Board of Directors

Chair Suzan Krecsy
St. Albert, Alberta

Suzan has a nursing background and has volunteered in the non-profit sector for the past twenty-five years. She spent four years as a Food Bank Director in a small town near Ottawa, Ontario and has been the Director of the St. Albert Food Bank since February 2006. She has been married to a military member for the past twenty-nine years and has two adult daughters.

1st Vice Chair Marjorie Bencz
Edmonton, Alberta

Marjorie Bencz has been the Executive Director of Edmonton’s Food Bank since 1989. She is a Member Council representative to Food Banks Canada. Marjorie has a diverse range of volunteer experiences including a founding member and past chair of the Edmonton Community Loan Fund. On February 3, 2006, Marjorie was appointed to the Order of Canada.

2nd Vice Chair Gert Reynar
Leduc, Alberta

Gert was born and raised in the Leduc area; she is married and has 3 grown children. She spent 13 years working in the optical industry and then stayed home to raise the children. In addition to being very active in her children’s activities, Gert has volunteered for several different organizations including being the Chair of the Leduc Santa’s Helpers Organization for the past 3 years. Gert accepted the role of Manager of the Leduc and District Food Bank Association in January 2005.

Secretary Connie Matson
Medicine Hat, Alberta

Connie was born and raised in Edmonton. When she graduated from school she moved to Hinton where she joined the Royal Bank. She was then transferred to Sparwood, B.C. where she lived for 10 years and then made the move to Medicine Hat where she has resided for the last 19 years. Connie left the Royal Bank after 28 years and then accepted the position of Executive Director of the Medicine Hat Food Bank. Connie has previously been the Chair of the Board of Directors of the Medicine Hat Food Bank. Connie has served on several boards over the years and has held every executive position a few times. Connie is presently serving on the Santa Claus Fund board in Medicine Hat. Connie is married to the man of her dreams and they have two grown daughters.

Treasurer Nigel Wilding
Edmonton, Alberta

Nigel lives in Edmonton with his wife, Randi, a retired teacher. They enjoy golfing, reading, hiking and skiing. They have two grown sons living in Edmonton. Nigel is currently the President of Mediplex Western Ltd., a property development company. From 2000 until retiring in 2008, Nigel was the COO of Medicentres, the operator of 24 Primary Care medical clinics in Calgary and Edmonton. From 1998–2000 Nigel was the CFO of McCoy Bros. Inc., which provided truck parts and repairs and manufactured springs, axles, heavy-duty trailers and oil tongs. From 1994–1998 Nigel was the Executive Vice-President of Northwest Drug Company, a distributor of pharmaceuticals and drug store products. Prior to 1994 Nigel held various positions with Canada Safeway Ltd in the finance area. Since his retirement Nigel is looking forward to becoming more active in the not-for-profits area.

Director Kimberly Jimmy
Stand Off, Alberta

Kimberly is the new Manager of the Iyahrhe Nakoda Food Bank Society, consisting of three Stoney First Nation Food Banks located in the Morley, Eden Valley and Big Horn communities. Kimberly was with the Kainai Food Bank Society from 2002 until 2009 and has worked diligently throughout the years as a AFBNA Board member, bringing forward issues facing First Nations both on a National and Provincial level. Kimberly continues to share her experiences and knowledge with other First Nations as they seek to establish Food Banks in their own communities. Kimberly has four children and now resides in Calgary.

Director Jason Khan
Brooks, Alberta

Jason brings with him over 8 years of Financial Services experience and a wealth of knowledge regarding business development and community engagement. He is currently working as a Financial Advisor at ATB Securities Inc. He is also the President and CEO of BBallistic, a media company dedicated to enriching the lives of the communities it touches. Additionally, he plays an active role in the client-centric solutions of Mirage Catalyst, an innovative video and web design studio. Jason has recently joined the Brooks Food Bank as a volunteer.

Director Elaine Hook
Ferintosh, Alberta

Elaine lives on an acreage near Ferintosh, Alberta. She grew up on a farm in rural Ontario and graduated from Royal Victoria Regional School of Nursing as a Registered Nurse and then attended Queens University in Kingston, Ontario where she received a degree in Nursing Science. Elaine is married to an officer in the Canadian Armed Forces and has moved 24 times in 40 years both inside and outside Canada. She has taught nursing, worked in community and school health promotion, in home care as a case manager and palliative care coordinator and in a seniors and disabled childrens program. Elaine has been active in community, church and service clubs and has held a variety of executive positions, including board Chair of Camrose Neighbor Aid Centre and Food Bank. Elaine and her husband recently returned to their rural roots where she designed and supervised the building of their new home in Ferintosh.

Director Dugald Clark
Nojack, Alberta

Dugald was born in New Jersey, USA and immigrated to Canada where he completed high school in 1958. He worked for the City of Edmonton Fire Department for 13 years and then purchased a ranch in the Nojack area and was involved in the beef industry for 27 years. He has been married to Joyce for 47 years and they have raised five children who are all married and have families of their own. Dugald was elected as zone rep for Alberta Cattle Commission for two, three year terms and served as a trustee for the Yellowhead School Division for six years. Dugald has been with the WEE Community Food Bank for several years and has served as its president from 2006 to February 2010.