Board of Directors
Guiding us towards excellence
We take pride in the collective guidance we receive from a well-rounded and diverse group of individuals on our board. Each member offers a valuable perspective and unique expertise. Most importantly, they are here to make a difference.
PRESIDENT
DEPUTY CHIEF CORY DAYLEY
Deputy Chief Dayley played a lead role in the $400,000.00 – multiyear Guns and Gangs grant awarded to YouthLink this year. He also has a keen interest in YL’s approach to Cyber safety and education, as he was the first officer to create the cybercrime program that has positioned CPS as a leader in digital policing. He will be a great source for information and support.
Cory has served with the Calgary Police Service for 23 years and has an impressive background that serves him well as he steps into this new role.
Deputy Chief Dayley has worked across the Service, acquiring strong knowledge and understanding of the business of policing. He had gained valuable experience on the frontline and in specialty areas, including Technological and Cyber Crime, the Chief Crowfoot Learning Centre (CCLC), the Real Time Operations Centre (RTOC), the Professional Standards Section (PSS), covert operations, organized crime and, most recently, as the superintendent of the Criminal Operations and Intelligence Division, which included several stints acting as the deputy chief for the Bureau of Investigative Support.
Deputy Chief Dayley has led and been involved in many significant initiatives, including the creation of the cybercrime program that positioned the CPS as a leader in digital policing.
Deputy Chief Dayley has a strong educational background, with professional development training in criminology, executive leadership, management, police administration, police operations, cybersecurity and intelligence.
Throughout his career, he has taken a people-first approach and is committed to the principles of equity, diversity, inclusion and belonging. He advocates for employees to remove barriers and create a culture of inclusion.
BOARD CHAIR
SHEILA FLEMMER, Community Investment, Community Engagement, and Communications Specialist
Sheila Flemmer is an experienced senior professional with a demonstrated history of working in the energy industry and for non-profit. She brings experience in community investment, corporate social responsibility, public relations, marketing and communications, event management, stakeholder engagement, and strategic planning.
Sheila joined the YouthLink board in 2018 and is Co-Chair of the Community Engagement, Stakeholder Relations, and Marketing Committee. She also volunteers for the Calgary Stampede Chuckwagon Committee and other various charities.
Sheila has a Public Relations Certificate from Mount Royal University and holds a Corporate Citizenship Management Certificate from the Boston College Carroll School of Management’s Centre for Corporate Citizenship.
VICE CHAIR
DEANA HELTON,
(Retired) Area Director, Central Schools, Calgary Catholic School District
Deana joined Calgary Catholic in 1993 after moving from New Brunswick to encompass 39 years in Education. Deana’s passion to support those students in need led her to complete a MA in Clinical Psychology in 1998 and continued in a long career as a Guidance Counsellor. Deana also spent nine years as a Principal in schools in north east Calgary, a highlight of her career!
In retirement, Deana feels honored to serve on the Board of YouthLink and looks forward to continuing her support for youth in need. Deana, husband and daughter volunteer as ski instructors for the Canadian Disabled Ski Association, Calgary (CADS), in retirement she looks forward to increase time on the golf course, ski hills, curling ice and delivering hampers for St Vincent de Paul through her church.
board member
COLLEEN BOWERS
Colleen has been a dedicated member of the Calgary Police Service since 2000. She began her career with eight years of patrol duty in Districts 3 and 4. Promoted to Sergeant in 2008, she joined the Professional Standards Section before moving to the District 3 General Investigations Unit, where she received a Chief’s Award Team Citation for leading a complex investigation.
Her passion for protecting vulnerable populations led her to the Child Abuse Unit, serving as both a Detective and the Sergeant of the Child At Risk Response Team for six years. Promoted to Staff Sergeant in 2018, she worked in the Real Time Operation Centre, earning a Chief’s Award for excellence in mental health intervention.
In late 2020, she joined the Alberta Law Enforcement Response Team, leading Auto Crimes and Human Trafficking Counter Exploitation units. Promoted to Commander in 2024, she now oversees the Youth Services Section. Inspector Bowers joined the YouthLink board to further her commitment to youth education and crime prevention, believing in proactive engagement to empower young people and foster a safer community.
BOARD MEMBER
ERIN CROSLEY
Erin Crosley is a partner with McLennan Ross LLP where she has worked since 2007, practicing in commercial and insurance litigation, professional discipline and employment and human rights law. Prior to her law education and career, Erin worked with at risk and vulnerable children and youth and obtained her Bachelor of Social Work Degree at the University of Victoria.
With her background working with youth and as a mom of two tweens, Erin is passionate about holistically supporting youth and their families in the community and targeted programs and resources that educate and empower youth in ways beyond the traditional educational system. Erin is honoured to be a Board member with an organization that strives for these goals and that is also focused on crime prevention programing that helps youth meet their full potential.
BOARD MEMBER
JACKSON MCDONOUGH,
Co-founder and CEO, Upwardly Careers
Born and raised in Calgary, Jackson is a fourth-generation entrepreneur and passionate Calgarian. Jackson started his career in Austin, Texas where he worked for software company that went public on the NYSE. In April 2021, Jackson moved back to Calgary and launched Upwardly Careers, a Next-Generation talent recruitment agency. As Co-founder and CEO, Jackson is on a mission to advocate for the power skills that people bring to businesses and the community.
