Meet the Board of Directors guiding the ULBC forward

Jonathan Pinto

Jonathan Pinto is currently Chief Growth Officer at Odyssey Trust Company. He is an accomplished financial services executive, with approximately 20 years’ experience in the Canadian capital markets, including most recently on the management team of TSX Trust. Prior to this, he spent a number of years in investment banking with top-tier firms like Citigroup and Scotiabank GBM, and spent almost a decade in senior Corporate Development, Investor Relations, Strategy and Treasury roles with large financial institutions like Manulife Financial and Sagen MI Canada (formerly known as Genworth Canada). He holds an MBA (Finance) and as well, an LL.M (Business Law) from Osgoode Hall Law School at York University, is a member of the Institute of Corporate Directors (ICD) and previously sat on the Board of the Canadian Investor Relations Institute. He also currently sits on the board/audit committee of an insurance company and a non-profit entity focused on assisted living for seniors.

With a strong background in trust and corporate services, Jonathan brings a wealth of knowledge and a proven track record in managing complex financial transactions and fostering client relationships. His leadership is marked by a commitment to integrity, innovation, and operational efficiency.

Austin Beggs

Austin Beggs is an accomplished leader in facilities management and services, currently serving as CEO and Partner at TALM Services. With a distinguished career spanning over three decades, Austin has demonstrated exceptional expertise in strategic planning, operational excellence, and team leadership within the facilities industry. His career is marked by significant contributions to business growth, customer satisfaction, and the implementation of innovative service solutions. 

Austin’s comprehensive understanding of facilities development and management, combined with his strategic acumen, is characterized by a commitment to excellence and continuous improvement, while fostering strong client relationships.  Austin’s ability to navigate complex challenges and deliver outstanding results makes him a valuable asset to the board.

Deborah Meyers

Deborah Meyers is a seasoned executive with over 25 years of leadership experience, offering a robust blend of strategic expertise and strong business qualifications with a focus on outcomes, innovation, and performance excellence. As an Executive Consultant at DL Meyers Consulting, she focuses on strategic change management, organizational effectiveness, and continuous improvement. Her extensive experience also includes executive roles at Athabasca University, Saskatchewan Polytechnic and the Calgary Board of Education, where she enhanced financial analysis, improved enterprise risk management, and spearheaded initiatives in financial management, ERP renewal, and enterprise-wide strategic planning. 

 Deborah’s considerable board background includes serving as Director at SRNET and the Greater Saskatoon Chamber of Commerce, as well as a Trustee for the Universities Academic Pension Plan (UAPP). Known for her innovative approach and outcome-driven mindset, Deborah excels in providing strategic insights and fostering transformational change.

Kondwani Bwanali

Kondwani Bwanali is an accomplished Chartered Professional Accountant with over 16 years of experience in financial management and corporate governance. He currently serves as the Chief Financial Officer and Vice President of Corporate Services at Calgary Municipal Land Corporation (CMLC), where he is responsible for the long-term financial health, enterprise risk management, and strategic financial planning of the organization. Bwanali’s expertise includes creating sound fiscal strategies, implementing financial policies, and overseeing complex financial operations across Canada and the USA.

Kondwani has held various senior accounting roles in the real estate and manufacturing sectors, including positions at Pointe of View Developments, Assured Developments, and Cinex. His career is marked by a consistent focus on financial accuracy, internal controls, and strategic financial planning. He holds a Bachelor of Accounting Science from the University of South Africa and has completed an advanced HR certificate from Queen’s University, along with an Executive Education Program at Harvard Business School. Kondwani brings to the board extensive experience in both public and private sectors, highlighting his commitment to organizational excellence and community service. 

JT Dhoot

Inderjot (JT) Singh Dhoot is the Founder & Principal of Omnis Valuations & Advisory Ltd., a boutique professional services firm with offices in Calgary and Toronto providing commercial real estate advisory, business valuation, forensic accounting and litigation support services. JT has over 15 years of diverse professional experience, including roles in commercial real estate development, asset management, and valuations. His independent opinions of value have also been used to resolve legal disputes, with JT being recognized as an expert witness in these matters. He is also engaged in various activities outside of his professional practice, including teaching an undergraduate real estate investment analysis course at the University of Calgary and authoring course materials for the University of British Columbia and CBV Institute. His professional achievements have been honoured by the Appraisal Institute of Canada (AIC), which recognized JT as the recipient of the Tyler Beatty Award for the Top Appraiser Under 40 in 2022 and the CBV Institute, which celebrated JT’s contributions in 2024 by naming him the recipient of the Top CBV Under 40 Award in memory of David Cornfield, CA, CBV.

JT’s governance experience includes serving as a Trustee and Chair of the Audit Committee for one of Canada’s largest private real estate investment trusts (REITs), Avenue Living Real Estate Core Trust. JT also serves as the public representative on CPA Alberta’s Practice Review Committee and as a member of the Calgary Assessment Review Board, an independent quasi-judicial tribunal that hears and adjudicates formal complaints against assessments of property, business, and local improvements in the City of Calgary. A graduate of the University of Toronto’s Master of Forensic Accounting (MFAcc) program, JT also holds the Accredited Appraiser (AACI), Chartered Business Valuator (CBV) and Corporate Director (ICD.D) designations.

Richard Masson

Richard Masson brings to the board over 30 years of experience in energy project development, governance, and finance. As President of Planning Solutions, he has focused on strategic consulting for energy projects, particularly in relation to energy and climate change issues. His expertise extends to project governance, executing major financial and commercial negotiations, and providing strategic oversight on multi-billion dollar projects. He is known as a trusted advisor and effective communicator within the Calgary energy community and is a sought-after commentator on energy matters.

