CURRENT
EXECUTIVE TEAM
Taylor Toffan - President
president@tws-mb.com
Taylor Toffan works as a Habitat Stewardship Coordinator for Manitoba Habitat Conservancy working to conserve fish and wildlife habitat across Manitoba. Taylor has an undergraduate degree in Environmental Studies (Honours) at the U of M, and has had the opportunity to work in a variety of difference environmental sectors. Prior to being a Habitat Stewardship Coordinator, Taylor worked at Manitoba Habitat Conservancy as a Grants Associate working with the Conservation Trust, GROW Trust, Wetlands GROW Trust and The Fish and Wildlife Enhancement Fund (FWEF). Outside of work, Taylor loves all things outdoors, whether it is hunting, fishing, kayaking or (most importantly) chasing storms.
Kelly Leavesley - President-Elect
president-elect@tws-mb.com
Kelly graduated from the University of Manitoba with BSc (Hons.) and MSc degrees in Zoology. Her masters thesis investigated the natural history and thermal relations of a population of Western hognosesnakes (Heterodon nasicus nasicus) in the Spruce Woods area of western Manitoba.
Kelly’s career in natural resources spanned 35+ years with the Manitoba Provincial government, beginning as a Spruce Woods Park Interpreter in 1985, then moving to eastern Manitoba where she held the positions of Assistant Parks Manager, Regional Lands Manager, and then Eastern Region Wildlife Manager, a position she held for 17 years until retiring in 2021.
These different positions exposed Kelly to numerous groups with an interest/stake in natural resources, which fostered an understanding of their diverse perspectives, opinions and knowledge, and appreciation of how people from different backgrounds can contribute to wildlife management. Kelly participated in numerous wildlife monitoring, biology and management projects for moose, elk, wolves and woodland caribou, many of which included stakeholder involvement and collaboration with academia. Kelly’s scope of work also included wildlife mitigation for proposed and existing developments, research and monitoring funding proposals, environmental reviews, policy and regulatory reviews and big game outfitter allocations.
Much of Kelly’s wildlife career involved relationship-building with indigenous people, through information sharing sessions with First Nation leaderships, their Advisory Committees and Stewardship Boards, and informal meetings with community members. One important accomplishment was leading constitutionally-based, formal community consultations with local First Nations to address a moose population
Past-President - vacant
Dev Dave - Secretary
secretary@tws-mb.com
Dev is currently pursuing bachelor’s in environmental sciences, and has been fortunate to have opportunities to engage in various activities that align with his interests.
At the International College of Manitoba, Dev served as a Student Leader Manager, where he was able to support and encourage his peers in their educational journey. Additionally, Dev represented his High School as a Campus Ambassador for IIMUN, India, which allowed him to develop his communication and organizational skills further. Beyond academics, Dev volunteers at science events hosted by the University of Manitoba.
Dev has been recognized through awards such as the Community Engagement Scholarship and was honored twice as an ‘Inspiring student leader’. Dev believes that these accomplishments are a result of the support and opportunities provided to him rather than solely his own efforts.
Outside of his commitments, Dev enjoys exploring his hobby of terrariums, and finding solace in the beauty of nature, and is looking forward to continuing to grow and contribute positively to the wildlife and nature via involvement in TWS.
Tracy Maconachie - Treasurer
treasurer@tws-mb.com
Tracy holds undergraduate degrees in Geography (Honours), Environmental Studies and English from the University of Winnipeg, a Computer Analyst-Programmer Diploma from Red River College and a masters degree in Natural Resource Management from the Natural Resources Institute at the University of Manitoba.
She has worked in the private, public and non-profit sectors, health care and academia before returning full-time to her roots in the conservation field as a conservation biologist working with two of Manitoba’s iconic bird species – peregrine falcons and piping plovers. Tracy joined Manitoba’s Peregrine Falcon Recovery Project as a volunteer to care for six captive-bred chicks being hack-released in Winnipeg and has been the Project’s Coordinator for almost 30 years. She has also worked with the Grand Beach Piping Plover Guardian Program, as the Provincial Stewardship Coordinator for the Manitoba Piping Plover Recovery Program and continues to maintain the Program’s website and blog as a volunteer.
