Board of Directors
On June 16, 2010, the Board of Directors of the Whitemud Equine Learning Centre Association (WELCA) approved a three-year strategic plan for 2010 to 2013 as a framework to assist it in achieving its vision of:
“a cherished asset for our city; environmentally sustainable and community-enhancing, an unparalleled equine learning centre that is a landmark and a source of pride for all who use it.”
The strategic plan provides a hands-on way for the Board, Management and its membership to increase our ability as an organization to expect and respond to changing political, economic and social conditions. It solidifies how we envision our future and develops tactical approaches on how we can move forward.
The strategic plan also helps to:
• Provide a better understanding of WELCA and its business to stakeholders
• Relate our mission, goals, strengths, opportunities, priorities in a manner that improves decision-making
• Provide strategic direction for the organization
• Link our budgeting and planning processes that maximize an effective use of our resources
• Bring a common purpose and effective coordination to the organization
• Improve our presentation about WELCA needs to help it achieve success.
Strategic plans are not a small or insignificant undertaking and the tactical actions developed will take time and resources to complete. If you are interested in assisting with any of the activities noted either through Board Committees or in other capacities we’re eager to hear from you.
WELCA Strategic Plan (
Linda has been the Chair of the Board of Directors Whitemud Equine Learning Centre since 2005. During that time she has led the Board to develop a vision for a new equine facility that would welcome the local community and be a world class equine facility linking with the regional equine industry, offering therapeutic riding, lessons, clinics and courses from recognized programs in horsemanship and equine management and finally showcasing the many disciplines where people work with horses. Over that time, she has worked with the Board to create a number of workshops, planning and visioning sessions to align the Board with the redevelopment plan.
Gord Blinston has been a volunteer at Whitemud since the early 1980's, and he played a major part in the establishment of WELCA through work as a board member of both founding organizations. During that entire time, he has been involved in the ongoing quest for a redeveloped facility, and he has worked with hundreds of dedicated volunteers who have played a part in the process. Working as a volunteer at Whitemud has introduced Gord to all sorts of experiences he would not otherwise have encountered. Over the years he has found himself doing everything from cleaning stalls and fixing fences to judging stall decorating contests, participating in TV and radio interviews, attending endless meetings, and developing complex documents. He has made some lifelong friendships at Whitemud, and he has had the opportunity to meet and work with all sorts of interesting and influential people. Although there have been a few trying times and the odd serious crisis, Gord feels that his time at Whitemud has been time well-spent, and the experience has contributed greatly to his life. Gord recently retired from a career in information technology management, so he and his wife, Janet, are hoping to have a little more time to spend with Imbri, their ancient thoroughbred who has lived at Whitemud for the past 24 years.
Michael has been the treasurer of the Whitemud Equine Learning Centre since 2008. Rest of bio still to come. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Cras sit amet nisl sed eros feugiat fermentum et vitae nibh. Vestibulum nec purus velit. Mauris non mi et massa elementum lobortis ac sed mauris. Morbi mollis sollicitudin venenatis. Phasellus id arcu sem. Nunc faucibus, ante eu imperdiet tincidunt, nulla massa interdum magna, ultricies mattis nulla sem a eros. Donec dapibus diam non erat sodales mollis. Nam in accumsan turpis. Integer tortor lectus, iaculis a suscipit quis, pellentesque in erat. Donec vitae orci est. Nunc dictum nulla imperdiet diam pharetra in sagittis turpis facilisis. Donec tristique vestibulum nibh, iaculis viverra diam fermentum.
Alan is a seasoned entrepreneur, experienced in business turn-arounds, and project delivery and management. He is particularly known for his business acumen and ability to assess the critical issues facing a business enterprise. His experience includes running a $120 million entertainment operation staging large events and hosting 850,000 paid visitors yearly. He ran three different residential and commercial real estate development companies. He has won many outstanding builder/developer awards and was consistently involved with the Boards of various industry associations. He chaired the Alberta Tourism Partnership Corporation; was a Director of the Canadian Association of Fairs and Exhibitions; was Chair of The Urban Development Institute for Edmonton and Alberta and a member of the Canadian Board; member of the board of Edmonton Home Builders Association; member of the Glenora Rotary Board; Chairman of the Board of the Ukrainian Foundation for College Education; member of the Board of the Hope Foundation of Alberta and has served on many other volunteer committees. He is particularly proud of his family, four sons and a daughter. He is an avid golfer, enjoys fly fishing, hunting and skiing. He is an outdoorsman, a dedicated father, an entrepreneur and contributor to his community.
Elaine has been a board director of the Whitemud Equine Learning Centre since 2001. Rest of bio still to come.Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Cras sit amet nisl sed eros feugiat fermentum et vitae nibh. Vestibulum nec purus velit. Mauris non mi et massa elementum lobortis ac sed mauris. Morbi mollis sollicitudin venenatis. Phasellus id arcu sem. Nunc faucibus, ante eu imperdiet tincidunt, nulla massa interdum magna, ultricies mattis nulla sem a eros. Donec dapibus diam non erat sodales mollis. Nam in accumsan turpis. Integer tortor lectus, iaculis a suscipit quis, pellentesque in erat. Donec vitae orci est. Nunc dictum nulla imperdiet diam pharetra in sagittis turpis facilisis. Donec tristique vestibulum nibh, iaculis viverra diam fermentum.
Kay was elected to the Board at the October 1, 2009 Annual General Meeting for her first three-year term. Kay Bunker is serving her first term on the WELCA Board of Directors. She has over twenty years of experience working in the areas of elementary education and non-profit organizations. As well as being an avid volunteer with WELCA summer camp program, Kay is passionate about involving Edmonton’s school systems in equine-related programs and activities.
Roxy was elected to her first three-year term as a director of the Whitemud Equine Learning Centre Association in 2009. In 2008, she was appointed as a Director by the WELCA Board. Roxy graduated from the Western School of Veterinary Medicine in 1975. She has been involved in Equine research and now has an active practice with her husband David. D & R Veterinary Services Inc. focuses on equines. Dr Bell is also a sport horse breeder and endurance rider.Newsletter signup
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