Get to know your CSIA By Perry Schmunk, CSIA Managing Director

Over the last year, I have received a lot of feedback, and as a result I wanted to share how the organization is structured. The following lists the various Board Members, Committee Members, Staff and Leaders. Below are the details.

National Board

Members from each region elect a representative to the National Board, which is made up of 6 voting members and the Managing Director (non-voting). The past Chair may also sit on the board as a (non-voting) for up to a max of 2 years following the end of the official term. Elected members hold 3-year terms for up to a maximum of two terms. The National Board is responsible for the Governance of the organization and the long-term direction of the CSIA. The Board meets once a month via conference call and minimum twice a year face to face. The organization’s AGM is held in the fall of each year and this year it will held at the Hockey Hall of Fame in on November 9, 2019.

Your current National Board Members are:

D. Darren MacDonald – Representing Atlantic, D. Darren was voted to the National Board in the Spring of 2019. D. Darren is the Facilitator of the work of the Governance Committee that was struck by both the National Board and the Regional Chairs. The Governance Committee is charged with looking at how we are best set up for the future of the CSIA, from a Governance perspective. D. Darren is a CSIA Level 3 and ACA Level 2.

Robert Tousignant – Representing Quebec, Robert was elected to the CSIA National Board in the spring of 2015. Robert also serves as the current Chair of the National Board. Robert has served as the organization’s Chair since May 1, 2017. Robert, in addition to his entrepreneurial enterprises also teaches for the Bromont Snow School. Robert is CSIA Level 3 and ACA Development Level Trained.

Allison Sharpe – Representing and currently holding the position of Secretary, Allison was elected to the National Board in the spring of 2017. She is also on the Governance Committee. Allison has a depth of leadership experience with not-for-profit organizations, and is currently the Snow School Director for the North Toronto Ski Club. Allison is a CSIA Level 3 and ACA Development Level Trained. Her future goal is to complete the Level 4.

Tom De Nardi – Representing Central and currently holding the position of Treasurer, Tom was elected to the CSIA National Board in the spring of 2015. Tom is a CSIA Level 3 and CSCF Level 3 Certified Coach.Tom is very involved in local philanthropy, community building and fundraising in his home region, along with the support of his wife Lesley and his children. He sits on many Boards including military, advisory, schoolboard and hospital foundations. Tom is the past president of Sons & Daughters of Italy in Manitoba.

Morgan Engel – Representing Alberta, Morgan was elected to the CSIA National Board in the spring of 2019. Morgan previously also served on the Alberta Regional Committee’s Board as Chair. He is also on the Governance Committee. Morgan is a CSIA Level 4 and also a Level 3 Course Conductor and ACA Development Level Coach and CASI Level 1.

Wade Sutton – Representing British Columbia and currently holding the position of Vice-Chair, Wade was elected to the CSIA National Board in the spring of 2014. Wade is a Supervisor in the Whistler Blackcomb Snow School, a CSIA Level 4 and also a Level 4 Course Conductor. He is also CSCF Level 2 Certified Coach.

National Office Staff

Perry Schmunk – Joining the CSIA, in November 2018 as the organization’s Managing Director. Perry is a CSIA Level 4 and Level 4 Course Conductor, past Snow School Director at Whistler Blackcomb, past Business Development Director at Ski Banff Lake Louise Sunshine and previously the Mayor of Tofino. He is also the recipient of the Queen’s Jubilee Medal. Perry is responsible for the CSIA’s day to day operations and liaising with the Industry. Perry reports directly to the National Board.

Lisa Cambise – holds the Leadership role as Director of Shared Services, overseeing all administrative and financial operations of the organization. A professional accountant (CPA, CGA designation) and a Certified Association Executive (CAE designation), Lisa has been an asset to the CSIA for 22 years.

Mark Sedgwick – joined the team in July 2019 in the new Leadership role of Director, Product Development and Information Technology. Mark is a Certified Microsoft Engineer whose most recent role was Vice President of Information Technology for Whistler Blackcomb. A passionate instructor, transplanted from Australia, Mark has an unparalleled combination of leading-edge IT skills and ski industry experience. On-snow he is a certified Level 4 Instructor with both the CSIA and APSI.

