Board Of Directors

Unison is a charitable organization with programs and services in Calgary and Medicine Hat, Alberta. The Annual General Meeting takes place in the spring. Any member in good standing may run for positions on the Board.

Richard Parker, Chair

Hi, I am Richard Parker, the Board Chair of Kerby Centre. I became involved with Kerby Centre in 2009 following my retirement from the City of Calgary. As a board member since 2015, I have great admiration for the Kerby Centre staff and the many volunteers who donate their time and skills to helping Calgary’s seniors.

In my role as Chair, I look forward to seeking opportunities for Kerby to collaborate with other agencies and to explore new uses for technology, creative approaches to the funding of services, and opportunities for intergenerational activities.

I would like to introduce you to the Kerby Centre Board of Directors. To do so I asked them each the question, “Why do you want to be on the Board?”

Hank Heerema, Past Chair

I took early retirement from Esso in 1991 and became involved in Kerby Centre as a volunteer, that same year, working on the travel desk organizing trips for seniors. I quickly became involved with the computer and network needs at the Centre.

I have served on the Board of directors for many years as a director, treasurer, vice president, president, and now past president. Next year, I will have volunteered at Kerby Centre for 30 years. I am honoured that the computer classroom that I put in place was dedicated to me as Hank’s Room. I have served with pleasure and know the Centre has been, and continues to be, a great organization, serving the needs of Calgary’s senior population, of which I am a member.

Jacquelyn Poetker, Secretary

As a retired gerontological social worker and educator with a focus on the issues of the older person, I look for opportunities to advocate for and support older adults. Most important to me is assuring that each of us has the information and support we need to always be at the center of our decision-making. As a new Board member I am looking forward to contributing to the continued success of the Kerby Centre’s many programs that do just that.

Kenneth Lin, Treasurer

I was born and raised in Calgary and the Kerby Centre is an integral part of the fabric of this city. I joined the Board so I could contribute to the sustainability of this vibrant community that services so many folks in our amazing city.

Russ Altman, Director

I am very excited to be part of the Board at the Kerby Centre. Lending my support to fund development, the finance committee, and the technology sub-committee will allow me to have a great impact in areas of urgent need. I look forward to seeing thrilling advancements take place based on our efforts!

I have 17 years experience in IT Business Development, Support, and Procurement. Designing organizational support plans for small to medium-sized organizations.

Deborah Durda, Director

What the Kerby Centre offers the aging community is what ultimately spurred my request to join the Board. I wish to offer my support as a Human Resources professional, but also relish the ability to grow with a community support group that I believe in and will use myself as I get wiser with age.

Peter Molzan, Director

I have been a volunteer at the Kerby Centre for over 10 years, and over that time period I have helped in many different positions. By far, the most enjoyable is working at the Membership Desk where I have the opportunity to speak with many of the people that make use of the Kerby Centre. I also hear some of their concerns and I want to be able to bring some of those to the Boards’ attention so that the members of the Kerby Centre get the attention and have access to the programs that they want. The Kerby Centre is a fantastic organization and I really want to make sure that it continues to help and serve the needs of Calgary seniors well into the future.

Gordon (Gord) Nott, Director

My busy and active life would be incomplete without my deep love for my family, my church, caring for others, the great outdoors and music. Following a 34 year career in telecommunications and 10 gratifying years working with challenged adults, I have devoted my 18 years of retirement time to volunteering and serving on numerous committees to help ensure older adults in our community enjoy the very best lifestyle as they are able. I look forward to representing Medicine Hat on the Kerby Board as it will bring additional opportunities to support and provide a fulfilling and vibrant “Home Away from Home” for our seniors community at the Veiner Centre.

Tara Weber, Director

I am on the Kerby Centre board because I believe strongly in the work Kerby does in our community. My background is in Media and Communications and there are so many stories of the unique ways in which Kerby improves the lives of older adults – everything from the woodworking shop to our many amazing volunteers. I am always looking for new ways for Kerby Centre’s great work to be showcased and to help the organization in any way I can.

Marianne Rogerson, Director

I joined Kerby Centre in 2002 as a volunteer assisting in the Adult Day Support Program. Later I joined the Centre of Excellent and assisted in projects studying resilience and long-term care. The exposure to issues relevant to older adults spurred me to pursue a Ph.D. focusing on gerontology. Joining Kerby Centre’s board of directors feels like returning home. Although much has changed over the years, the Kerby Centre’s commitment to the welfare of members and the Calgary community is as strong today as it was 20 years ago. As a new Board member, I have many interests, but one of my passions is housing. Where we live, how safe we feel, and the services we can access are important issues for everyone.

I look forward to working with Kerby Centre members, staff, directors, and the community over the next 2 years.