Tracy also volunteers for International Hope Canada, a humanitarian, volunteer-run, non-profit in Winnipeg that repairs/refurbishes surplus medical equipment and supplies otherwise destined for the landfill. With the assistance of local partners, these donated materials are packed and shipped to clinics/hospitals in lower-income countries.
Tracy is the Provincial Policy Specialist (Manitoba) for Ducks Unlimited Canada.
Kathryn Gibb - Member-at-Large
member-at-large@tws-mb.com
Kathryn is a dedicated environmental professional, passionate about fostering connections between individuals and the natural world through educational initiatives, knowledge sharing, and experiential learning. With an expertise in project management, Kathryn has played a role in developing conservation initiatives and organizing community events that promote environmental awareness. Kathryn brings her experience in conservation, communications and project management to The Wildlife Society!
Kathryn's background encompasses in-depth studies on diverse topics, ranging from investigating pain response in harbour seals to exploring lead toxicity in raptors, and conducting research on migratory bird populations. She is currently a volunteer with Delta Marsh Bird Observatory (DMBO) as a seasonal bird bander, and collaborated with DMBO to introduce a bird banding program with a local wildlife hospital as a main component of her Master’s Practicum. Kathryn is currently the Community Engagement Coordinator for the Manitoba Association of Watersheds and is the Coordinator for the long-standing Manitoba Envirothon program.
Kathryn holds a Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Geography from Simon Fraser University and a Master’s of Natural Resource Management from the University of Manitoba. Kathryn is looking forward to the opportunity to learn from and contribute to a long-standing network of dedicated wildlife advocates, and seeks to engage with new, curious wildlife society members through innovative, creative pathways.
As a passionate conservationist and bird-watcher, Kathryn plans to engage a new community of Manitobans and offer unique opportunities to engage with their environment, showing people how beautiful and rewarding their natural environment can be.
Janine Wilmot - Northern Rep
northern-rep@tws-mb.com
Janine grew up in Thunder Bay, Ontario and graduated from Lakehead University with an Honours Bachelor of Science (biology major) in 1997. She has previously worked on forest ecology research teams for government and industry.
In 2011, she began her current role with the Government of Manitoba’s Wildlife Branch as a Human-Wildlife Coexistence Biologist.
Janine lives in Swan River, where she enjoys devoting time to family. Other interests include spending time in the Duck Mountain, reading, kayaking and hiking.
Chris Malcolm - Western Rep
western-rep@tws-mb.com
Christopher Malcolm is a Professor at Brandon University in the Department of Geography & Environment, where he has been since 2002. He has degrees from University of Victoria and Memorial University of Newfoundland. His main area of research is human dimensions of wildlife and has done research in Manitoba, British Columbia, and Mexico on management of whale-watching, black bears, yellow rails, artisanal fishing, crocodiles, jaguars, military macaws, and protected areas.
He also dabbles in tourism, ecotourism and recreation, having done research on COVID impacts on youth recreational hockey and the role of rural community museums in Manitoba. Among many service activities, he has served as the Chair of the Douglas Marsh Action Committee, a board member on the Brandon Riverbank Discovery Centre, the BU representative on the Churchill Northern Research Centre board of directors, and as a committee member of the BU Animal Care Committee.
Chris grew up fishing, camping, and hiking in Ontario and tries to give back to his love for nature, particularly wildlife.
Taylor Galvin - Graduate Student Rep
grad-student-rep@tws-mb.com
Taylor Galvin (Anishinaabekwe, Brokenhead First Nation), is an award-winning fourth-year Environmental Sciences student, land-based educator, water protector, land guardian, and president/co-founder of the University of Manitoba’s Indigenous Concern on the Environment.
