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Meet your Board of Directors
Heidi Schofer
Board Chair
Melville
Term expires: 2029
Committee: Ex-Officio on all Committees
Ken Kosolofski
Vice Chair
Regina
Term expires: 2029
Committee: Risk
Adam Hicks
Regina
Term expires: 2028
Committee: Audit & Conduct Review (Chair)
Term expires: 2028
Committee: Audit & Conduct Review (Chair)
C. Neil Carruthers
Frenchman Butte
Term expires: 2029
Committee: Governance & Human Resources
Term expires: 2029
Committee: Governance & Human Resources
Don Wheler
Lashburn
Term expires: 2027
Committee: Governance & Human Resources
Term expires: 2027
Committee: Governance & Human Resources
Jessica McNaughton
Moose Jaw
Term expires: 2029
Committee: Governance & Human Resources
Term expires: 2029
Committee: Governance & Human Resources
Kathryn Pollack
Lumsden
Term expires: 2028
Committee: Governance & Human Resources (Chair)
Term expires: 2028
Committee: Governance & Human Resources (Chair)
Lyle Weichel
White City
Term expires: 2028
Committee: Risk (Chair)
Term expires: 2028
Committee: Risk (Chair)
Melanie Bonnah
Lloydminster
Term expires: 2028
Committee: Audit & Conduct Review
Term expires: 2028
Committee: Audit & Conduct Review
Pam Skotnitsky
Saskatoon
Term expires: 2027
Committee: Audit & Conduct Review and Risk
Term expires: 2027
Committee: Audit & Conduct Review and Risk
Tim Otitoju
Regina
Term expires: 2027
Committee: Risk
Term expires: 2027
Committee: Risk
Ty Kehrig
Bjorkdale
Term expires: 2027
Committee: Audit & Conduct Review
Term expires: 2027
Committee: Audit & Conduct Review
Board Chair
Melville
Term expires: 2029
Committee: Ex-Officio on all Committees
Heidi has been involved in the credit union system for over 20 years, most recently as the Board Chair with legacy Cornerstone. With a long history of board service at both local and provincial levels, she is deeply committed to cooperative values. Heidi is currently a high school substitute teacher and works alongside her husband on their 1,300-acre family farm near Melville.
Credentials:
- ACCUD – Accredited Canadian Credit Union Director
- BA – University of Saskatchewan
- B.Ed. – University of Regina
Vice Chair
Regina
Term expires: 2029
Committee: Risk
Ken held a number of executive positions in his close to two decades in the credit union system including several years as the President and CEO of Concentra Bank (a credit union owned, federally regulated bank). He is a passionate believer and a lifetime member of the credit union system.
Ken also has a background serving on various boards and community organizations including the Regina and District Foodbank, Civic Pension and Long-Term Disability Board, Mobius Benefit Administrators, and a Delegate to the Co-operative Superannuation Society.
Credentials:
- Institute of Corporate Directors – ICD.D designation
- Chartered Professional Accountant (CA)
- Bachelor of Commerce – University of Saskatchewan
Term expires: 2028
Committee: Audit & Conduct Review (Chair)
Adam is passionate about the values for which Conexus stands. He is proud to be part of an organization with a long track record of successfully serving members while supporting communities across Saskatchewan. Adam has a background in entrepreneurship, finance and IT. He had a fulfilling career with over ten years with the Government of Saskatchewan serving in various management roles. Currently, he can be found making long lasting differences for generations to come through the South Saskatchewan Community Foundation. He glows when discussing the power of Legacy Funds in which the foundation builds protects and honours legacies for families across Saskatchewan. He is proud to manage the over $130 million of legacy funds held in trust with the Foundation. Adam is an active volunteer in Regina and is passionate about improving the lives of all citizens.
Credentials:
- Bachelor of Business Administration and Certificate of Economics from the U of R.
