Board of Directors

Board Member Bios

Jay Baraniecki – President

Jay Baraniecki regularly attends the Valley Zoo and other zoos throughout North America with his young son Evan and his wife Cheryl. As an avid zoo enthusiast, Jay is passionate about what zoos bring to their communities and joined the Valley Zoo Development Society to help bring the vision of the Valley Zoo redevelopment to fruition in Edmonton.

Jay, Cheryl and Evan round out their family with 3 dogs and are active in the sport of Dog Agility. Most evenings and weekends are spent training and trialing the dogs.

On the career side, Jay recently moved to a commercial development role for EPCOR from his previous role having responsibilities for EPCOR’s periodic rate applications.

Brent Willet – Vice President

Brent Willett is a graduate of MacEwan University with a degree in Supply Chain Management. He has recently achieved the CMA designation and is setting his sights on an MBA. Brent is currently the Controller for a pipe and OCTG distribution company based in Leduc.

Having been born in Calgary, Brent frequented the zoo on a regular basis. Now living in Edmonton, he is excited to help reshape the Valley Zoo to make it even more of an attraction for locals and tourists. Brent is committed to education and continual learning; subsequently he wants to make the Valley Zoo not only another attraction but an excellent education center for people of all ages as well. He joined the Valley Zoo Development Society in 2010, and is eager to see the progress that we can make on the Revitalization Project.

Shannon Troke, CA – Treasurer

Shannon was born and raised in Edmonton and graduated from the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology with a Bachelor of Applied Business Administration Degree. While working towards his Degree, he was also working for his current public practice accounting firm in order to obtain his Chartered Accountant designation which was achieved in early 2009.

After obtaining his designation, he determined that it was time to give back to the community. His love of animals and early memories of the Valley Zoo drew him to the Valley Zoo Development Society. He is excited to bring his not-for-profit accounting experience to the VZDS as the Board embarks on its major fundraising campaign for Nature’s Wild Backyard.

Monica Zeniuk – Secretary

Until 2004, Monica spent her entire adult life living and working in Banff. There began her fascination with the flora, fauna, natural & human history of the Canadian Rockies. For many years she was a tour coach operator for Brewster Transportation and then the first woman driver for Pacific Western Transport (owned by Red Arrow). In 1994 she put away her driving boots and began a very successful career in 4 star hotels.

She is a current member and former board director of Meeting Professionals International and was appointed by Premier Stelmach to the Lakeland Regional Health Authority and the East Central Health Authority Board of Directors before the Superboard took over.

In 2003, Monica entered the Mrs. Canada International pageant. Her platform “Quality of care in nursing homes”, born from her time spent on the health board won the judges’ top marks.

Her first love is for felines of any size. The second best day of her life was spending an afternoon holding and caring for 3-month-old lion, tiger and lynx cubs. Her recent life-altering encounter as Zookeeper for a Day solidified the decision to become involved with the Edmonton Valley Zoo Development Society.

Monica & Marvin live in Edmonton with their three cats adopted from the Edmonton Humane Society.

Cindy Afanasiff

Cindy Afanasiff was born and raised in Edmonton. After working for many years as an Insurance Broker, she now owns her own Personal Assistant business, doing contract work for companies, individuals and a non-profit group. Cindy volunteered with the Girl Guides of Canada for ten years, first as a Guider, and then as a Camp Advisor. She has taken many courses to develop her board and business talents including Newsletters That Work, Making Minutes, Silent Auctions – Getting the Word Out, and Promoting Your Event, and also has experience in event planning including fundraising and silent auctions.

Brent Willet

Erin Clyde

Growing up in small towns all over western Canada, Erin was always excited to go on school trips to the Big City, and especially to zoos, which topped the list of coolest-field-trips-ever.
A graduate from the Fine Arts program at York University, Erin understands the value of art, culture, and entertainment in society, and she is excited to be part of the Valley Zoo’s revitalization project.

In her capacity as Events Project Manager for a local award-winning agency, Erin brings a wealth of experience in event management to the Valley Zoo. Erin applies her artistic talents and creativity to events, and firmly believes that a thriving zoo is a vital part of Edmonton’s healthy future.

Dianne Johnstone

Tammy Wiebe – Executive Director

Tammy Wiebe has been an animal lover from her earliest childhood. Growing up on a farm in central Alberta gave her numerous opportunities to interact with domestic animals and develop a wonder for their wild counterparts. An avid traveller Tammy seeks out zoos and sanctuaries at all destinations, she is a strong believer in education and conservation and enjoys seeing it at work in our urban centres.

Tammy was a Marketing Director with a large Alberta law firm, and as such had participated in numerous strategic planning sessions, media campaigns, re-brands and large scale event organization over her 18 year professional career. She is currently a member of the Canadian Public Relations Society, Edmonton Branch and The Legal Marketing Association.

A single mother of two young adults, Tammy’s house has always been home to several pets. Many profound lessons have come from four legged friends, including what they teach us and the obligations we owe them. Her favourite animals at the zoo would be the big cats and the much aligned villian of children’s fairy tales – the wolf.

Tammy is passionate about making a difference in the Edmonton Community and is excited to join the Valley Zoo Development Society as they embark on a new stage with the plans to develop the Revitalization Project and to be a part of developing Canada’s Cold Climate Zoo with a Tropical Heart.

Nitin Bhatia

Nitin Bhatia is born and raised in Edmonton and practices in the area of commercial law at Shourie Bhatia LLP. Having obtained a degree in Business and a degree in Law from the University of Alberta, Nitin has tried to put his knowledge in both fields to use by being involved in multiple business and not-for-profit ventures in the City. After having recently been involved in businesses both in Downtown and South-side Edmonton and having recently lived in both of these areas, Nitin recognized that the City of Edmonton is not the small town he grew up in and felt the need to reintegrate himself into meaningful initiatives which are helping shape the fast growing city. Nitin believes that the River Valley undoubtedly remains a symbol of beauty and the most distinct feature of Edmonton, with the Valley Zoo being the crown jewel to the River Valley. Nitin wishes to make this attraction a staple on the list of places to visit for tourists and residents alike. He is enthusiastic about the Revitalization Project and hopes that the residents of Edmonton share this enthusiasm. In addition, Nitin has always admired the brilliance, beauty and diversity of all species of animals and wishes to ensure that the animals of the Valley Zoo are cared for to the highest standard so that their lives are enriched the way they enrich the lives of the many visitors who leave the Zoo with fond memories.

Administration

Valley Zoo Director
Denise Prefontaine – Ex-Officio
dprefontaine@buildingourzoo.com

Office and Event Coordinator
vzds@buildingourzoo.com

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