Richard has extensive board experience, including the University of Lethbridge Board of Governors and the World Petroleum Council – Canada, for which he Chaired the World Petroleum Congress in Calgary in 2023 with the theme “Energy Transition – the Path to Net Zero”. 

Eugen Klein

Eugen Klein is an accomplished real estate executive and board director with over three decades of experience in real estate investment, property management, and commercial brokerage. As the Founder and Principal of Royal LePage Westside Klein Group, Eugen has led the firm to national recognition, managing over $300 million in real estate transactions annually and achieving a transaction volume of $3 billion since 2015. His expertise spans various asset classes, including industrial, commercial, multifamily, and residential projects across Western Canada. Eugen’s strategic vision and leadership have driven high customer satisfaction and substantial wealth creation for clients, underpinned by his advanced knowledge in financial analysis, risk assessment, and project marketing. 

In addition to his professional achievements, Eugen holds significant board experience, including roles as Chair and Director at the Land Title Survey Authority of BC and Director at the Arts Club Theatre Company. His commitment to professional development is evident through his extensive academic background, which includes executive education from Harvard Business School and the University of British Columbia. Eugen’s contributions to the real estate industry are further highlighted by his involvement in various professional organizations and his receipt of numerous accolades, such as the Royal LePage Lifetime Award of Excellence and multiple top-tier national awards.

Kurt Schlachter

Kurt Schlachter is a highly experienced senior executive and trusted advisor with a proven track record in management, business strategy, and law. As CEO of Stringam Law, Kurt oversees all facets of the firm’s operations, driving growth through strategic mergers and acquisitions while fostering a positive work environment. He also manages a substantial private commercial real estate portfolio, where he handles vision, strategy, and market intelligence.

Kurt holds a Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Neuroscience from the University of Lethbridge, along with a Juris Doctor from the University of Saskatchewan. He also successfully completed the Directors Education Program through the Institute of Corporate Directors and the Rotman School of Business at the University of Toronto, obtaining his ICD.D designation in July of 2020. Kurt was appointed King’s Counsel in 2022 in recognition of his service to the legal profession and the Province of Alberta, and was awarded a Doctor of Laws, honoris causa, by the University of Lethbridge in 2024 for his dedication to community building.

Kurt’s extensive board governance experience includes serving as President and Board Chair of Economic Development Lethbridge and Chair of the Board of Governors of the University of Lethbridge. His roles involved stakeholder engagement, government relations, and strategic oversight of major initiatives, including budget and risk management.

TJ Hanson

TJ Hanson is a seasoned engineering and infrastructure leader with over 16 years of experience at the University of Lethbridge. As the Associate Vice-President of Facilities, TJ oversees a team of 120 skilled professionals responsible for the university’s operations, maintenance, capital projects, and campus safety. His expertise in project management and engineering has been honed through a diverse career that includes roles in the canola and soybean processing industries, both in Canada and the United States.

TJ is passionate about leading his team in managing the university’s physical operations and tackling complex challenges. Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with his family, particularly boating and surfing during the summer, and indulging in his love for designing and building various projects. 

Nancy Walker

Nancy Walker is a seasoned executive with over three decades of experience in financial and administrative leadership. As Vice-President of Finance and Administration at the University of Lethbridge, she oversees critical functions including financial services, human resources, facilities management, and information technology. Nancy has been instrumental in guiding the university’s financial strategy, ensuring robust fiscal management, and fostering strong relationships with provincial and federal funding agencies.

Nancy’s professional journey is marked by many significant achievements, including her recognition as a Fellow of the Chartered Professional Accountants and her receipt of prestigious awards such as the 2020 CAUBO Ken Clements Distinguished Administrator Award. Her educational achievements include a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Heriot Watt University, Chartered Accountant (CA) designation, and a Bachelor of Management from the University of Lethbridge.  Her commitment to excellence extends beyond her professional life, as she is also very involved in community service and the arts, actively participating in local musical ensembles and various charitable organizations. 

Nancy brings to the board a wide breadth of knowledge and experience.  She has served three terms as Chair of the Universities Academic Pension Plan (UAPP) Board of Trustees, as President and Board member of the CAUBO Canadian Association of University Business Officers (CAUBO) Board, as Chair of the CURIE Canadian Universities Reciprocal Insurance Exchange (CURIE) Board of Directors, and is currently serving as a member of the Alberta Workers’ Compensation (WCB) Board of Directors.

Digvir Jayas

Dr. Digvir S. Jayas currently serves as the President & Vice-Chancellor of the University of Lethbridge. He holds a Bachelor of Agricultural Engineering from G.B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology in India, and he completed both his graduate degree and PhD in agricultural engineering at the Universities of Manitoba and Saskatchewan. Dr. Jayas began his academic career at the University of Manitoba in 1985, ultimately serving as Vice-President (Research and International) for 12 years, demonstrating his strong leadership and commitment to advancing research.

As a leading researcher, Dr. Jayas specializes in the drying, handling, and storage of grains and oilseeds, as well as digital image processing within the agri-food sector. His notable achievements include holding a Tier I Canada Research Chair in Stored-Grain Ecosystems from 2002 to 2009, being named a Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada in 2009, and being appointed an Officer of the Order of Canada in 2018. In 2023, he received the Lieutenant Governor’s Award for Excellence in Public Administration in Manitoba. Dr. Jayas has also made significant contributions to various boards and committees, including serving on the Board of Directors for the Canada Foundation for Innovation and the Advisory Committee on the National Research Council of Canada’s Research Programs. His extensive board experience underscores his dedication to advancing higher education and research excellence.