- CPA, CMA, PMP, PSGov
- Institute of Corporate Directors – ICD.D Designation
- Elected Trustee of the Regina Public School Board
- Serves on several Community Boards and Associations
Term expires: 2029
Committee: Governance & Human Resources
Neil has served on the Synergy Credit Union Board since 2012 and is the National Director of Key Accounts and Livestock Technology with Merck. In addition to his Executive Leadership role in the Animal Health business, Neil along with his wife Gail manages their farms in Northwest and West Central Saskatchewan. He has also served as a founding director on the Zoetis Canada Pension Board and as a 4H Leader. Neil supports member choice and financial participation through programs like Synergy’s ProfitShares.
Credentials
- B.Sc. – Agriculture, University of Saskatchewan
- ACCUD – Accredited Canadian Credit Union Director
- Business Leadership Program - Duke University
Term expires: 2027
Committee: Governance & Human Resources
Don has served on the Synergy Board since 1998, including multiple terms as Chair. With a background in education and leadership, he was the founding director of the Northwest Leadership Academy. He holds several governance certifications and received the Saskatchewan Credit Union Director Order of Merit in 2020. Don is a strong believer in ethical leadership, collaboration, and in Credit Unions as community builders.
Credentials
- B.Ed. – University of Saskatchewan
- ACCUD – Accredited Canadian Credit Union Director
- Certified Director – University of Toronto Rotman School of Management
Term expires: 2029
Committee: Governance & Human Resources
Jessica is Founder and CEO of memoryKPR Technologies. Her experience as both upper management and entrepreneur in a broad range of industries including Technology, Finance, Aviation and the Resource Industry serves as an asset while navigating the regulatory environment, while connecting communities and members through technology. Her previous board experience includes industries such as tourism, healthcare, and finance.
Credentials:
- Executive MBA – Kenneth Levene Graduate School, U of R
- Public Sector Governance Program – Johnson Shoyama Graduate School, U of R
- Institute of Corporate Directors – ICD.D Designation
Term expires: 2028
Committee: Governance & Human Resources (Chair)
Kathryn is the Executive Vice President of People, Safety and Indigenous and Corporate Relations with SaskPower and is also the RBC Woman Executive in Residence for the University of Regina’s Hill & Levene Schools of Business. She lives in the R.M. of Lumsden with her husband and two children. Kathryn has a broad range of professional experience in the private and public sectors and has held leadership roles overseeing procurement, natural resources policy and human resources.
Credentials:
- Master of Business Administration
- Institute of Corporate Directors – ICD.D Designation
- Certified Leadership Coach
Term expires: 2028
Committee: Risk (Chair)
Lyle is CEO and co-owner of WestSource, a family owned, Saskatchewan business that provides design build construction and procurements services for the residential, commercial, and renewable energy industries. Lyle is an entrepreneur at heart with an extensive range of professional experience in business development, leadership, innovation, early technology adoption, stakeholder engagement, and sustainability initiatives. Lyle has served on the legacy Cornerstone Board of Directors since 2016. Lyle lives in White City with his wife and two daughters. He values family, local economic development, and sustainability.
Credentials
- ACCUD – Accredited Canadian Credit Union Director
- BASc – Engineering, University of Regina
Term expires: 2028
Committee: Audit & Conduct Review
Melanie was elected to the Board in 2016 and brings a strong financial background as a former Synergy employee and Manager, Finance for Steelhaus Tryton. She holds a degree in economics and a Credit Union Fellowship designation. A passionate advocate for financial literacy, she is dedicated to strengthening both the credit union and the community.
Credentials
- BA – Economics, University of Calgary
- CPA – Chartered Professional Accountant
- Credit Union Fellowship Designation
- ACCUD – Accredited Canadian Credit Union Director
Term expires: 2027
Committee: Audit & Conduct Review and Risk
Pam brings to Conexus experience from executive leadership teams of both SaskCentral and Federated Co-operatives Limited, including board experience on both sides of the table. Pam’s executive portfolio includes marketing, communications, customer experience, strategic planning, enterprise risk management, government relations, compliance, governance, sustainability (ESG) and executive sponsorship of large transformative initiatives. With an extensive background co-operative background, Pam believes that we are a different kind of business and need to embrace our differentiation, expressed through purpose. Pam understands and respects the challenge that comes with effectively communicating this difference and bringing it to life through the way in which our members, employees and communities experience co-operatives.
