2023-2024 Board of Governors

Shawna Miller is an entrepreneur and business‐woman with two decades of experience. As head of a family-based business, Shawna owns and operates Subway Restaurants across Northwestern Alberta, an oilfield service company, and a property investment company.

Shawna began her education at Northwestern Polytechnic before transferring to the University of Alberta to complete her degree in Economics. Upon graduation, Shawna returned to her home community of Grande Prairie to pursue her dream of becoming an entrepreneur.

Shawna is a strong community supporter and has volunteered her time on many not‐for‐profit boards including those of the Grande Prairie United Way, Tiny Hands of Hope, Business Link and Alberta Heart and Stroke Foundation. She served on the Grande Prairie Chamber of Commerce’s Board of Directors for eight years, including five years on the Executive Committee and two years as Chair. Shawna served as the Board Chair of The Alberta Chamber of Commerce and as a Director on the Canadian Chamber Board.

In recognition of her many accomplishments, she has received the Grande Prairie Chamber of Commerce 2017 Above and Beyond Award and NWP 2019 Distinguished Alumni Award.

Brent grew up in Beaverlodge and attended primary and secondary school in Beaverlodge and Hythe, giving him long established roots within the communities of the west county. Following high school graduation, he attended Northwestern Polytechnic for two years in the University Transfer program. Brent went on to obtain a Bachelor of Education degree from the University of Alberta, a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Calgary and a Juris Doctor degree from the University of Saskatchewan. He was admitted to the Alberta Bar in 2003.

Brent is a lawyer at Carter Lock & Horrigan, practising primarily corporate and commercial law, advising clients on all aspects of business transactions including mergers and acquisitions, dispositions and reorganizations. He has extensive experience advising on corporate agreements pertaining to the development and ongoing operation of a business. Prior to returning to Grande Prairie in 2015, Brent practiced law in Calgary for 10 years in the areas of securities and corporate finance. He completed his articles with a top tier national law firm and then went on to practice as an associate with a securities boutique and as a partner with a full-service business law firm. Brent has represented both publicly listed corporations and small to mid-sized companies, providing counsel on such matters as private placements, initial public offerings, securities regulation, corporate governance, and general corporate and commercial law.

Brent places a high value on education and understands the importance of NWP to the region. He is excited to be a part of the Institution as it transitions to a degree-granting institution.

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Heather has lived near Fairview for most of her life and therefore has the small town atmosphere in her heart and soul. After graduating from Fairview High School, she married a local farmer and settled down on the family farm to raise their four children. During this time, she started a home-based business, which she moved into town and operated for a number of years, and it is still operating in Fairview under new ownership.

In 1982, Heather and her husband John also started a seed cleaning business called Golden Acre Seeds, which they continue to operate today, complementing their expanding fourth-generation family farm.

Over the years, Heather has been involved in numerous organizations, and taken on many different roles, including coaching high school sports for many years. She has more than 25 years of leadership experience with agricultural organizations, most recently with Organic Alberta, and had served eight years on the board of Forage Seed Canada, including three years as the Chair.

Heather and John spent many years traveling with their children during their sports careers, including many trips with the Wolves club and conference sports programs.

Quality education has always been extremely important to Heather, and she is excited to have the opportunity to serve on the NWP Board of Governors and hopes to contribute to the success of the entire institution.

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Dr. Tyler May is a physician practising family medicine in his hometown of Manning, AB. He received medical training in Ireland and completed his medical residency in Dawson Creek, BC. For the last 11 years, Dr. May has been a dedicated practitioner and was awarded the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal in 2022 for his contributions to the province.

Mike McMann is an accomplished administrator who serves as superintendent for the Fort Vermillion School Division. With 23 years of leadership experience, he is a devoted champion of inclusive education. Mr. McMann was awarded the 2024 Dyslexia Canada Educational Excellence Award in recognition of his advocacy and commitment to improving literacy outcomes for all children.

Andrew grew up and went to school in Edmonton, AB. He held various positions before taking a pre-employment course at Northwestern Polytechnic in 2010. Upon completion, Andrew moved to Grimshaw, AB and worked as a heavy duty technician. In 2013, he and his family returned to the Edmonton area, settling in the Town of Redwater, AB, where he continued his career as a heavy equipment technician. Andrew achieved his Red Seal Endorsement in 2014.