Additionally, he is a founder of The Beacons of Hope and holds several community board positions.
BOARD MEMBER
LENNINA PAVON CARDOSO
Lennina brings over two decades of experience in communications, project management, and corporate citizenship across the broadcasting, film, banking, and energy sectors. As a Corporate Citizenship Senior Advisor, she develops strategic community partnerships, leads national initiatives, and champions sustainability and employee engagement programs at the enterprise level.
She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communications from Monterrey Institute of Technology and Higher Education (ITESM) and the University of Manitoba, along with professional certificates in Corporate Citizenship (Boston College Carroll School of Management’s Centre for Corporate Citizenship), Corporate Social Responsibility (University of St. Michael’s College at the University of Toronto), and Social Innovation (Mount Royal University).
Lennina has worked internationally in Mexico, Peru, and Canada, and is passionate about community impact, sustainable development, and cross-cultural connection. As a parent, she cares deeply about creating a safer world for all kids.
She joined the YouthLink Calgary Police Interpretive Centre board to help youth feel informed, empowered, and supported through real-life learning experiences. For her, it’s about building trust, fostering understanding, and ensuring every young person has the tools to thrive in a safe, connected community.
A dedicated volunteer, Lennina previously served on the board of Light Up the World (LUTW) and is an active year-round volunteer with the Calgary Stampede.
Board Member
DENNIS PLINTZ, Realtor/Broker Plintz Real Estate
Dennis has devoted his 20-year career to building relationships. His strategic vision and client process navigates the largest transactions of most people’s lifetime through innovative technology. His creativity, expertise, and enthusiasm led him to close record sales year after year. He holds a ranking among the top realtors in his marketplace.
Dennis’s passion for sales started young. At seven-years-old, he sparked his desire for accomplishment by selling his brother’s toys door-to-door and learned the value of a strong work ethic and hustle. He has a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration from Mount Royal University and is recognized for being a top producer. In his community Dennis is an inspiration, leader and example of unparalleled tenacity.
At the heart of Plintz Real Estate are three core values: Responsiveness, Creativity and Connection. Responsiveness makes everything happen. Their team is not just fast, but they are also prepared. Creativity is in Dennis’ DNA. He commits to finding solutions allowing his team to generate ideas, problem-solve, learn and improve. Being a third-generation Calgarian, Dennis is grateful for the connections he has had. His success in business is deeply tied to the people he has worked and collaborated with. The convergence of these values has led to opportunities that have shaped Dennis, his family and his team.
While sales and entrepreneurship have been a staple for Dennis, so has community impact. Dennis is committed to giving back. He has volunteered and donated to many organizations, primarily focusing on youth and emergency shelter causes. He considers working with organizations like the Calgary Women’s Emergency Shelter, Impact Society and youth in general, a privilege.
Dennis is the author of Hustle: A Guide to the Ethical Art of Selling & Survival and Positively Sold: Buy Smarter, Sell Higher & Push Your Real Estate Agent to Hustle Harder.
BOARD MEMBER
MARYANNE POOLE-FRANZ,
(Retired) Comptroller, Calgary Catholic School District
Maryanne is an experienced chartered professional accountant (CPA, CA) earning her designation in 1988. She had a long, successful career with various management positions within the Calgary Catholic School District. As Comptroller, her experience included all aspects of full-cycle accounting, treasury, financial reporting, budgeting, forecasting, and long-term financial planning. She gained valuable insight into the accountability and transparency necessary in publicly funded organizations. These positions gave her the opportunity to collaborate with educators, primarily focusing on early interventions for at-risk students.
Maryanne, born and raised in Calgary, actively participates in various organizations while raising her two children. She volunteered with soccer clubs, basketball clubs, and Girl Guides of Canada. Maryanne retired in 2019 after 29 years with the Calgary Catholic School District. She has been busy in retirement as a volunteer with numerous charities and pursuing her passion for skiing, hiking and camping.
Maryanne feels honored to serve as a member of the YouthLink Board and be part of an organization that focuses on inspiring youth.
BOARD MEMBER
ANDREW WAIAND,
Director, TD Securities — Global Investment Banking
Andrew joined TD Securities, Global Energy Group in 2010, and has held senior roles within Investment Banking in Calgary. Andrew’s primary role at TD is to advise large corporate clients on complex mergers and acquisitions and capital markets activities. Prior to joining TD, Andrew worked as an engineer at both FortisAlberta and SNC Lavalin. Andrew holds a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from the University of Calgary. He is also a registered Professional Engineer with APEGA.
At TD, Andrew is involved in several initiatives including mentoring new immigrant women looking to join the workforce in Canada. Andrew also volunteers with the University of Calgary acting as a mentor in the Scholars Academy Mentorship program supporting undergraduate students with exceptional leadership capabilities, intellectual curiosity, and strong commitments to our local and global communities.
Outside of work, you can find Andrew with his wife and two children on the ski slopes. In addition, Andrew is proud to have a member of his extended family join the Calgary Police Service.
BOARD MEMBER
MILES ROSS
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