Jeff Marks – In July 2019, Jeff took on the new Leadership role of National Program Director. He’s had a long career in the ski industry leading Snow Schools in both Niseko, Japan and Ski Banff Lake Louise Sunshine. Most recently Jeff held the position of Education Development Coordinator with the CSIA. He is an accomplished CSIA Level 4 Instructor and Level 4 Course Conductor, who has participated in the past two CSIA Interski Demonstration Teams.

Jon Tischuk – joined the team in July 2019 in the new Leadership role of Director of Marketing. Born and raised in Montreal, Québec, Jon started his career at Gray Rocks and Mont Tremblant. He is a skilled collaborator and bilingual communicator. He brings vast marketing, sales and social media experience from Apple, Google Agency, Tesla and Elan/Giro Australia. On-snow, Jon is a CSIA Level 4 Instructor, Level 3 Course Conductor and most recently contributed to Blue Mountain’s Snow School Training. He previously taught skiing in Australia, was the former Training Director at Whistler Blackcomb, and was the Snow School Director at in Ontario.

Annie Lussier – Annie has been with the CSIA since 2001, she currently holds the position of Communication Coordinator. The main area of her responsibilities include sponsor partnership relations, event planning, content development and coordination of CSIA official communications, administration website/social media platforms and official translation of all documentation.

Cedomir Tanackovic – Cedo has been with the CSIA since 2001, he currently holds the position of IT Manager. The main area of his responsibilities include management of the IT infrastructure and assets, IT support to members and staff, safekeeping of information through IT channels and implementation of latest technologies. Cedo is a Bishop’s University BBA-MIS graduate and is a Head Coach of the Owl’s Head Ski Club. Cedo is a Bishop's University BBA- MIS graduate and is a Head Coach of the Owl's Head Ski Club. Benoit Fournier – Benoit has been with the CSIA since 2010, he currently holds the position of National Program Coordinator. The main area of his responsibilities include overseeing program administrations, providing administrative training and support to the EPCs and RACs of each region, as well as Course Conductors.

Frances Dion – Frances has been with the CSIA since 1998, she currently holds the position of Coordinator of Shared Services. The main area of her responsibilities include insurance programs renewals and support related to claims, human resources hiring process and policies, health/safety program claims support and the organization for official meetings.

Dahlia Mightley – Dahlia has been with the CSIA since 2005, she currently holds the position of Accountant. The main area of her responsibilities include processing and payment of all vendor and Course Conductor payables, management of receivables and inventory, as well as administration of the online store orders and inquiries.

Andrew Coates – Andrew has been with the CSIA since 2011, he currently holds the position of Membership Services Coordinator. The main area of his responsibilities include answering Members inquiries and membership requests for renewal, reinstatement and ISIA recognition.

Rachel Odingo – Rachel has joined the team in August 2019 for a contract position to help with the Membership Services, answering Members inquiries and processing membership renewals.

By Regions: Atlantic

Elected Officials: D. Darren MacDonald – Atlantic National Board Representative.

JP Lalonde – JP is the current Chair of the Atlantic Regional Committee. JP is a CSIA Level 4 and Level 4 Course Conductor and previous Eastern Program Coordinator for the CSIA. JP is also a member of the RCMP. In his spare time he enjoys playing sports with his young son Antoine.

Staff Members: Charles Martin – Charles is in the newly created Education Program Coordinator (EPC) role for Atlantic. Charles is a CSIA Level 4 and Level 4 Course Conductor and was previously the Atlantic Regional Coordinator for Level 1 Programs. Charles was the Snow School Director at Mont Farlagne and Coach/Head Coach for the racing team for 25 years. He became involved with the CSIA Atlantic Committee for decades taking on various projects including the responsibility to organize the CSIA Atlantic Members’ Convention in Amqui, Québec. Today this yearly event is held in Mont-Sainte-Anne in December. From his young Atlantic days to this day, he remains passionate for this wonderful sport.

Québec

Elected Officials: Robert Tousignant – Québec National Board Representative and Chair.

Claude Peachy – Claude is the current Chair of the CSIA Québec Regional Committee. He is also on the Governance Committee. Claude is a CSIA Level 2 and an ACA Member. Claude works at Le Relais Snow School and off-snow he works as a career lawyer for the Québec Government.