Taylor is a board member for the Brokenhead Wetland Ecological Reserve (Director of Interpretive Tours), as well as a board member on UMFM 101.5 FM (University of Manitoba's campus radio station).
Taylor's focus area for her undergraduate degree is Wildlife Management, with a goal of developing an Indigenous Wildlife Management strategy for non-indigenous researchers who aim to work with and empower Indigenous communities. Currently, she is the Indigenous Science & Wildlife Liaison with the newly formed Indigenous Science Division under Environment and Climate Change Canada.
Hannah Woodhouse - Undergrad Student Rep
undergrad-student-rep@tws-mb.com
Hannah Woodhouse is an Anishinaabekwe from Pinaymootang First Nation who is passionate about Indigenous Science and the Ecological Sciences. She shows her dedication through her involvement in the student community as an Indigenous Community Representative with the Biology Undergraduate Student Group, as well as an Advisor and Co-Founder of the Indigenous Birding Club, both at the University of Manitoba.
Hannah has experience in the Avian Behaviour and Conservation Lab working with Purple Martins and other native bird species and has developed an interest in combining Indigenous knowledge with western science to create the best approach in ecological and conservation efforts. She is currently deciding between three student research/conservation opportunities with Fisheries and Oceans Canada as well as Parks Canada and hopes to be able to share her experiences with other undergraduate students and to also assist others in finding their own research interests.
Her current research interests involve freshwater ecosystems, Arctic wetlands, behavioral ecology, and species interactions.
Hannah wants to involve Indigenous communities and collaborate with the surrounding Indigenous knowledge in the research she finds herself taking part in because she understands the millennia worth of knowledge and the importance of that symbiotic relationship that Indigenous peoples have with the land. Aside from wildlife she loves to bead, sew, fish, hike, and go on road trips to explore new places.
PAST
EXECUTIVE TEAMS
2023/24
President - Taylor Toffan
President-Elect - vacant
Past President - Melanie Dubois
Secretary - Nathan Bridges
Treasurer - Tracy Maconachie
Member-at-Large - Collin Armstrong
Northern Rep - Janine Wilmot
Western Rep - vacant
Grad Student Rep - Holly Gamblin
Undergrad Student Rep - Taylor Galvin
2022/2023
President - Melanie Dubois
President-Elect - Tracy Maconachie
Past President - Justine Josephson-Laidlaw
Secretary - Nathan Bridges
Acting Treasurer - Tracy Maconachie
Member at Large - Brandice Bator
Northern Rep - vacant
Western Rep - Jack Claussen
Grad Student Rep - Holly Gamblin
Undergrad Student Rep - Amanda Hopcraft
2021/2022
President - Melanie Dubois
President-Elect - Tracy Maconachie
Past President - Justine Josephson-Laidlaw
Secretary - Sukhmanpreet Grewal
Treasurer - Alyssa Reimer
Member at Large - Hannah Martin
Northern Rep - Ryan Shewchuk
Western Rep - Jack Claussen
Grad Student Rep - Vacant
Undergrad Student Rep - Aditya Gandhi
2020/2021
President - Justine Josephson-Laidlaw
President-Elect - Melanie Dubois
Past President - Brian Kiss
Secretary - Emily Thoroski
Treasurer - Alyssa Reimer
Member at Large - Hannah Martin
Northern Rep - Ryan Shewchuk
Western Rep - Allison Kraus-Danielsen
Grad Student Rep - William Dowie
Undergrad Student Rep - Katrina Wilcox
2019/2020
President - Michel Leclaire
