nicole bourque-bouchier, Board Chair

Nicole Bourque-Bouchier is an industry leader, philanthropist, and advocate for the communities she lives and works in. Nicole is proudly Mikisew Cree First Nation, born in Fort Smith, Northwest Territories and raised in Fort McMurray, Alberta, where she resides with her husband and five children. 

As co-owner and CEO of Bouchier, Nicole’s creative and strategic approach has transformed the business into one of the largest Indigenous-owned and operated integrated site service companies in the Athabasca Oil Sands region. Today, Bouchier employs over 1,000 people, 43% of whom self-identify as Indigenous. The company also operates a fleet of 400+ equipment. Nicole began her career in computer systems, before transitioning to the oil and gas sector where she worked with several top producers. She then began her own consulting company where her entrepreneurial spirit flourished.

Named one of Canada’s Top 100 Most Influential Women by the Women's Executive Network in 2015, Nicole uses her traditional teachings, experience, and voice to advocate for Indigenous women’s economic empowerment. Dedicated to her community and giving back, she has served on the boards of numerous non-profits across Alberta, including Keyano College's Board of Governors, the Northeastern Alberta Aboriginal Business Association, Alberta Apple Schools Foundation, and Indspire's Board of Directors. 

Nicole's career serves as an inspiration to those around her, particularly as the recipient of numerous accolades including the 2022 RBC WOI Excellence Award, Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee Medal, Indspire Award for Business and Commerce, CCAB Indigenous Women in Leadership Award, and was named one of six Canadian CEOs as 2020 Catalyst Honours Champion.

ANTHONY (Tony) Mankowski, Past-CHAIR

Retired now, Tony was a long-time resident, active volunteer, and leader in Fort McMurray Wood Buffalo. He was an original steering committee member for the Wood Buffalo Community Foundation. Tony continues to provide strategic leadership guidance through his volunteer roles while enjoying time with his family and travelling.

Maureen Cormier Jackson, founding/past-Chair

Maureen was a long-time resident of Fort McMurray, moving there in 1980 and making it home for 22 years. Her two children were born and raised in Fort McMurray and she was involved in the community in many ways. Maureen was President of the Wood Buffalo Environment Association, President of the Noralta Skating Club and Co-chair of the United Way campaign at Suncor, to name a few. She has stayed connected to the community through her work, her children and her friends.

Maureen has more than 35 years of executive, financial and operational experience in the oil and gas industry. Her career at Suncor spanned numerous roles, ultimately Senior Vice President, Chief Process and Information Officer until she retired in 2013. Maureen currently serves on the Board of Directors for Obsidian Energy, Enerflex Ltd., and is on the Dean's Advisory Board for the Dean of Medicine at the University of Calgary. She currently resides in Calgary with her husband, Barry.

Sherill Hynes, Treasurer

Bio coming soon…

cynthia shelley-Lewis, BOARD MEMBER

Like many Fort McMurrites, Cynthia Shelley has roots in Eastern Canada, but has called Fort McMurray home for over 22 years.  She has served her community as a teacher, counselor, and administrator where she has worked with many community agencies in support of children, youth and families. 

As a leader, her professional life has been dedicated to youth and lifelong learning.  She loves to travel and learn about new perspectives, extraordinary places and invaluable life lessons.  She is the Director of Inclusive Education at the Fort McMurray Public School Division and has been involved in the community in various ways through her work in Education.

Nayef Mahgoub,P. ENg.,MBA, BOARD MEMBER

An active volunteer, mentor, and leader in the community, Nayef is a leader with RMWB’s Emergency Social Services (ESS); board member with the RMWB’s Assessment Review Board, and Subdivision Development & Appeal Board; Fort McMurray Construction Association; Fort McMurray Chamber of Commerce; and volunteers with Habitat for Humanity, United Way, Wood Buffalo Food Bank, Girls Inc.; and is the President of the local chapter of PEMAC Asset Management Association of Canada.

After 6 years with Suncor Energy (with his last role as Acting Director), Nayef founded his own engineering firm, Akron Engineering, of which he is Managing Director. 

Nayef and his wife, Patek Mahgoub, have enjoyed living and working in Fort McMurray for over 10 years. 

Emma Thorpe, BOARD MEMBER

Emma has worked with Suncor for over 20 years, living in Sarnia, GTA, Calgary, and now Fort McMurray since early 2019. She is the general manager at Suncor’s MacKay River site and is accountable for the safe and reliable operation of the facility. She previously worked in corporate roles focused on operational risk management, and in downstream operations including eight years at Suncor’s Sarnia refinery. She and her husband are extremely proud parents of two elementary-school aged children, and are happily growing roots in this active and exciting community.

Shaun Moore, BOARD MEMBER

Shaun and his wife relocated to Fort McMurray after joining Syncrude in 2009. Having overshot their ‘3 year plan’ by 10 years, they are proud to have called Fort McMurray Wood Buffalo home.

He is a graduate of Concordia University’s John Molson School of Business, and his subsequent career in Syncrude’s Human Resources function where he has held various roles of increasing responsibility.

Shaun considers himself fortunate for all the opportunities within Fort McMurray Wood Buffalo. He strongly believes in community service and volunteering to improve our region.

Shaun and his wife are the proud parents of two children and can usually be found at their second home - the hockey rink.

trudy dwyer, board member

Bio coming soon…

GAYLENE WEIDLICH, Executive Director

Gaylene serves the Wood Buffalo Community Foundation and encourages community philanthropy within Fort McMurray Wood Buffalo. Since 2020, she has worked alongside charities, donors, and community members to address immediate regional needs through granting, data research, and collaborative initiatives. Gaylene was awarded the 2022 Heart of Wood Buffalo Award for Newcomer Engagement, an award that recognizes new members of the region who have been active and involved in the social sector.

She carries with her an entrepreneurial spirit, creativity, and openness to try new things. Gaylene's business background includes co-ownership of a start-up in Alberta and Guadalajara, MX, real estate agent for RE/MAX in Airdrie and Edmonton, and executive-level positions in community-based organizations.

Gaylene is married to her best friend, Kevin, and is a proud mom to 3 teenagers. When opportunities arise, she enjoys scuba diving, painting, and walking her two dogs.