EDA Board
Debra Hanson - EDA Board Chair
Debra Hanson, Chair of the Board, a 16-year resident of the Leduc area, is Branch Manager and Professional Financial Planner with the Leduc Branch of Servus Credit Union. Her experience includes:
- Past President of the Leduc and District Chamber of Commerce.
- Volunteer with the Leduc Drug Action Committee
- Volunteer executive with the School Parents Association.
Debra brings to the EDA board a background of financial planning knowledge and is very familiar with Alberta's International Region as a Safe Community.
Emma Pietroleonardo - EDA Board Vice Chair
Emma Pietroleonardo has more than 20 years experience in the hospitality industry beginning her career in Winnipeg, Manitoba. She is currently the General Manager of the Executive Royal Inn and a resident of Leduc since 2001. Emma calls Leduc “home” and is a strong supporter of the community. Her past experiences include:
- President of the Leduc & District Chamber of Commerce
- Director of Accommodations for 2008 Alberta Winter Games
- Chamber of Commerce representative for the City of Leduc Budget Committee
Along with her straightforward business approach, Emma brings to the EDA board experience in Marketing and Business Administration.
Larry Fecho - EDA Board Past Chair
Larry Fecho, Past Chair of the Board, raises both purebred Gelbvieh cattle and Gelbvieh cross seed stock at his family operated Eyot Valley Ranch in Leduc County. Larry's past business experience includes:
- Ownership in an electrical service company in Leduc-Nisku
- Chairman and Board Member for the Nisku Recreation Centre
- Council member of St. David’s United Church Youth Programs
Larry brings to the EDA board a comprehensive list of international business contacts, networks and marketing expertise.
Mike Slade - City of Leduc Member at Large
Mike Slade, is a 20-year resident of the City of Leduc. He has 20 years of experience in the printing business and is currently the Senior Marketing & Sales Executive with Alta Flights Charters Inc.
Mike has chaired many local organizations, including:
- Nisku Business Association
- Leduc & District Chamber of Commerce
- RCMP Victim’s Services
- Nisku-Leduc Rotary Club
- Communities in Bloom
Mike received the Queen's Jubilee Medal in 2002 for his long-standing dedication and volunteer work in the community and was named Citizen of the Year for 2007. Mike brings a wealth of knowledge of Alberta’s International Region and local business to the EDA Board.
Dana Smith - City of Leduc Council Appointment
Dana Smith, a City of Leduc resident for 24 years, is a City of Leduc Alderman. She is a graduate of Red Deer College from the Rehabilitation Diploma Program and is actively involved in her family business, Venger Group. Dana's numerous community contributions include:
- Founding Member of Leduc Victim Services
- Past Chair of the Leduc Housing Authority
- Volunteer on the RCMP Community Advisory Committee
Dana is also a Board Member with the Provincial Mental Health Board Review Panel and is excited to continue making new community contributions.
Mary-Ann McDonald - Leduc County Council Appointment
Mary-Ann McDonald has been an active communty meer since moving to Leduc County 17 years ago and is currently serving her first term as County Councillor for Division 3. Her community involvement includes:
- Scholarship Chair and Wild Rose Competition Chair for Alberta Figure Skating Foundation
- Mascot Chair and Figure Skating Chair for 2008 Alberta Winter Games
- Member of Leduc County Parks and Recreation Board
- Member of Leduc County Library Board
A passionate community champion, Mary-Ann will bring her enthusiasm and energy for community development to the EDA Board.
Ashley Robbins - Chamber of Commerce Appointment
Ashley Robbins has is active community member, serving his first term on the Leduc-Nisku EDA Board. He is the President for AMR Process, an International Oil & Gas Engineering Company in Leduc. Ashley’s local community involvement includes:
- President Elect, Leduc & District Chamber of Commerce
- Past Fund Raising Chair, Nisku-Leduc Rotary Club
- Current volunteer member, Beaumont Fire Department, Past member, Leduc County Fire Department
Ashley Robbins brings his energy, extensive international experience and Royal Charters in Engineering to bring new and exciting opportunities to the region.
Mark Filteau - Nisku Business Association Appointment
Mark Filteau is a resident of the city of Leduc. He is currently an associate with the CMA Alberta program and is employed as Business Specialist with AltaGas Utilities Inc. Mark relocated to Leduc, from Edmonton, two years ago and since then has endeavoured to immerse himself in the community. Mark is involved with many local organizations including:
- Leduc County Fire Services Department – Volunteer Member
- Nisku Business Association – Director
- Christ the King High School men’s varsity basketball team - Coach
Mark brings to the board an extensive background in accounting, marketing and project management both locally and nationally.
George Lavertu - City of Leduc Member at Large
George Lavertu offers more than 30 years of experience in the restaurant industry. He serves as the Chair of Smitty’s Restaurants and owns a Smitty’s restaurant in the City of Leduc. George contributes to the community by volunteering in the following roles:
- Incoming President for the Nisku-Leduc Rotary Club
- Board Member for MS 150 Bike Tour Committee
- Member of Hospital Gaming Association (VLT Operators in Leduc)
- Volunteer with the Smile’s Rodeo for Handicapped Kids
Ralph Peterson - Edmonton Airports Appointment
Ralph Peterson is currently the Vice President of Finance and Chief Financial Officer of Edmonton Airports. Ralph has been involved with many other organizations, including:
- Member of Edmonton's Economic Development (EEDC) Business Advisory Council
- Member of Edmonton's Business Leaders for Public Education
- Chair of Glenrose Foundation and Member of Leadership Division- Capital Health Authority
Ralph brings to the EDA board an expertise in finance, corporate services, information technology, materials management and contracting, airport infrastructure and corporate risk management.
Glen Vanstone - EDA Board Appointment 
Glen Vanstone is a long-time resident of Leduc County and offers over 22 years of business experience working with Air Canada. He is currently the Director of Cargo and Business Innovation at Edmonton International Airport. His past experience includes:
- Director of Airports for Air Canada (Edmonton, Halifax and Ottawa)
- Chairman of the Canadian Airports Council for the Air Cargo Group
- Author of the Port Alberta Initiative