Credentials
- Master of Business Administration, Kenneth-Levene, U of R
- Bachelor of Administration, Marketing & Finance
- YMCA Regina Volunteer and Director
- Institute of Corporate Directors – ICD.D Designation
- Fifth Line Foundation, Board of Directors
Term expires: 2027
Committee: Risk
Tim is a business leader with a rich background in business development, board governance, and real estate. He is the President of Realty Hub Brokerage, with offices in Saskatchewan and Ontario. He has many years of experience serving on various boards, which has strengthened his ability to make a meaningful impact. Tim believes in the core values of the credit union and that being a member-centric organization should be the driving force behind everything we do.
Credentials
- Master of Business Administration – Executive Management, U of R
- Certificate of Specialization, Leadership and Management – Harvard Business School
- Bachelor of Arts – Economics and Society, U of R
- Institute of Corporate Directors – ICD.D Designation
Term expires: 2027
Committee: Audit & Conduct Review
Ty has served on the Cornerstone Credit Union Board since 2023. He is Vice President at Exceed Grain Marketing, advising producers on global market trends, financial planning, and crop marketing strategies. With prior experience in agriculture production and accounting, Ty is a Registered Professional Agrologist and committed to strengthening rural economies through community-focused credit unions.
Credentials
- B.Sc. – Agribusiness, University of Saskatchewan
- P.Ag - Professional Agrologist
Executive Leadership Team
Executive Leadership Team
Celina Philpot
Chief Executive Officer
Annette Revet
Chief Strategy and Governance Officer
Garnett Volk
Chief Growth Officer
Jeremy Trask
Chief Information Officer
Mark Millham
Chief Risk and Compliance Officer
Neil Cooper
Chief Financial Officer
Tara McKeown
Chief People Officer
Theresa Kuzina
Chief Marketing Officer
Celina brings a bold vision for success, a deep commitment to community, and a decisive, results-driven leadership style to her role as CEO of Conexus. With 29 years of experience in the credit union system, she has held key leadership positions in two major Manitoba credit unions before joining Conexus in Saskatchewan. Celina's expertise and proven track record position her to drive exceptional outcomes and lead the organization into a strong future.
Celina's commitment to continuous learning and self-development has been a driving force throughout her career. She holds a Bachelor of Commerce (Honours) degree from the University of Manitoba, a Master’s Certificate in Project Management from the University of Winnipeg, and a Project Management Professional (PMP) designation from PMI International. Celina has also earned the designation of Executive Master of Business Administration from Royal Roads University to further enhance her leadership expertise. These accomplishments reflect her dedication to both personal growth and excellence in her field.
Celina is deeply committed to community growth and vitality, as reflected in her board involvement. She currently serves as a Director on the Sask Chamber of Commerce and as a Trustee for the Regina Police Pension Board. She has also served as a Director for the Canadian Credit Union Association and Economic Development Regina.
As a first-generation Canadian and multilingual professional, Celina is passionate about the financial co-operative system. She believes that by serving the collective interests of members, credit unions play a key role in fostering financial prosperity and contributing to a thriving Saskatchewan.
Annette has been an instrumental part of Conexus since 2016, in her role as Chief Strategy and Governance Officer. She currently shapes and directs strategy, governance, communications, procurement and vendor management, community investment, and internal audit.
With an impressive 30 years of leadership experience across diverse industries in the private, public, and cooperative sectors, Annette is known for her exceptional ability to navigate complex challenges and drive organizational success.
Annette holds a Master of Business Administration as well as a Bachelor of Science (Honours) degree in Chemistry. She is also certified as a Six Sigma Black Belt, demonstrating her expertise in process improvement. Additionally, she is a Chartered Director through the Conference Board of Canada and the DeGroote School of Business, reflecting her deep commitment to governance excellence.
