Duncan Melville

Committee Chair – 2-Year Term

Duncan Melville is a returning member and is the incoming Chair of CSME. Mr. Melville is currently a Partner at Boston Consulting Group. He has a JD in Law from the University of Toronto, is a Chartered Financial Analyst and has a Masters (Hons) in Mathematics and International Relations from the University of St. Andrews. Much of his current practice focuses on improvement of performance internally and externally for international resource companies. He is a member of the New York State Bar and is past Chair of the Calgary Distress Centre during which time they created a new strategic plan and recruited a new CEO. He currently sits on the Board of the YMCA Calgary and is the Chair of the People and Governance Committee. 

Chethan Lakshman

Second 2-Year Term – Expiring October 2024

Chethan Lakshman is Principal at Rishi Nolan Strategies, a consultancy providing strategic advice to C-suite executives, boards, and governments. With 30 years in communications and reputation management, he has advised leaders in regulated industries, VC-backed companies, and private firms, including RBC, Manulife Financial, and Shaw Communications. Chethan led RBC’s sponsorships of the Vancouver 2010 Olympics and Shaw’s sponsorships, including six Grey Cups, the Rogers (formerly Shaw) Charity Classic, and three Canada Games. Chethan serves on a variety of not for profit boards and civic committees.

David Legg

First 2-Year Term

Dr. David Legg received his Bachelor’s in Physical Education from McMaster University, his Masters in Sport Management from University of Windsor and his PhD in Sport Management and Adapted Physical Activity from the University of Alberta. He is an Academic Professor at Mount Royal University. David co-founded the ActiveCITY Collective, which brings together community advocates for the active economy in Calgary and created the research/strategy behind those initiatives. Dr. Legg also founded Calgary Adaptive Hub, now sponsored by Jumpstart. Dr. Legg has been the recipient of a Calgary’s Top 40 under 40 award, a Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Award and has been inducted into the Alberta Sports Hall of Fame.

Alex Sarian

First 2-Year Term

Prior to joining Arts Commons as President & CEO, Alex Sarian spent seven years as a senior executive at the Lincoln Centre for Performing Arts in New York. Alex has a BS and MA in Educational Theatre and Performing Arts Administration from New York University. Alex brings experience in consumer brand activation, corporate sponsorship, as well as experience collaborating on bids and proposals for major events held at Arts Commons. He has furthered his education with an Impact Program for Arts Leaders at Standford University Graduate School of Business, the Community Shift Program at Western University Ivey School of Business, Non-profit Leadership Institute with the American Express Foundation and Conflict Resolution at the Instituto Para El Desarrollo Empresario Argentino.

Elise Ahenkorah

First 2-Year Term

Elise Ahenkorah received her BA Hons from Laurentian University in Law and Justice and a DE&I Strategy Management from Cornell University. She is currently the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Manager for MEG Energy Corporation and is the principal owner of Inclusion FACTOR Consulting. In 2023, Ms. Ahenkorah was the recipient of the City of Calgary Social Impact Award and she has won several additional awards, including L'Oreal Paris Woman of Worth, UNAC Innovator of the Year, and the Calgary Black Chamber Business & Entrepreneurship Excellence Award. Through Elise's leadership, the Calgary Pride Festival/Parade is now the second largest in Canada. Ms. Ahenkorah is passionate about ensuring that the events and sports brought to the city represent the diverse communities in Calgary.

Naomi Grattan

First 2-Year Term

Naomi Grattan is the Executive Director of Lougheed House National and Provincial Historic Site and serves as a volunteer Board Director for the Alberta Museums Association. She has a BA in Writing from the University of Waterloo and a MA in Leadership from Royal Roads University. Ms. Grattan has worked on 5 major cultural capital projects and has contributed to building the strategic direction of the National Music Centre, the SAM Centre at the Calgary Stampede, Hangar Flight Museum, Theatre Calgary, Alberta Ballet, Fort Calgary, Contemporary Calgary, and others. She also has a particular interest in the work of Truth & Reconciliation and has done significant training with Indigenous communities at Fort Calgary and the Lougheed House.

Steve McDonough

First 2-Year Term

Steve McDonough is the Past President and Chairman of the Calgary Stampede Board (2021-2023). Steve is a professional Mediator and CEO of McDonough Dispute Resolution Services, has worked as a master franchisor for American food product entry into Canada and for the Federal Government in the offices of President of Privy Council, Government House Leader and as a Senior Policy Advisor to the Rt Honourable Joe Clark, Federal Minister of the Environment. Mr. McDonough was the recipient of Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal. Steven McDonough holds an ICD.D designation from the Institute of Corporate Directors from Haskayne Business School, a LL. B (Hon) from the University of Wales and a BA in Political Science and Business (Hon) from Acadia University.

Jeff Chase

Jeff Chase is currently the Director of Partnerships at the City of Calgary. Jeff brings 15 years of experience leading strategy, planning, economic development, and sustainability related portfolios and programs in both the private and public sectors. Jeff holds an MA in Planning (UBC) and a PhD in Human Geography and Politics (Newcastle, UK)

Amie Blanchette

Amie Blanchette currently serves as Chief of Staff to Mayor Jyoti Gondek. Amie’s career has spanned several sectors, including private and public. Amie was a regional manager with Pier 1 Imports, overseeing 15 big box stores throughout Alberta, Manitoba and Saskatchewan. She left Pier 1 to focus on communications and advocacy work with the Canadian Home Builders Association – Calgary Region where she was the Director of Policy and Government Relations. After almost 10 years with the organization, Amie joined the City of Calgary administration as the Manager of Partnership Services within Planning & Development and most recently was the Manager of Strategy & Business Operations within Real Estate & Development prior to moving into The Mayor’s office.

Carson Ackroyd

Carson is the Sr. Vice President of Sales at Tourism Calgary where he leads a team responsible for attracting sport & major cultural events to the city as well as meetings & conventions. Carson sat on the 2009 and the 2019 Grey Cup Committees. He started his career within media working for both the Edmonton Sun and the Calgary Sun in advertising, marketing, promotions and circulation sales, during which time he launched the Air Miles customer loyalty program with both papers. Carson then became the Vice President of Marketing and Communications for ATCO for more than a decade with 100+ person team responsible for all aspects of marketing and communications for this multi-national conglomerate in the energy, utility and structures and logistics business. Carson studied at the University of Calgary.

Reid Bilben

Reid is the Executive Director of Sport, Culture & Major Events where he leads the promotion and sale of Calgary as a host city to major event rights holders. He has worked primarily in the Canadian amateur sport system since graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Saskatchewan. Reid’s career started managing sport programs with a provincial sport organization before moving into a role as Associate Athletic Director with Dinos Athletics at the University of Calgary; where he was responsible for event management, fund development, marketing & communications and human resources portfolios for one of the countries most successful athletic departments.