12th Annual Supply Chain Connect Conference, Tradeshow and AGM

Alisha Esmail

Award Winning Entrepreneur | Speaker | CEO Road Coffee Co.

Alisha Esmail is the founder of Road Coffee, driven by her passion for people and coffee. Her background in development projects across Haiti, Nepal, Jordan, and South Africa inspired her to make a positive impact in the coffee industry, known for its ethical issues. Raised with values of making the world a better place, Alisha saw firsthand the injustices faced by coffee farmers. This motivated her to create Road Coffee, focusing on ethical business practices and supporting farmers through innovative sourcing and micro-loan programs. Alisha has also partnered with English River First Nation to create Canada’s first fully Indigenous coffee supply chain, aiming to make a global impact and support Indigenous communities in Canada. Her mission is to inspire others to realize their dreams through vision, strategy, and execution.

Rob Varga, SCMP

Contract Specialist Varga Management Services

Rob is a skilled and curious individual with an extensive network of contacts. He possesses broad procurement and contracting experience in a diverse array of industries, with a focus on construction and services contracts, primarily in the mining industry. Recently retired after 34 years in the profession, what he’s enjoyed most is the relationships developed with colleagues, contractors, suppliers and support people. It's been fun and what makes him tick!

Matt Wilkinson, SCMP

Supply Chain Innovator | CEO eAgree Inc.

Scott Mason

Partner MLT Aikins

Scott Masson is Co-chair of the construction projects and infrastructure practice and has over 10 years of experience working primarily in the areas of procurement, construction, infrastructure and project development. Scott has experience with large engineering, procurement and construction projects in a variety of industries (including mining, oil and gas, energy, agriculture and manufacturing), with a particular emphasis on mining, oil and gas, energy, civil and public infrastructure, and power generation and transmission. Scott has assisted clients delivering major projects through a variety of delivery models such as design-bid-build, construction management, EPCM, public private partnerships and collaborative delivery models (IPD and Alliance).

Erin Eccleston

Partner MLT Aikins

Erin is a partner in the MLT Aikins corporate group, specializing in corporate finance and corporate/commercial law with a focus on energy and aviation. She represents a diverse range of clients, including banks, private equity firms, and businesses of all sizes, on various financing transactions and corporate financings. In the energy sector, Erin advises on acquisitions, joint ventures, and commodity agreements, while her aviation practice includes asset finance, leasing, and advising on mergers and acquisitions for Canadian aviation operations.

Shaun Howdle

Board Chair Indigenous Manufacturing & Contracting Network & President and CEO of STC Industrial Group of Companies

Shaun brings over 25 years of industry experience to his roles as President & CEO of the STC Industrial Group of Companies and Board Chair of the Indigenous Manufacturing & Contracting Network (IMCN). His career spans across Western Canada, with extensive time spent in Alberta and British Columbia before eventually returning home to Saskatchewan with his family. Born and raised in Saskatchewan in Treaty 6 territory, Shaun has held roles of increasing responsibility, consistently leading diverse teams towards growth and success. His strategic vision and hands-on approach have been pivotal in driving the STC Industrial Group of Companies forward, growing from two employees and nearly no assets in 2017 to a strong group of 100+ team members across three divisions today. With a Project Management certification from the Project Management Institute and a Canadian Red Seal journeyperson license, Shaun combines professional excellence with technical proficiency. His commitment to community service is evident through his participation on various non-profit boards and advisory groups. As a founding Director of the IMCN, and current Chairperson, he has played a key role in promoting Indigenous participation and leadership in the manufacturing and contracting sectors.

Jason Aebig

CEO Greater Saskatoon Chamber of Commerce

Jason Aebig is the CEO of the Greater Saskatoon Chamber of Commerce – Saskatoon’s voice for business and biggest business network. Prior to leading the Chamber, he was a partner in a full-service agency that provided communications and public relations service to a broad range of leading companies across Saskatchewan and western Canada. An active member of the community, he is a former Board Chair for Remai Modern, Saskatoon’s United Way, University of Saskatchewan Alumni Association, and the Saskatchewan Arts Board and currently serves as Chair of the Board of Governors for St. Thomas More College. He has been recognized for his community service by Leadership Saskatoon and the awarding of a Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal.

Shannon Friesen

CEO Construction Associations of Saskatchewan

Shannon Friesen has been the CEO of the Saskatoon Construction Association since January 2020 and currently serves as co-CEO for all five construction associations in Saskatchewan. Before entering the construction sector, Shannon held senior leadership roles in various associations, including CEO of YWCA Saskatoon and Executive Director for the Saskatchewan Association of Fire Chiefs and Autism Services. After nearly 22 years in the charitable sector, she sought a role that leveraged her leadership skills in a different context. Shannon describes herself as a "reluctant leader," mentored into executive roles, and believes in leadership as a privilege and responsibility to enact positive change. Her leadership philosophy centers on relationship-based, reciprocal communication. Shannon also sits on the Boards of YMCA Saskatoon and the Saskatoon Housing Authority and enjoys running, weightlifting, reading, playing piano, and family time.