President Elect - Justine Josephson Laidlaw
Past President - Michel Leclaire
Secretary/Treasurer - Emily Thoroski
Member at Large - Kathryn Yarchuk
Northern Rep - Ryan Shewchuk
Western Rep - Allison Kraus-Danielsen
Grad Student Rep - Cody Carlyle
Undergrad Student Rep - Hannah Martin
2018/2019
President - Michel Leclaire
President Elect - Justine Josephson Laidlaw
Past President - Brian Kiss
Secretary - Elise Couillard
Treasurer - Emily Thoroski
Member at Large - Megan Dudenhoeffer
Northern Rep - Christa Dubesky
Western Rep - Melanie Dubois
Grad Student Rep - Jessica Lang
Undergrad Student Rep - Kathryn Yarchuk
2017/2018
President - Brian Kiss
President Elect - Michel Leclaire
Past President - C-Jae Breiter
Secretary/Treasurer - Laura Burns
Member at Large - Agnes Pelletier
Member at Large - Peter Tarleton
Northern Rep - Christa Dubesky
Western Rep - Melanie Dubois
Grad Student Rep - Amelie Roberto-Charron
Undergrad Student Rep - Dominik Simard
2016/2017
President - C-Jae Breiter
President Elect - Brian Kiss/Serge Scrafield
Past President - Stephen Petersen
Secretary/Treasurer - Laura Burns/Alana Wilcox
Member at Large - Agnes Pelletier
Member at Large - Michelle Ewacha
Northern Rep - Karlyn McFadyen
Western Rep (non-voting) - Melanie Dubois
Grad Student Rep - Amelie Roberto-Charron
Undergrad Student Rep - Eric Melvin
2015/2016
President - Stephen Petersen
President Elect - C-Jae Breiter
Past President - Dennis Brannen
Secretary/Treasurer - Rosemary Dohan
Member at Large - Meagan Hainstock
Member at Large - Daniel Dupont
Northern Rep - Maria Arlt
Grad Student Rep - Michelle Ewacha
Undergrad Student Rep - Cassandra Clayton
2014/2015
President - Dennis Brannen
President Elect - Stephen Petersen
Past President - Rob Officer
Secretary/Treasurer - C-Jae Breiter
Member at Large - Rosemary Dohan
Northern Rep - David Raitt
Grad Student Rep - Marika Olynyk
Undergrad Student Rep - Laura Kiernan
2013/2014
President - Rob Officer
President Elect - Dennis Brannen
Past President - Erin McCance
Secretary/Treasurer - C-Jae Breiter
Member at Large - Tim Sallows
Northern Rep - David Raitt
Grad Student Rep - Allyson Menzies
Undergrad Student Rep - Karlyn McFadyen
2012/2013
President - Rob Officer
President Elect - vacant
Past President - Erin McCance
Secretary/Treasurer - Marianne Schutz
Member at Large - Tim Sallows
Northern Rep - Shaun Greer
Grad Student Rep - Brian Kiss
Undergrad Student Rep - Jenna Black
2011/2012
President - Erin McCance
President Elect - Fiona Scurrah
Past President - Jonathan Wiens
Secretary/Treasurer - Dale Wrubleski
Member at Large - Chris Smith
Member at Large - Marianne Schutz
Grad Student Rep - Robert Officer
Undergrad Student Rep - Lauren Hayhurst
2010/2011
President - Jonathan Wiens
President Elect - Erin McCance
Past President - David Walker
Secretary/Treasurer - Dale Wrubleski
Member at Large - Jennifer Ruch
Member at Large - Chris Smith
Member at Large - Lauren Hayhurst
Student Rep - Marianne Schutz
2009/2010
President - David Walker
President Elect - Jonathan Wiens
Past President - Garth Ball
Secretary/Treasurer - Dale Wrubleski
Member at Large - Erin McCance
Member at Large - Chris Smith
Member at Large - Lauren Hayhurst
Student Rep - Jennifer Ruch
2008/2009
President - Garth Ball
President Elect - David Walker
Past President - Derek Kroeker
Secretary/Treasurer - Dale Wrubleski
Member at Large - Grant Wiseman
Member at Large - Erin McCance
Student Representative - Sarah McEwan
2007/2008
President - Derek Kroeker