JF Beaulieu – JF is the current CSIA Technical Committee (TC) Representative from Québec. He is the Snow School Director of Mont-Saint-Anne, a CSIA Level 4 and a Level 4 Course Conductor and multiple time Interski Team Member. JF is an avid contributor to the TC, which ultimately produces the R&D for the development of our on-snow product. In the off-season, JF can be found on the slopes of NZ, or in the Gorge on his windsurfer.

Staff Members: Mario Bourassa – Mario holds the position of EPC in Québec (a new role in the Québec Region). Mario will be responsible for the delivery of L1 to L4 Courses and hiring of Course Conductors for the region. Mario is a CSIA Level 4 and Level 3 Course Conductor and also has a depth of experience within Snow Schools, Ski Area leadership roles and the ASSQ. He was the Snow School Director at La Crapaudière, Mont Saint-Castin and Stoneham ski areas.

Frédérik Lépine – Frédérik will take on the role of Regional Administration Coordinator (RAC) for the Québec Region (a new role for Québec). Fred will work closely with Mario in the delivery of all CSIA Courses and Events in Québec. Fred, is an active CSIA Level 4 and Level 4 Course Conductor, as well as a multiple Interski Team Member. Fred studied at Université de Sherbrooke in Kinesiology and he became a leader in Québec in the field of physical fitness and training in snow sports.

Ontario

Elected Officials: Allison Sharpe – Ontario National Board Representative.

Terence Tse – Terence is the current Regional Chair of the Ontario Regional Committee. Terrance also sits on the new Governance Committee, looking at the Governance model going forward. He is a CSIA Level 3 and Level 1 Course Conductor and an ACA Member. He leads the recreation race program at The Heights SCC in Barrie as the Manager, Snow Sports. From Vancouver he shifted to Toronto for the last 25+ years as an expert in branding, design and marketing at a handful of agencies. He was recently awarded Rookie Course Conductor of the Year for CSIA Ontario. His future goal includes attaining the Level 4.

AJ Leeming – AJ is the current CSIA Technical Committee (TC) Representative from Ontario, who started in the Spring of 2019, nominated on to the TC Committee. He was previously elected on to the Ontario Regional Committee, and served for 6 years as Technical Coordinator, Co-Chair and Chair. During his time as Chair, the Ontario Committee piloted the new EPC role from its origin. AJ is a CSIA Level 4 and Level 3 Course Conductor and an ACA Member. He is currently in the role of Manager of Programs & Services at Glen Eden in Ontario, overseeing Snow School operations.

Staff Members: Jason Young – Jason continues in his third year as EPC for the Ontario Region. Jason is a CSIA Level 4 and Level 4 Course Conductor. Talisman Mountain Resort is where he got his start, which led him to begin working as a Ski Pro at . He has worked at on and off since 1995. Jason is committed to helping Members achieve their goals and attain their next CSIA Level and to supporting strong working relationships with Ontario Ski Resorts and Clubs. Jason also served on the CSIA Ontario Board of Directors as the Director of Marketing, Vice Chair and Chair of the Board.

Kayla Wickens – Kayla is also staying on in the role of RAC for the Ontario Region, for the second year. She was born and raised near the Blue Mountains and showed an early love of skiing. She worked as an Assistant Pro at the age of 14 and quickly gained the skills necessary to become certified as a Level 1 Instructor with Blue Mountain Resorts Snow School teaching the youngsters in Kids At Blue Programs, Kayla became a Team Lead, a Supervisor and then stepped easily into a Coordinator position, managing the schedules of over 300 staff, eventually earning her an Assistant Manager position in the Snow School.

Central

Elected Officials: Tom De Nardi – Central National Board Representative.

Anders Svenson – Anders is the current Regional Chair of the Central Regional Committee of the CSIA. Anders is also the Snow School Director at Mission Ridge in Saskatchewan. Anders is a CSIA Level 2, a CADS Certified Instructor and CASI Member. Anders studied at SIAST Palliser Campus in Moose Jaw and worked in the field of internet sales management.

