In Steady Hands
Claystone is led by a committed and experienced group dedicated to combining everything we’ve learned across long and distinguished careers with new ways of thinking. This blend of wisdom and flexibility has allowed us to continually drive the field forward in numerous areas of innovation while earning us a reputation for trustworthy operational excellence.
Board of Directors
Meryl Whittaker
MBA, LLB, BA, ICD.D – Chair of the Board
Meryl is a proven leader whose expansive career highlights include multiple roles in municipal government and private legal practice, having had the honour of serving as both Deputy Minister of Municipal Affairs and Deputy Minister of Culture and Tourism for Alberta.
Guy Bridgeman
Ph.D. – Vice-Chair of the Board
A respected voice in finance, Guy has extensive experience in the Alberta energy industry, most noted for his many years of dedicated service to EPCOR Utilities, during which time he oversaw the company’s significant and successful expansion.
Ron Helmhold
FCA, FCPA, ICD.D – Secretary Treasurer of the Board, Chair of the Finance and Audit Committee
A Chartered Accountant with a long and distinguished history in both public and private ventures, Ron has worked in an executive capacity in numerous fields, including healthcare, biotechnology, and insurance. Ron is currently the Chief Financial Officer of the Workers’ Compensation Board Alberta.
Bernd Manz
P.Eng, ICD.D - Chair of Governance and Human Resources Committee
Deeply invested in the communities of northwestern Alberta, Bernd’s career as a highly-accomplished executive has seen him provide strategic and operational planning and execution, primarily as the CEO of Aquatera Utilities from 2003 to 2019.
Cathy Chichak
Chair of the Public Advisory Committee
A conduit and connector by nature, Cathy has provided strategic support in the public, private, and non-profit sectors, having advised municipalities, post-secondary institutions, agricultural companies, healthcare industry providers, as well as political figures.
David Sparrow
CPA-CA, CBV – Director
As a senior executive and corporate finance advisor with an extensive three-decade career, David’s expertise, strategic planning, leadership, and transactional skills are a powerful mix that allows him to drive meaningful change for an organization. David is currently the President of TrailWise Capital.
Naseem Bashir
P. Eng., ICD.C – Director
A Professional Engineer and a graduate of the University of Alberta, Naseem’s career incorporates a mix of hands-on engineering and project management expertise, executive and company management, and board governance. Naseem enjoys working with complex organizations and is focused primarily on all aspects of sustainable cities and communities.
Senior Management Team
Pierre Breau
P. Eng., ICD.D – CEO
A registered professional engineer with over 35 years of experience, Pierre has overseen the design, construction, and operations of award-winning public works infrastructures and nationally-recognized facilities handling both solid waste and wastewater.
Pierre joined Claystone’s predecessor, the Beaver Regional Waste Management Services Commission, as General Manager in 2011. Pierre led the transformation of the Commission into Claystone Waste becoming Claystone’s first CEO in 2020 and making Claystone Waste’s reputation synonymous with quality and excellence in waste management services.
Juvy Ceniza
CPA, CMA – CFO
Juvy has utilized her expertise as a designated Certified Management Accountant (CMA) across two decades, successfully managing overall finance and administration functions, supporting strategic direction, engaging stakeholders on prudent financial management, and promoting continuous improvement.
Corey Popick
P.Biol. – COO
A Professional Biologist, graduating from the University of Saskatchewan, Corey has significant experience in the environmental and utility sectors including water and wastewater treatment, distribution, collection, and solid waste management. His experience hails from both the private consulting market as well as through public administration with municipal public works. Corey continues to advance his knowledge and education through civil engineering, governance, and executive management. Corey’s vision and experience in expanding and improving waste management facilities is expanding Claystone Waste's opportunities through continued growth.
Janet Tecklenborg
P. Eng. – Director of Facilities
Janet is a highly-accomplished senior leader and engineer in solid waste management, having overseen multiple successful high-value projects throughout Alberta and British Columbia. Her previous experiences and connections with Albertan municipalities and environmental work make her an invaluable addition to our team.
Jason Palamar
CPA, CA – Director of Finance
Jason is a Chartered Professional Accountant who specializes in financial management, business process, strategic planning, and budgeting and financial analysis, bringing over 10 years of experience in the utilities, healthcare, and waste management sectors.
Bruno Sanelli
Business Development Manager
An Edmonton native who has been delivering results in sales, marketing, and business development in multiple fields for over 35 years, Bruno has an enviable track record of promoting business growth and developing long-lasting relationships with customers.
Anne Ruzicka
Communications Manager
Often found out and about in our designated “Claystone Community Cruiser”, Anne brings over 26 years of experience in the waste and recycling industry to our team, applying her expert coordination skills to make meaningful connections with multiple communities, people, and organizations.
Jeanie DeGrande
CPHR – HRP Manager
Jeanie has spent 20+ years in the HR profession focussing on organization and management team effectiveness. Claystone Leadership, with their strategic direction, will engage employees to enable their maximum contribution.
Meaghan Neufeld
P. Eng., M.Sc.E – Engineering Manager
Meaghan has been with Claystone since 2014, putting her Master of Science in Engineering from the University of New Brunswick to good use managing the capital program. Under her careful watch, Claystone safely and responsibly performs landfill construction, monitors landfill gas emissions, and adheres to strict environmental compliance guidelines.
