MiHR Staff
Allow us to introduce ourselves.
Ryan Montpellier
Executive Director
As Executive Director, Ryan Montpellier oversees the Council's strategic direction in fulfillment of its objectives to support Canada's metals and minerals industry in the development of human resources solutions. Formerly the Council's Director of Operations, Ryan has been formally recognized within the mining industry for his exceptional leadership and outstanding achievements in the area of human resources. Most recently, Ryan was awarded the 2011 Canadian Institute of Mining Bedford Canadian Young Mining Leaders Award which recognizes the achievements and potential of young Canadian mining leaders from around the world. Ryan was the 2007 recipient of the International Association of Business Communicators Gold Quill Award and in 2006 he was also recognized 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, attraction and retention principles within the Canadian mining industry. 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.
Email Ryan
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.
Email Dana
Barbara Kirby
Senior Director, Workforce Development
As Senior Director, Workforce Development, Barbara Kirby is responsible for overseeing the Canadian Mining Credentials Program. Barbara was recognized with the 2011 Canadian Institute of Mining Distinguished Lecturer Award for her leadership and outstanding contributions in the development of the Canadian mining industry's first national worker certification program for underground miners, surface miners and minerals processing operators. 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.
Email Barbara
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 a Professional Certificate in Management Skills from the Sprott School of Business, Carleton University. Melanie has managed and presented on multiple development and research projects on workplace diversity in mining. In her spare time, Melanie enjoys playing rock 'n roll.
Email Melanie
Courtnay Hughes
Program Coordinator, Attraction, Retention and Transition
As Program Coordinator, Attraction, Retention and Transition, Courtnay Hughes 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 resources in the aviation and technology sector. In her spare time, Courtnay enjoys exploring Vancouver's mountains, cycling in the city and cooking and dining with friends and family.
Email Courtnay
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 12 years of experience. In her spare time, Alana enjoys cycling, staying current with new ways of marketing, cooking for friends, and exploring Canada.
Email Alana
Lindsay Forcellini
Marketing and Communications Coordinator
As Marketing and Communications Coordinator, Lindsay Forcellini is responsible for supporting MiHR's communications and online media initiatives and coordinating the production of marketing and communications materials. Formerly a writer for Natural Resources Canada, she holds a bachelor's degree in journalism from Carleton University. In her spare time, Lindsay enjoys running along the canal, doing yoga, travelling and exploring Ottawa's eclectic dining scene.
Email Lindsay
Pascale Larouche
Project Manager, Attraction, Retention and Transition
As Project Manager, Pascale Larouche works on the Mining Industry Attraction, Retention and Transition project and is responsible for monitoring all project activities. Pascale previously worked as Program Officer for the Association of Canadian Community Colleges and holds a Certificate in Project Management from Algonquin College. To further her professional development, Pascale plans to obtain her Project Management Professional designation. Pascale enjoys playing softball in her spare time and spending time with family and friends.
Email Pascale
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.
Email Jennifer
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.
Email Alana
Martha Roberts
Director of Research
As Director of Research, Martha Roberts is responsible for enhancing the labour market information available to mining and mineral exploration stakeholders and investigating the short- and long-term human resources issues facing the industry. Formerly a Senior Research Associate with The Conference Board of Canada and an instructor with Carleton University's Department of Psychology and Educational Development Center, Martha holds her PhD in Psychology from the University of Waterloo and has won several awards for her research. In her spare time Martha enjoys sports, outdoor adventures and spending time with her wonderful family and friends.
Email Martha
Cheryl Mercer
Project Manager
As Project Manager, Cheryl Mercer works on the Canadian Mining Credentials Program, developing the Council's National Occupational Standards, Certification Program and Accreditation 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.
Email Cheryl
Ross Prusakowski
Research Analyst, Labour Market Studies
As Research Analyst, Labour Market Studies, Ross Prusakowski is responsible for the development, research, analysis and dissemination of labour market, human resources and other information relating to a number of MiHR's labour market research projects. Formerly an economist with Alberta Finance and Enterprise, Ross holds a master's degree in economics from the University of Ottawa and a bachelor's degree in economics and history from the University of Alberta. In his spare time Ross enjoys reading, writing and exploring Ottawa.
Email Ross
Kait McIntosh
Office Coordinator
As Office Coordinator, Kait McIntosh provides administrative support to staff and fulfills a variety of responsibilities pertaining to the functionality of the office. Formerly a Property Administrator with Minto Management Ltd., Kait holds a diploma in Office Administration from St. Lawrence College. In her spare time, Kait enjoys four wheeling, camping, checking out new restaurants in Ottawa and relaxing with family and friends.
Email Kait
Eldon Holder
Research Assistant
As a Research Assistant, Eldon Holder develops research products that contribute to the strategic direction of the Council and support the Director of Research in the coordination of research activities under MiHR's Research for Industry Sustainability priority. Currently an Honours student in Economics and Public Policy at the University of Ottawa, Eldon has worked in the past for the Government of Canada as a Youth Services Officer. In that role he designed and facilitated employment workshops, conducted labour market research and connected youth with employers. At his leisure, Eldon enjoys travelling, playing basketball and enjoying the journey with his family.
Email Eldon