President Elect - Garth Ball
Past President - Dale Wrubleski
Secretary/Tresurer - Leanne Wyenberg
Member at Large - Loriena Bernier
Student Representative - Jonathan Wiens
2006/2007
President - Dale Wrubleski
President Elect - Derek Kroeker
Past President - Karla Guyn
Secretary/Treasurer - Leanne Wyenberg
Member at Large - Marc Schuster
Student Representative - Jonathan Wiens
2005/2006
President - Karla Guyn
President Elect - Dale Wrubleski
Past President - Alex Miller
Secretary/Treasurer - Monica Reid
Member at Large - Marc Schuster
Student Representative - Pat Bergen
2004/2005
President - Alex Miller
President Elect - Karla Guyn
Past President - Rick Riewe
Secretary/Treasurer - Monica Reid
Member at Large - Garth Ball
Student Representative - Pat Bergen
2003/2004
President - Rick Riewe
President Elect - Alex Miller
Past President - Don Sexton
Secretary/Treasurer - Jacey Scott
Member at Large - Garth Ball
Student Representative - Derek Kroeker
2002/2003
President - Don Sexton
President Elect - Rick Riewe
Past President - Cory Lindgren
Secretary/Treasurer - Lisa Matsuba
Member at Large - Jacey Scott
Member at Large - Neil Mochnacz
Student Representative - Alex Miller
2001-2002
President - Don Sexton
President Elect - Vacant
Past President - Cory Lindgren
Secretary/Treasurer - Tanys Uhmann
Member at Large - James Froese
Member at Large - James Hood
Student Representative - Neil Mochnacz
2000-2001
President - Cory Lindgren
President Elect - Shane Roersma
Past President - Rhian Christie
Secretary/Treasurer - Tanys Uhmann
Member at Large - Dale Hutchison
Member at Large - Rich Davis
Student Representative - Neil Mochnacz
1999-2000
President - Rhian Christie
President Elect - Cory Lindgren
Past President - Bob Emery
Secretary/Treasurer - Tanys Uhmann
Member at Large - Dale Hutchison
Member at Large - Rich Davis
Student Representative - Shane Roersma
1998-1999
President - Bob Emery
President Elect - Rhian Christie
Past President - Jim Fisher
Secretary/Treasurer - Tanys Uhmann
Member at Large - Jackie Dixon
Member at Large - Melanie Dubois
Student Representative - Christian Hagen
1997-1998
President - Jim Fisher
1996-1997
President - Bruce Pollard
President Elect - Diane Bell
Past President - Cheryl Nielsen
Secretary/Treasurer - Jim Fisher
Member at Large - Glenn McMaster
Member at Large - Ron Bazin
Student Representative - Tanys Uhmann
1995-1996
President - Cheryl Nielsen
1994-1995
President - Dave Howerter
1993-1994
President - Dan Chranowski
President Elect - Dave Howerter
Past President - Robert Gill
Secretary/Treasurer - Dean Berezanski
Member at Large - Mike Etches
Student Representative - Diane Bell
1992-1993
Robert (Bob) Gill
1991-1992
Barry Jansen
1990-1991
President - Barry Jansen
President Elect - Vacant
Past President - Mark Mattson
Secretary/Treasurer - Ulrike Schneider
Member at Large - Dean Berezanski
Student Representative - Robert Gill
1989-1990
President - Mark Mattson
1988-1989
President - Ken DeSmet
1987-1988
President - Valerie Sutton/
Richard (Dick) Stardom
1986-1987
President - Rick Baydack
1985-1986
President - Jack Dubois
1984-1985
President - Kent Whaley
1983-1984
President - William (Bill) Koonz
1982-1983
President - Barry Verbiwski
1981-1982
President - Larry Bidlake
1980-1981
President - Wayne Cowan
1979-1980
President - Ron Larche
1978-1979
President - Bruce Batt
1977-1978
President - Merlin Shoesmith
1976-1977
President - Robert (Bob) Jones
1975-1976
President - Eugene Bossenmaier
1974-1975
President - Brian Ransom