Allow us to introduce ourselves.

Ryan Montpellier
Executive Director

As Executive Director of the Mining Industry Human Resources Council (MiHR), Ryan Montpellier oversees the national sector council for the minerals and metals industry. Formerly the Director of Operations for MiHR, he was recognized in 2006 as a distinguished lecturer by the Canadian Institute of Mining. The Institute cited both his leadership in the research and analysis of human resources issues and his contribution to MiHR's development and promotion of proactive human resources, recruiting, and retention principles within the Canadian mining industry. In 2007, Ryan was recognized by the International Association of Business Communicators with a "Gold Quill Award" for his contributions in raising awareness of the human resources challenges facing the Canadian mining sector. Ryan graduated with a Master of Business Administration degree from the Edinburgh Business School and a bachelor's degree in Commerce from the University of Ottawa. A certified Project Management Professional, he has completed several professional development programs from Queen's University, the University of Toronto, and the University of Quebec. Ryan is an avid golfer and squash player and enjoys spending time with his wife, Shannon, and his children, Elliott and Veronica.

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Dana Imbeault
Director of Operations

As Director of Operations, Dana Imbeault is responsible for the day-to-day management, coordination, and supervision of the operational, financial, and administrative activities of MiHR. Formerly Director of Finance and Administration for Nature Canada, Dana holds a bachelor's degree in Commerce from the University of Ottawa. Dana has a passion for exploring Canada and its multitude of natural attractions. 

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Barbara Kirby
Senior Director, Workforce Development

As Senior Director, Workforce Development, Barbara Kirby is responsible for several initiatives including the Mining Industry Workforce Information Network (MIWIN) and the Canadian Mining Credentials program. Formerly Manager of Accreditation and Certification at the Canadian Aviation Maintenance Council, Barbara holds a master's degree in Economics. She has over 20 years of experience in Canada and abroad, including Indonesia, Laos, the Philippines, Ghana, Botswana, India, Nepal, and Jordan. Barbara enjoys playing baseball, dragon boat racing, and spending time with family and friends. 

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Melanie Sturk
Director, Attraction, Retention, and Transition

As Director, Attraction, Retention, and Transition, Melanie Sturk is responsible for the initiatives that encourage new workers, particularly those from underrepresented groups, to engage in mining careers that support the industry by enhancing workplace diversity. Formerly Project Manager for the Canadian Tourism Human Resources Council, Melanie holds a bachelor's degree in Recreation Management from Acadia University and holds a Certificate of 21 Units in Project Management Essentials training from the University of Toronto. Melanie enjoys playing rock 'n' roll in her spare time. 

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Courtnay Bush
Program Coordinator, Attraction, Retention and Transition

 As Program Coordinator, Attraction, Retention and Transition, Courtnay Bush is responsible for coordinating MiHR's career outreach programs, under the Explore for More brand, including Virtual MineMentor, Speakers Bureau and the Student-on-the-Job Board. She is a current graduate student in the mining program at the University of British Columbia, and holds a bachelor's degree in business administration from Simon Fraser University. Prior to joining MiHR, Courtnay worked in human resource management for an airline and an electronics company. In her spare time, Courtnay enjoys exploring Vancouver's mountains, cycling in the city and cooking and dining with friends and family.

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Alana Kennedy
Director of Marketing and Communications

As Director of Marketing and Communications, Alana Kennedy is responsible for promoting MiHR solutions and products through stakeholder communications. Alana was formerly head of marketing for a group of accountants in the UK. She is a Chartered Marketer (UK) with more than 11 years of experience. In her spare time, Alana enjoys cycling, learning to skate, staying current with new ways of marketing, cooking for friends, and exploring Canada. 

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Pascale Larouche
Project Manager, Recruitment and Retention

As Project Manager, Pascale Larouche works on the Mining Industry Attraction, Recruitment & Retention Strategy project. Formerly a certified Early Childhood Educator and Program Officer for the Association of Canadian Community Colleges.  Pascale has received her Certificate in Project Management at Algonquin College and plans to obtain her Project Management Professional designation as well. Pascale enjoys playing softball in her spare time and spending time with family and friends. 

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Jennifer Clark
Executive Assistant

As Executive Assistant, Jennifer Clark provides administrative support to the Executive Director, Director of Operations and the Board of Directors. She also provides logistical support to all MiHR staff for meetings, trade shows and conferences, monitors budgetary components and assists in the development of corporate policies and procedures. Formerly Administrative and Accounting Assistant for a financial planning firm, Jennifer has a bachelor's degree in arts from Concordia University and a college diploma in office management. In her spare time, Jennifer enjoys skiing, mountain biking and spending time with family and friends.

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Alana Hamilton
Manager of Finance

As Manager of Finance, Alana Hamilton handles all financial and accounting matters for MiHR. Formerly the Financial Services Coordinator for the Royal Canadian Mint, Alana has applied her expertise to a number of financial positions, among them Financial Analyst for Alcatel Canada Inc. She holds a Certificate of Accounting from Algonquin College and has completed several Certified General Accountants (CGA) modules.  She also holds an advertising certificate from the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology and has completed a variety of professional development programs in project management, performance management, and report building. Alana enjoys spending her free time with family and friends. 

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Alysha Harvey
Project Manager, Canadian Mining Credentials Program

As Project Manager, Alysha Harvey is responsible for aiding in the development of the Canadian Mining Credentials Program and will be involved in writing National Occupational Standards. Formerly a Project Manager and Event Manager, Alysha has experience with working in the field of high-tech marketing and in planning national sporting events, primarily in hockey. Alysha started a business while in university, worked in sports management, as a personal trainer, and in graphic design. Alysha holds a bachelors degree in science from York University and has taken subsequent courses in project management to prepare for her Project Management Professional designation. Alysha enjoys playing sports, painting, cooking, and travelling.

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Cheryl Mercer
Project Coordinator and Events Planner

As Project Coordinator and Events Planner, Cheryl Mercer works on the Canadian Mining Credentials Program.  Cheryl has previously worked with the National Arts Centre Foundation and the Association of Canadian Community Colleges, and holds a bachelor's degree in commerce from Saint Mary's University.  An avid sports fan, Cheryl enjoys spending her time on her hobbies and being with family and friends.

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