Eric Anderson

Executive Director Saskatchewan Industrial and Mining Suppliers Association (SIMSA)

Eric Anderson has been the Saskatchewan Industrial and Mining Suppliers Association’s (SIMSA) Executive Director since 2016. In that time, SIMSA’s membership has grown from 74 members to over 330, and now represents over $14-billion in annual sales and over 32,000 employees. Eric is also the creator and voice of “Prosperity Saskatchewan” – a daily radio commentary on CKOM and CJME, which explains Saskatchewan resource sector and economy. Prosperity Saskatchewan’s sponsors are Cameco, Nutrien, and the Government of Saskatchewan.

Karen Mosier

Research Coordinator University of Saskatchewan

Karen E. Mosier is a Research Coordinator/Navigator for the Department of Surgery at the University of Saskatchewan's College of Medicine. She holds a BA in Psychology and an MSc in Pharmacy, with over seventeen years of experience in research administration. Karen authored the self-help book Soft Skills and Professional Tips for the Office and advocates for work-life balance and a positive workplace culture. She frequently volunteers to speak on soft skills to various local and national organizations, including the Saskatchewan Intercultural Association, the annual Saskatoon Newcomers and Students Breakfast Workshop, Immigrant and International Women in Science, KM in the AM - Saskatchewan, and the Professional Institute of the Public Service of Canada.

Michael Fernandes

Owner StrategyMakers Consulting Inc.

Mike Fernandes owns and operates StrategyMakers Consulting Inc. providing strategic advisory and project management support services to governments, public sector agencies, non-profit organizations and small and medium-sized businesses primarily in two areas of specialty: • environmental sustainability; • organizational strategy, management and leadership. Over his 30+ year career, Mike has successfully completed numerous projects in a wide range of sectors both within Manitoba and across Canada.

Scott Eaton, SCMP

Director of Supply Chain Management City of Saskatoon

Scott Eaton is the Director of Supply Chain Management for the City of Saskatoon, he oversees procurement, inventory management, and asset disposal. Scott joined the City of Saskatoon in July of 2018 and brings over 20 years of experience in supply chain management to the City. He has held supply chain leadership positions with well-known companies in mining, construction, automotive manufacturing, and municipal government. Scott is a passionate supply chain management leader who is focused on supply chain management transformations and introducing new processes or systems to improve supply chain transparency, efficiency, and effectiveness. He also supports and drives economic reconciliation initiatives through his work in supply chain management. Scott holds a Supply Chain Management Professional Designation (SCMP) and is an active member of Supply Chain Canada.

Karri Howlett

Owner Karri Howlett Consulting

Karri has over 20 years of experience in corporate strategy, mergers and acquisitions, financial due diligence, and risk analysis. She sits on the boards of NexGen Energy (Chair of the ESG Committee), Saskatchewan Trade Export Partnership (Vice Chair), and March Consulting. She previously chaired the Safety, Environment, and Corporate Responsibility Committee for SaskPower, focusing on net zero carbon emissions strategies. Karri was President of RESPEC Consulting Inc., leading its acquisition in 2009 and sale to RESPEC in 2016. She holds a Bachelor of Commerce in Finance from the University of Saskatchewan, a CFA designation, and a Chartered Director designation, along with certifications in ESG investing, corporate governance, leadership, strategy, and risk.

Jeff Thackeray

Senior Director Market Intelligence Saskatchewan Trade & Export Partnership (STEP)

As Senior Director of Market Intelligence at Saskatchewan Trade and Export Partnership (STEP), Jeff Thackeray is responsible for managing a team of professionals that deliver customized market intelligence to Saskatchewan companies. STEP’s Market Intelligence Unit provides over 300 customized reports annually to over 100 leading Saskatchewan exporters. Jeff has been with STEP since 2006 and has held various positions within the organization. Before STEP, Jeff worked as a Business Development Officer with the former Prince Albert Regional Economic Development Agency.

Craig Bailey

CEO Transport Services and Logistics Canada Ltd. (TSL Canada)

Craig Bailey is the CEO of Transport Services and Logistics Canada Ltd. (TSL Canada) a 3PL supply chain management organization. TSL works with both large and small companies throughout the world, to ensure seamless delivery of their goods to market. Utilizing state-of-the-art technology, TSL’s team oversees all aspects of the supply chain, from First Mile (pick-up) to Linehaul (ocean, air, ground, rail) and Last Mile (delivery). From large projects to a single pallet, TSL’s goal is to take the complicated and make it simple for their clients. Established in 2012, TSL Canada Ltd. has been delivering logistic solutions, working with our clients to open up new markets for their goods.

Glen Currie, SCMP

Lead Projects Commercial, Ops Readiness BHP

Glen grew up locally in Saskatchewan in a small town southeast of Saskatoon. He moved to the city to pursue his Bachelor of Commerce in 2009 and completed his SCMP after graduation. Glen has held numerous Supply Chain related roles at Cameco, The Canadian Light Source, Nutrien, and currently manages a procurement team at BHP. His experiences range from inventory and data management, the competitive bidding process (S2C, D2P, and P2P processes) and public procurement law. A large part of his roles have included utilizing Enterprise Resource Planning software to improve the customer experience and reduce the amount of time spent on transactional activities within procurement related functions. He is excited to share his experiences and lessons learnt along the way!