Since 2018, Annette has been a member of SaskCentral’s Board of Directors and currently holds the position of Chair of the Governance, Human Resources, and Conduct Review Committee. She is deeply passionate about community service and actively contributes her expertise as Vice-Chair as well as Governance and Nominations Committee Chair for Protein Industries Canada, Chair of the Governance and Human Capital Committee for Group Medical Services, and as a dedicated volunteer with the Red Cross.
With her extensive experience, unwavering commitment to excellence, and passion for community engagement, Annette is poised to drive Conexus toward its strategic goals while fostering a culture of governance and collaboration that benefits both the organization and its members.
Garnett harnesses his extensive leadership experience in member engagement, in his role as Chief Growth Officer, overseeing Conexus’ member facing teams in Wealth Management, Retail, Commercial and Agriculture. In addition, he also leads Cultivator powered by Conexus, the first Credit Union led Business Incubator.
Garnett approaches his role with focus, resilience, and a strong belief in the potential of the credit union system to deliver exceptional experiences for both members and employees. He is inherently optimistic of what is possible for the credit union system. With over 25 years of experience in the financial services industry across Saskatchewan, Alberta, and British Columbia, Garnett brings a wealth of knowledge to his position.
A graduate of the University of Saskatchewan, Garnett holds a Bachelors of Science in Agriculture degree, majoring in Economics. He is also committed to lifelong learning, furthering his expertise in Wealth Management and Risk Management. His diverse senior leadership roles have provided him with a comprehensive understanding of the financial services landscape.
Garnett serves as the Board Chair of Credit Union Dealer Finance (CUDF) and Ontario Credit Union Dealer Finance (ONCUDF/DriveOn). He is also an active board member and volunteer with organizations aligned with his passions of agriculture, youth sports and supporting individuals with special needs. Through his involvement with the Canadian Centre for Rural and Ag Health, Hockey Regina, and Special Olympics, Garnett is dedicated to making a positive impact on communities where we live and work.
Driven by a commitment to community impact and member excellence, Garnett is dedicated to advancing the credit union system and enriching the lives of those he serves.
Jeremy is a seasoned Chief Information Officer with extensive experience in driving technology strategy and innovation. He leads the areas of payments, technology infrastructure and operations, software development, project portfolio management, data and analytics, and technology vendor management.
With over 17 years of experience at Conexus, and 22 years in the cooperative sector, Jeremy has played a crucial lead role in aligning IT initiatives with business goals, ensuring that technology investments deliver maximum value.
Jeremy holds a Master of Business Administration from the University of Regina, as well as several technical certifications such as Project Management Professional (PMP) and Certified Scrum Master (CSM).
Jeremy's expertise extends to serving on the investment committee of CVC Funds 1 and 2. He possesses in-depth knowledge of the Canadian credit union system through his involvement with the Large Credit Union Coalition (LCUC) and has contributed to numerous national initiatives such as Payco and CUPO. Through the LCUC, Jeremy has introduced several innovations to credit unions, including mobile payments and remote deposit capture, with more advancements on the horizon.
In addition to his professional achievements, Jeremy is actively involved in several industry boards, educational institutions, and volunteer organizations that reflect his interests in technology, learning, sport, and community development. His engagements include the University of Regina, Athol Murray College of Notre Dame, Hockey Saskatchewan, and other notable institutions. Jeremy's commitment to these causes allows him to contribute significantly to the growth and betterment of the communities in which he lives and works.
Mark oversees key critical areas at Conexus, in his role as Chief Risk and Compliance Officer, including enterprise risk management (ERM), regulatory compliance, credit risk, loan administration, loss prevention, cybersecurity, retail non-lending policy, and business continuity. With 27 years of experience at Conexus, he has excelled in roles spanning retail member services, corporate finance, and ERM.
Mark holds several professional qualifications including a CPA, CGA, Canadian Risk Management (CRM) designation. He also earned a Bachelor of Administration degree from the University of Regina and has certifications in change management and credit union governance. He actively contributes to the industry as a Director on the boards for Credit Union Dealer Finance (CUDF) and Conexus Venture Capital Inc.
