Medicine Council of Alberta
Dexter Nelson was appointed to the Mount Royal Board of Governors in November 2024. He takes particular pride in his family history at Mount Royal as his grandmother graduated from Mount Royal in 1913. Over the years he has been connected to Mount Royal as a student, a staff member, tenured faculty and a Department Chair. In 2013 he was recognized with a Lifetime Distinguished Achievement Award recognizing alumni at the culmination of their careers who have brought honour to their profession and their alma mater.
As a faculty member, he had the privilege of chairing the Curriculum Renewal Initiative at Mount Royal during its early beginnings. The focus was the development of "College-wide Learning Outcomes." In essence, in addition to content, faculty would purposefully engage in delivery and assessment methods focused on one of the following competencies: Communication, Computer Literacy, Thinking, Ethical Reasoning, Information Retrieval & Evaluation, and Group Effectiveness.
Mr. Nelson has been active in the profession of Athletic Therapy and Sport Medicine. He founded the Sport Medicine Council of Alberta, the Alberta Athletic Therapists Association and the Canadian Pro Rodeo Sport Medicine Team. He has served on multiple Canadian Medical Teams including being the Chief Therapist for the Canadian Olympic Team at the 1988 Calgary Olympics.
Internationally, he has served as the Chair – Task Force on Global Practice and Credentialing of Athletic Trainers and Therapists and the Vice-President of the World Federation of Athletic Training and Therapy.
Mr. Nelson has a Bachelor of Physical Education from the University of Calgary and a Master of Science degree (Athletic Training) from Brigham Young University. He is a Hall of Fame and member Emeritus of the Canadian Athletic Therapists Association. He is also an Honorary Member of the National Athletic Trainers' Association (USA).
Thomas P. O’Leary, KC, Q. Arb. (Public Member)
Partner, Blue Rock Law LLP
Thomas P. O’Leary was appointed to the Mount Royal University Board of Governors in December 2019. He is a partner of Blue Rock Law LLP, a law firm he co-founded in 2023 after practising for nearly 30 years with a large multinational business law firm.
Mr. O’Leary is a senior litigation lawyer consistently recognized in Alberta and nationally for his expertise representing clients in commercial and energy related disputes. His advocacy practice involves a broad spectrum of commercial disputes including energy and environmental litigation, class action defence, construction related disputes as well as professional liability and discipline matters. He has represented many of the largest players in Canada's energy and financial sectors. He has appeared at all levels of court in Alberta, the Federal Court of Canada, the Newfoundland Court of Appeal, as well as before numerous administrative tribunals and regulators. Mr. O’Leary has also acted as counsel in well over 100 mediations and arbitrations.
In addition to advocacy in litigation, arbitration and before regulatory tribunals, Mr. O’Leary is a Qualified Arbitrator through the Alternative Dispute Resolution Institute of Canada and is trained a mediator through Harvard Law School.
In the community, he served as a director on the board of the Calgary Stampede from 2010 to 2020. Mr. O’Leary has been extensively involved in youth sports, coaching both minor hockey and baseball, and with various other professional and community organizations.
He holds a Law degree from the University of British Columbia and a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Western Ontario. He was admitted to the Alberta Bar in 1991 and was appointed to Queen's Counsel (now King's Counsel) in 2022.
Dr. Kari Roberts (Academic Staff Member)
Associate Professor, Faculty of Arts, Mount Royal University
Dr. Kari Roberts, nominated by the General Faculties Council (GFC), was appointed to serve on the Board of Governors at Mount Royal University in July 2023. Dr. Roberts is Associate Professor of Political Science and Chair of the Department of Economics, Justice, and Policy Studies at Mount Royal University. She is also a Coordinator of the North American and Arctic Defense and Security Network (NAADSN), and a Fellow at the Canadian Global Affairs Institute (CGAI).
Dr. Roberts' research concerns Russian foreign policy toward the United States specifically and the West more broadly, and she also studies Russia’s interests in the Arctic, and the implications for Canada and NATO. Dr. Roberts teaches political science and international relations courses, including American Government and Politics, International Organizations, Foreign Policies of the Major Powers, and a number of courses in Policy Studies. Dr. Roberts has also supervised MRU’s Model UN students for over a decade.
Dr. Roberts joined the Policy Studies Department in 2009. Prior to coming to MRU, she was a Senior Policy Analyst with the Canada West Foundation, and served on the Board of Directors for Child and Youth Friendly Calgary (now Youth Central).
Dr. Roberts earned her BA (Hons) and MA in Political Studies from the University of Manitoba and her PhD in Political Science from the University of Calgary. Dr. Roberts is the recipient of several awards at MRU, including the 2023 Distinguished Faculty Award, the 2023 Faculty of Arts Outstanding Service Award, and the 2014 Faculty of Arts Outstanding Teaching Award.
David Routledge (Alumni Member)
David Routledge was appointed to the Mount Royal University Board of Governors in September 2019, nominated by the MRU Alumni Association.
