Board of Directors

Founded in 1998, the Cochrane & Area Humane Society (CAHS) operates with the philosophy of giving all adoptable animals a second chance at life. Along with 15 employees (10 full time equivalents) and over 150 volunteers, the CAHS Board of Directors is a dedicated group of volunteers who serve the organization in two year terms, to a maximum of six years.

The responsibility of the CAHS Board is to ensure that the shelter is managed in the best interests of the animals in the shelter’s care. Our goal is to maintain strong governance principles that are essential for supporting CAHS management in providing high quality care for animals in need and increasing public awareness and confidence in the Cochrane & Area Humane Society. More information is available in our Business Overview and our Philosophy Statement.

The Board is currently recruiting new members! If you are interested in donating time and support to a great cause, a volunteer position on the Board might be right for you. Ideally, it would be great if you had any of the following skills, certification or experience:
Certified Accountant
Corporate Lawyer/Solicitor
Local Political Involvement
Commercial/Real Estate
Information Technology
Accredited Fundraising Professional

Call For Nominations: January 15 - March 15, 2012
Deadline to submit completed Director Candidate Nominations Packages: 5:00pm, March 15, 2012
Board Nominations Committee interviews Director Candidates: March 16 - April 1, 2012
Director Candidates are advised if they have been endorsed by the Board of Directors: April 2 - 6, 2012
Annual General Meeting and Director Elections: April 11, 2012

Download a Director Candidate Nomination Package.

If you have any questions, please contact the CAHS Board by email at board@cochranehumane.ca.

2011/2012 Board of Directors

Colin Merrick - Board Chair

Colin has been a member for the CAHS Board since April 2009. He is currently the Board Chair, chairs the Human Resources Committee and participates on the Building Committee. Colin holds a Master's degree in organizational management from the Fielding Institute in Santa Barbara, California. He is employed with Deloitte & Touche LLP as the Chief Operating Officer in the Calgary office. During his free time he enjoys time with his family and fishing with his golden retriever, Royce.

Alison Archambault

Alison joined the CAHS Board in 2010 bringing with her extensive experience in corporate governance, communications and the non-profit sector. She is currently the Vice-Chair. Alison is the Director of Communications & Stakeholder Relations for First Calgary Savings. Her professional portfolio includes internal and external communications, public and media relations, and corporate governance.

Alison’s current volunteer involvements include: Pet Access League Society (PALS), the Drop Inn Center and Calgary Educational Partnership Foundation. She also serves on the Board of Directors of National Service Dogs and the Southern Alberta Rottweiler Rottweiler Rescue.

Jackie Barber

Jackie joined the CAHS Board in 2010 bringing with her a wealth of experience in human resources, corporate governance and facilities management. Jackie is the Senior Vice President, Human Resources and Governance for First Calgary Savings.

Jackie and her husband reside on an acreage north of Cochrane with their menagerie of cats and dogs, including several past CAHS residents. In her spare time Jackie enjoys woodworking and the out-of-doors.

Katrina Edgerton-McGhan

Katrina has been a member for the CAHS Board since May 2009 and chairs the Risk Management Committee. Katrina holds a law degree from the University of Victoria and is an associate with Scott Hall LLP. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with friends and family and walks by the river with her two dogs, Oliver and Sasha.

William Wong

William has been a member of the CAHS Board since April 2009. He is currently the Treasurer and is involved with the CAHS Planned Giving Council. William holds a Master of Accounting degree from the University of Waterloo, and is a Chartered Accountant, Certified Management Accountant, Chartered Financial Analyst and Certified Financial Planner. He is currently employed as the Chief Financial Officer of Boardwalk Real Estate Investment Trust. During his free time, he enjoys time with his family. William previously adopted Brodie, a lab-cross, from the Shelter.