Staff Members: Craig Chapman – Craig stays on as the EPC for Central. Craig is a CSIA Level 3 and a Level 1 and Snow Park Course Conductor, actively training towards the Level 4. He is also the Snow School Director at Table Mountain. In his early years he taught skiing at Canada Olympic Park, Sunshine Village and Marmot Basin. Craig’s career history includes work as a Rodeo Bullfighter, where he met his wife, which led him to North Battleford, Saskatchewan.

Alberta

Elected Officials: Morgan Engel – Alberta National Board Representative.

Jaison Van Tine – Jaison is the current Chair of the CSIA Alberta Regional Committee. Jaison has been on the Regional Board since the spring of 2019 and has been the Chair since he was elected to the Committee. Jaison, a previous National Board Member, is also the current Chair of the Regional Chairs Group. Jaison is a CSIA Level 4 and Level 3 Course Conductor and an ACA Member.

Cornelius (Casey) Bouius – Casey is the current CSIA Technical Committee (TC) Representative from Alberta. He previously sat on the Steering and Education Committees. Casey is a CSIA Level 4 and Level 4 Course Conductor. He’s been involved as a multiple Interski Team Member. Other skiing accolades include being a member on the Vail Demo Team, a World Powder 8 Competitor, Alpine Canada Coaching Staff Member and having his Avalanche Operations 1 with the Canadian Avalanche Association. Casey started skiing at Snow Valley in Ontario. Coach Men’s WC Speed Team (summer training) and Avalanche Operations 1 with the Canadian Avalanche Association. He started skiing at Snow Valley in

Staff Members: Don Kjorven – Don will take on the position of EPC in the Region of Alberta. Don is a CSIA Level 4 and Level 4 Course Conductor, and past Interski Team Member multiple times. He also has a depth of experience in Snow School and Ski Area leadership roles, including Sunshine Village. Don has been a skiing professional since the age of 15 and he also competed in freestyle and racing events in his early years.

Karen Kjorven – Karen will take on the position of RAC in the Region of Alberta. Karen will work closely with Don in the delivery of all CSIA Programs in Alberta. Karen has been involved full time since 2001 managing the administration, accounting and communications for Alberta programs.

British Columbia

Elected Officials: Wade Sutton – British Columbia National Board Representative.

Paul Sauvé – is the current Chair of the CSIA British Columbia Regional Committee. Paul is a CSIA Level 4 and Level 4 Course Conductor. These will be Paul’s final months as Chair, followed by the new incoming Chair. Dianne Dagneau – will be the incoming Chair of the CSIA British Columbia Regional Committee in November. Dianne is a CSIA Level 3 and CSCF Level 1 Certified Coach, who spent many years coaching kids at Troll Mountain in Northern BC. When she’s not skiing, she’s teaching financial services.

Josh Foster – Josh is the current CSIA Technical Committee (TC) Representative for British Columbia. Josh is also to current Chair of the TC. Josh is a CSIA Level 4 and Level 4 Course Conductor and multiple time Interski Team Member. Josh spends lots of time with his favourite skiing partner, his 5-year old daughter Lola, who started skiing at 17 months.

Tracey Fraser – Tracy is the current Chair of the CSIA Women in Skiing Committee. Tracey is a CSIA Level 4, Level 4 Course Conductor and Interski Team Member. Tracey is also the Snow School Training Manager for Whistler Blackcomb and conducted some Instructor training in China for WB. She was a Powder 8 Competitor over multiple years with her synchro partner Natalie Morel Wood. Tracey is on the WB Demo Team and is a proud mom of 2.

Staff Members: Kristian Armstrong – Kristian will take on the position of EPC in the Region of British Columbia. Kristian is a CSIA Level 4 and Level 4 Course Conductor since 2015. He taught skiing at Copper Mountain, Crested Butte and then in Big White, along with some international seasons in NZ and Australia.

Betsy Linnell – Betsy will be the RAC for the British Columbia Region. Betsy will work closely with Kristian in the delivery of all CSIA Programs in British Columbia. Betsy is a CSIA Level 4 and Level 3 Course Conductor. She started off as an accomplished racer at Bishops University Ski Team, and taught at Talisman Mountain Resort and Owl’s Head, followed by Whistler Blackcomb as her career unfolded. She has also worked in the field of senior level marketing.