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

headshot-meryl

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.

headshot-3-Guy

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.

headshot-ron

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.

headshot-bernd

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.

headshot-cathy

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.

Senior Management Team

headshot-pierre-breau

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.

headshot-juvy

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.

headshot-corey

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.

headshot-bruno

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.

headshot-1-Jeanie

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.

headshot-2-Anne

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.

headshot-Jason

Jason Palamar

CPA, CA – Financial Controller

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.