“As Board Chair for the Wood Buffalo Community Foundation, I dedicate my time because I am passionate about making a positive impact in our community. I believe in the importance of giving back and supporting local initiatives and am driven by a desire to leave things better than I found them. This philosophy guides my leadership and philanthropic efforts, ensuring that our community continues to thrive and grow.”
nicole bourque-bouchier, C.M., Chair
Nicole Bourque-Bouchier is a transformative leader and the CEO of Bouchier, a prominent Indigenous-led company renowned for excellence in quality, safety, and community impact. Bouchier provides infrastructure and support services to the resource sector and has grown to employ over 1,000 staff members, with 37% self-identifying as Indigenous. The company stands as a beacon for diversity and inclusion in Canada.
Nicole is synonymous with building a thriving enterprise characterized by exceptional results, loyal employees, and enduring client relationships. Under her leadership, Bouchier has become a model of business excellence, attracting dedicated staff who are committed to the company's mission and ensuring long-term partnerships with clients.
Under Nicole’s stewardship, Bouchier has made significant contributions to community development through substantial support for educational facilities, youth programs, and cultural preservation projects. She also champions women’s leadership with initiatives like the Female Empowerment Initiative, fostering growth and mentorship for female employees.
Nicole’s impact extends beyond her role at Bouchier; she is a respected advocate for Indigenous rights and business acumen, recognized with numerous accolades, including the Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Medal and RBC Canadian Women of Excellence CEO of the Year. Her visionary leadership and commitment to integrating Indigenous values with corporate success make her a trailblazer in the industry and a powerful voice for positive change.
ANTHONY (Tony) Mankowski, Past-CHAIR
Retired now, Tony was a long-time resident, active volunteer, and leader in Fort McMurray Wood Buffalo. He was an original steering committee member for the Wood Buffalo Community Foundation. Tony continues to provide strategic leadership guidance through his volunteer roles while enjoying time with his family and travelling.
Maureen Cormier Jackson, founding/past-Chair
Maureen was a long-time resident of Fort McMurray, moving there in 1980 and making it home for 22 years. Her two children were born and raised in Fort McMurray and she was involved in the community in many ways. Maureen was President of the Wood Buffalo Environment Association, President of the Noralta Skating Club and Co-chair of the United Way campaign at Suncor, to name a few. She has stayed connected to the community through her work, her children and her friends.
Maureen has more than 35 years of executive, financial and operational experience in the oil and gas industry. Her career at Suncor spanned numerous roles, ultimately Senior Vice President, Chief Process and Information Officer until she retired in 2013. Maureen currently serves on the Board of Directors for Obsidian Energy, Enerflex Ltd., and is on the Dean's Advisory Board for the Dean of Medicine at the University of Calgary. She currently resides in Calgary with her husband, Barry.
“Working and living in Fort McMurray has provided me with opportunities I could have never dreamed of. This is my opportunity to give back to the community that has given so much back to me and my extended family.”
Sherill Hynes, Treasurer
Sherill Hynes relocated to Fort McMurray over 16 years ago when she was hired on by Syncrude in 2008 as a Business Analyst, having worked supporting various parts of the Syncrude asset in this role before moving into Mine Operations.
While she is a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) by trade, she is currently a Mine Operations Manager at the Suncor Base Plant Facility. Living and working in Fort McMurray has provided opportunities for Sherill and her family and supporting this foundation gives her a chance to give back to the community that has provided for her.
Sherill and her husband are the proud owners of 2 French Bulldogs and can usually be found with her dogs and husband travelling and at their off-grid cabin in Ontario.
“There is a special kind of joy that comes from giving to the community through time, money and collective effort. People are the greatest asset of any community; when we lift each other up, it cultivates a sense of inclusion and well-being for everyone. ”
cynthia shelley-Lewis, BOARD MEMBER
Like many Fort McMurrites, Cynthia Shelley has roots in Eastern Canada, but has called Fort McMurray home for over 22 years. She has served her community as a teacher, counselor, and administrator where she has worked with many community agencies in support of children, youth and families.
As a leader, her professional life has been dedicated to youth and lifelong learning. She loves to travel and learn about new perspectives, extraordinary places and invaluable life lessons. She is the Director of Inclusive Education at the Fort McMurray Public School Division and has been involved in the community in various ways through her work in Education.
“I strongly believe that it is focal for community members to contribute time, leadership, and financial support to reliable local initiatives, such as WBCF. Our exceptional team effectively helps Canadians invest in building strong and resilient communities in our region, in unique and innovative ways. Throughout my previous and current board engagements, my more than 6 years with WBCF’s board is the closest to my heart.”
Nayef Mahgoub, P. ENg., MBA, BOARD MEMBER
An active volunteer, mentor, and leader in the community, Nayef is a leader with RMWB’s Emergency Social Services (ESS); board member with the RMWB’s Assessment Review Board, and Subdivision Development & Appeal Board; Fort McMurray Construction Association; Fort McMurray Chamber of Commerce; and volunteers with Habitat for Humanity, United Way, Wood Buffalo Food Bank, Girls Inc.; and is the President of the local chapter of PEMAC Asset Management Association of Canada.
After 6 years with Suncor Energy (with his last role as Acting Director), Nayef founded his own engineering firm, Akron Engineering, of which he is Managing Director.
Nayef and his wife, Patek Mahgoub, have enjoyed living and working in Fort McMurray for over 10 years.
“WBCF is dedicated to, and focused on, the community my family and I live and work in. The unique endowment model enables a sustainable approach to supporting the community.”
Emma Thorpe, BOARD MEMBER
Emma has been a member of the Fort McMurray community since relocating to the region in 2019. She is the Vice President, Maintenance at Suncor’s Base Plant facility and has 25+ years of experience with the company across downstream, midstream and upstream operations. She and her husband are extremely proud parents of two school-aged children, and are happily continuing to grow roots in this active and exciting community.
“I firmly believe that community service and volunteering are essential elements for a healthy society. I am also grateful for the opportunities this unique region has afforded my family and me, and wish to express my gratitude through volunteering my time to WBCF because of its mission and unique position within the region’s nonprofits to create long-term and enduring benefit. ”
Shaun Moore, BOARD MEMBER
Shaun and his wife relocated to Fort McMurray after joining Syncrude in 2009 and are proud to have called Fort McMurray home for over 13 years. His career at Syncrude and Suncor saw him progress through various management roles in Human Resources and in 2024 he started a consultancy that continues to regularly bring him back to the Fort McMurray / Wood Buffalo region.
Shaun considers himself fortunate to have experienced the opportunities afforded to him and his family within the region and strongly believes in giving back through community service and volunteering. Shaun and his wife are the proud parents of two school age children and can usually be found migrating between various hockey rinks throughout the province.
Ryan coish, board member
“My mom taught me to be a giver, not a taker! The more you give will result in a windfall of good blessing for all and BOY, was she right! I’m grateful, blessed and honored to be part of the WBCF that is building legacy in this community for all.”
Colin Hartigan, board member
A resident of Fort McMurray since 1986, Colin has a strong passion for our region, even dubbing the hashtag, #weloveymm, in his own business. He loves the RMWB’s diverse culture and expansive outdoors, along with the many business opportunities it offers. As a real estate broker and owner of Coldwell Banker United, he has raised his family in the region and wants to ensure that the future is bright for his children and neighbours, giving back to this amazing place so many call home.