Andrew always enjoyed the technical training during his apprenticeship, so becoming an instructor was something he always had in mind. In 2018, Andrew relocated to Fairview, AB, after working for various tractor and trailer dealerships, and fuel hauling transport companies in Alberta and the Northwest Territories. He started instructing at NWP in the Heavy Equipment Program and, in 2022, was appointed Chair of the Department of Transportation Trades. Andrew loves to see his students succeed and is a big supporter of Fairview and the Trades. He looks forward to serving his students and colleagues on the Board of Governors as NWP continues along its new strategy and mission.

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Dr. Vanessa Sheane is a life-long resident of the Peace Region. She was born and raised in Fairview and is a proud alumna who has made Grande Prairie her home. As the NWP President and CEO, Dr. Sheane provides innovative leadership and ensures that academic programming, applied research, and student services are responsive to industry and community needs.

Vanessa received her PhD in nursing from the University of Victoria in 2021 and has various publications associated with her interest in institutional systems, organizational structures, and challenges facing postsecondary and nursing education. Over the last decade while serving at NWP, Dr. Sheane has held various high-level executive and teaching roles. She is a Registered Nurse and a member in good standing with the College of Registered Nurses of Alberta and is passionate about quality post-secondary experiences and building community capacity.

Lydell was born and raised in the Grande Prairie area, having lived in either Grande Prairie or La Glace his entire life. After graduating high school Lydell attended Northwestern Polytechnic, receiving his Business Administration diploma in 1998 and then his Bachelor of Administration (Management) from Athabasca University, collaborative with NWP, in December 1999. He began articling with Fletcher Mudryk LLP, Chartered Accountants in January 2000, and achieved his Chartered Accountant designation in January 2003, earning the bronze medal in Alberta on the Uniform Final Examination.

After becoming a partner with Fletcher Mudryk in 2006, Lydell received the Chartered Accountants Early Achievement Award due to his volunteer efforts, particularly the 2004 Royal Bank Cup hosted by the Grande Prairie Storm. This award is given to CAs early in their career who have rendered exceptional service to the profession or whose achievements in their careers or in the community have earned them distinction and brought honour to the profession.

During his time at Fletcher Mudryk, Lydell has championed NWP through hiring accounting graduates, as well as supporting the Institution overall. Fletcher Mudryk is currently the title sponsor of the NWP Golf Classic Tournament, providing both financial support as well as staff volunteers for the event. Lydell is proud to have been a part of this event, one of the Institution's largest annual fundraisers, since 2000.

Lydell joined the NWP Board of Governors in August 2019, in part due to his history there, but also in conjunction with part of Fletcher Mudryk’s overall vision, to strive for excellence for our community. Lydell wants to give back his financial expertise, which is rooted in his initial training at NWP.

Lydell takes a logical and low risk approach to decision making, wanting to be fully informed prior to taking action while at the same time not being paralyzed by inaction. He believes strongly in empowering administration to do their jobs well, while at the same time establishing firm guard-rails to ensure strong stewardship over the assets and operations of any organization he deals with and it will be no different at NWP.

Lydell and his wife Trish have three children, Marek, Melayna and Troy. Lydell enjoys playing golf, traveling, cooking and spending time with friends and family.

Councillor, Town of Valleyview

For the past 25 years, Ken Wittig has been honing his skills and gaining extensive industry experience through his work with Northstar Hydrovac. His role in the company has seen him undertake various projects and contribute significantly to its growth and success.

Beyond his professional commitments, Wittig is a devoted member of the Valleyview Town Council and serves on numerous boards. In his two years on the Council, he has played an active role in the decision-making processes that shape the community. He is deeply passionate about sparking positive changes and working towards the improvement of the town.

When not at work or fulfilling his Council responsibilities, Wittig is an avid lover of the outdoors. He frequently spends his time camping, playing golf, or exploring trails on his quad. These activities in nature rejuvenate him and provide a much-needed balance in his life.

One of the most rewarding aspects of his life is the quality time he spends with his son. They have created countless memories together, engaging in outdoor activities or sharing meaningful conversations. Being a father has imparted valuable life lessons to Wittig and has enriched his perspective.

Overall, Wittig's professional career, involvement in local government, love for the outdoors, and dedication to his family are integral aspects of his identity. He continues to strive for growth both personally and professionally, always aiming to make a positive impact on those around him.