Mr. Routledge has 40 years of experience in real estate investment, management and development. He has retired from leading Oxford Properties’ Western Canadian Office Team, which ranged from 6 to 11 million square foot mixed-use real estate management portfolio in Calgary, Vancouver, Edmonton and Winnipeg. Under Mr. Routledge’s leadership, the Western Region’s team of 150 employees supported the successful development of seven office projects totalling 4 million square feet.
Mr. Routledge holds a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Calgary and attended the general studies program at Mount Royal University. He also completed the ICD.D program through the Institute of Corporate Directors, a program committed to excellence in the boardroom, with the desire to stay current, to be a more effective director and best in-class governance and leadership capacity.
Rob Schaefer (Public Member)
Rob Schaefer was appointed to the Mount Royal University Board of Governors in August 2022. Mr. Schaefer is a leader with over 30 years of experience in the energy industry in Canada, the United States, Europe and Bermuda and retired in 2020 as Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of the Ascendant Group and its subsidiary, the Bermuda Electric Light Company.
From 2016 to 2017, he served as Corporate Strategy Executive with Maxim Power Corp. where he led the strategic repositioning of Maxim's business in Canada, the United States and France. Previously, Mr. Schaefer held executive roles leading the commercial, trading, marketing and business development units of TransAlta Corporation and leading business development/marketing units with Enmax Corp and Mirant Corporation.
Mr. Schaefer’s past board involvement includes Northern Genesis Acquisition Corp. I, II and III, Bermuda Electric Light Company, TransAlta Cogeneration LP and the Calgary Food Bank.
Mr Schaefer holds Chartered Professional Accountant / Chartered Accountant designations and holds a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Calgary.
Sheba Singh (Public Member)
Founder and CEO, Canarch Immigration Solutions Inc.
Sheba Singh was appointed to the Mount Royal University Board of Governors in November 2023. She is a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC), registered and licensed member of the CICC (College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants) in good standing.
In April 2009, she moved to Canada from Chandigarh, India with her parents. Ms. Singh is dedicated to immigration and aiding newcomers to Canada. Her objective is to deliver dependable and tailored immigration solutions to each client. Through Canarch Immigration, Ms. Singh aims to be a trusted resource in the community and the preferred choice for immigration services. Additionally, she mentors new immigration consultants as a part of her practice.
Ms. Singh pursued her Bachelor's in Engineering at PEC, a renowned institution in North India. Ms. Singh completed her MSc. in Management and Computing for Business from Birmingham City University in the United Kingdom.
Reynold Tetzlaff (Public Member)
Vice-Chair and Managing Partner, Alberta & Prairies Region
Reynold Tetzlaff was appointed to the Mount Royal University Board of Governors in March 2024. Mr. Tetzlaff is the Vice-Chair and Managing Partner for the Alberta and Prairies Region at PwC Canada. He is also a member of the PwC Canada extended leadership team and was the former PwC Canada National Energy Leader for eight years. Mr. Tetzlaff has been with PwC for nearly 30 years and has extensive experience and expertise in serving public and private clients in various industries.
Mr. Tetzlaff is a leader in the Calgary community, serving on various boards and councils related to education, philanthropy, and industry. He is currently on Patrons Council for Unicef. Mr. Tetzlaff was on the University of Calgary’s Haskayne School of Business Advisory Council, the Institute of Chartered Accountants Board for six years, and the Audit Committee for four of those years where he received a Distinguished service Award in 2014. He was also previously on the Board and Audit Committee of SAIT, the Alberta Securities Commission New Economy Advisory Committee and Forum Vice-Chair of the 23rd World Petroleum Council.
Mr. Tetzlaff is a Chartered Professional Accountant and received his Fellow of the Chartered Accountants of Alberta (FCPA) in 2021 in recognition of his contribution to the profession and community. He holds a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Saskatchewan.
Anisa Tilston (Student Member)
Vice-President, Student Affairs, Students' Association of Mount Royal University
Anisa Tilston was appointed to the Mount Royal University Board of Governors in April 2023 and has been reappointed for a second term on the Board. She is the Vice-President Student Affairs of the Students’ Association of Mount Royal University’s (SAMRU) Representation Executive Council. In this role, Ms. Tilston represents students in various committees including the President’s Equity Diversity and Inclusion Advisory Committee, Suicide Prevention Strategic Framework committee, and the Campus Development Committee.
Ms. Tilston has engaged in a variety of extracurricular activities including painting, performing in the Central Memorial High School Choir and studying sports medicine. After completing hundreds of hours of community service as a trainer, Ms. Tilston continued her commitment to community service by volunteering with Healthy Campus Alberta, the Access and Inclusion Center of MRU and SAMRU.
Ms. Tilston attends Mount Royal University undertaking her Bachelor of the Arts, Sociology. She is passionate about equity, diversity and inclusion, believing that all communities benefit from diversity. Of particular interest is promoting disability rights, she hopes to apply her education to reducing the barriers faced by this community.