A strong advocate for credit union collaboration, Mark values partnerships across the loan syndication network, working closely with peers across the country to address common challenges in risk management and drive success within the credit union system.
With a steadfast commitment to enhancing risk management practices and fostering collaboration within the credit union community, Mark is dedicated to driving sustainable growth and success for Conexus and its members.
Neil plays a key role in ensuring financial sustainability and success at Conexus. His sharp analytical mind and dedication to long-term growth keep Conexus in the winning column. As Chief Financial Officer, Neil leads the accounting, finance and treasury functions of the organization. With a focus on financial sustainability and stewardship, he is willing to make thoughtful, strategic, and sometimes tough decisions for the greater good of Conexus, its members, and employees.
In 2018, Neil led the organization’s entry into venture capital, launching three funds and overseeing the fund management team. His leadership extends beyond Conexus, as he currently serves as Chair of the Board for SaskCentral and previously sat on the Management Committee for Celero Solutions.
Neil holds a Master of Business Administration as well as a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Saskatchewan. He also earned the ICD.D designation from the Institute of Corporate Directors at the Rotman School of Business, University of Toronto.
Neil’s passion for cooperatives extends beyond the work arena. As an active volunteer and Board Director of Cooperative Development Foundation Canada, he has been dedicated to building sustainable communities through cooperative principles globally. Neil also spends time volunteering with the Canadian Cancer Society and MS Society of Canada.
Neil’s dedication to financial stewardship, cooperative principles, and community service ensures his lasting influence on both Conexus and the wider community.
Tara has led the human resources practice at Conexus, since 2017, in her role as Chief People Officer. She currently oversees key areas including organizational development, people development, employee relations, compensation and benefits, payroll, and property and facilities.
She has spent the last 28 years contributing to the success of members and the cooperative system, both here in Saskatchewan and British Columbia. Her extensive background in sales, operations, and her desire for delivering an exceptional experience for our members, has built a strong foundation that Tara leads and shapes the culture of Conexus from every day.
In addition to various industry certificates and designations, Tara holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree in Entrepreneurial Management, an Executive Master of Business Administration degree, as well as the ICD.D designation through the Institute of Corporate Directors and the University of Toronto’s Rotman School of Management. She is a past award recipient of the National Young Leaders Award and has served on various system committees at the national and provincial level.
Tara is actively involved with various community organizations and is the current Chair for Big Brothers & Big Sisters of Saskatoon. She is a past Director for the Saskatoon Chamber of Commerce as well as Valley Action Abilities, an organization dedicated to providing vocational programming and group housing for adults living with cognitive and physical disabilities.
With her passion for the cooperative system, her unwavering commitment to member success, and her deep understanding and study of human behaviour, Tara continues to create effective human resource strategies that ensure the strategic success of the organization and recognizes the agency of the employee within a dynamic landscape.
Theresa brings a visionary mindset to driving brand, member experience, and growth marketing strategies in her role as Chief Marketing Officer. She is recognized as a creative and innovative marketing leader whose leadership enables organizations to flourish.
With over 21 years of experience in the credit union sector, Theresa has excelled in both client-side and agency roles. She has a proven track record of building and leading high-performing marketing teams that achieve ambitious growth targets and drive value for internal partners. Known for her collaborative leadership style, Theresa fosters strong partnerships and leads with a focus on teamwork and mutual success.
By leveraging data and insights, Theresa ensures the voice of the market and members is central to strategic decision-making, maintaining the relevance of the credit union and making a meaningful difference in members' lives. Theresa is a firm believer in the power of branding and has dedicated her career to crafting compelling brands that deliver both member and business value.
Theresa holds a Bachelor of Commerce (Honours) degree from the University of Manitoba with a double major in Marketing and International Business.
Having relocated from Manitoba to Saskatchewan with her family, Theresa has quickly come to value the province’s robust business community and its collaborative spirit. With her strategic vision and commitment to member-centric branding, Theresa is poised to elevate the organization’s impact and drive continued success in Saskatchewan’s vibrant business landscape.
