Home » About » Team

Executive/Administration

Jay Meyer

Executive Director

Jay is no stranger to rural Saskatchewan. Raised in Kenosee Lake, he's spent his career working in rural communities. A fearless leader with a hectic schedule, he still makes time to chat with the team and is always open to new ideas and welcome to change. Jay's a big Red Wings fan and loves the Roughriders and his two pups Mookie and Hank.

Laurel Feltin

Incoming Executive Director

Laurel is SARM's historian and the go to gal for staff for any questions. She has had many roles at SARM and is now the Incoming Executive Director. Laurel enjoys summer camping trips and trying new recipes.

Kathleen Israel

Executive Coordinator

Kathleen brings over a decade of administrative experience excelling in organization and comprehensive support in managing the executive’s schedules, providing high-level assistance to the SARM Board of Directors, and being an ambassador for the SLT.  Born and raised in Regina, Kathleen is a proud first-generation Canadian of Filipino heritage who enjoys spending quality time with her family and friends, travelling, and exploring culinary delights.

Senior Leadership Team

Brian Rakochy

Director, Advocacy & Communications

Born and raised in Canora, rural Saskatchewan has a special place in Brian’s heart. He loves the great outdoors and spending time with his wife and 2 kids. Brian brings an ability to influence public policy from both sides of the table.

Craig Williams

Director, Member Services

Craig leads our Member Services division, providing guidance and strategic direction to SARM’s various member-focused programs and services. He is our resident go-to person for our office building maintenance and an expert car shopper. He loves all things vehicles and lending a hand where needed.

Catherine Patterson

Director, Finance

Catherine leads the finance department. She manages to volunteer at the Wascana Racing Canoe Club, watch her kids compete in canoe/kayak races and Ukrainian dance and take family road trips while also ensuring SARM’s books are balanced and the office lights are kept on!

Policy & Research

Alicia Bay

Manager, Advocacy

Alicia brings a wealth of government experience and knowledge to SARM, along with her inquisitive nature and a practical approach to policy creation. She is committed to telling our story and bringing forth positive change for rural Saskatchewan. A small-town girl, she enjoys spending her time camping, raising her family and being an active member of her community.

Deanna Nichols

Policy Analyst

As a true Northern Ontario girl, Deanna enjoys everything outdoors. After being swept off her feet by a two-stepping Sask-boy, she found herself relocated to his home province with their energetic ‘pandemic pup’, Nala. With her HBA PoliSci and experience in law, Deanna brings a unique approach to research and analytical thinking to the SARM Policy and Research team.

Christine Breitkreuz

Policy Administrator

Christine grew up on the family farm just south of Regina. She has over 10 years of administration experience in rural municipal government, which lends well to her role in assisting the Policy and Research team with administering SARM's advocacy efforts. Christine enjoys spending time at the lake in the summer and attending many of her children’s sporting events.

Strategic Communications

Amy Roettger

Acting Manager, Strategic Communications

A farm girl at heart, Amy's work ethic and experience inspire her ideas as she creates opportunity for all of SARM's communications and events. She loves a good cup of coffee or wine, enjoys summer cycling and experiencing new places both near and far.

Adam Brougham

Communications & Events Coordinator

Adam hails from Ontario and has grown a real appreciation of all things rural Saskatchewan. He is the first person to lend a helping hand. When he's not lending his organizational skills to the SARM team, he enjoys travelling with friends and family.

Risk Management (Legal, Benefits & Insurance)

Colin Warnecke

Manager, Risk Management

Colin was raised in Assiniboia and is proud of his rural roots. He leads our Risk Management area, encompassing both the Legal and Benefits/Insurance teams and directly managing the day-to-day operations of our Liability Self-Insurance Plan. When not at work, he enjoys spending time with his family fishing, camping, and enjoying the outdoors.

Michael Morris

General Counsel

Mike grew up on a farm near Tuxford and has been practicing law since 1984- initially in private practice with the law firm Gerrand Mulatz and with SARM since 2000. As General Counsel Mike provides advice to SARM and its members on a variety of legal issues.

Adryan Toth

Senior Legal Counsel

Adryan was raised, and currently resides, in Balgonie so he has an understanding of rural living, which will benefit the SARM membership. Outside of work, Adryan enjoys staying active through indoor and beach volleyball, walking his dog Fiona, and getting out on his snowmobile.

Danielle Schindelka

Senior Legal Counsel

Danielle grew up near Raymore, Saskatchewan and now resides in Regina with her husband and son. Danielle enjoys travelling and spending time outdoors, particularly at her parent's acreage and at the lake during Saskatchewan's short but beautiful summers. She tries to stay grounded by practicing yoga and meditation.

Teresa Edwards

Legal Assistant

Managing competing priorities is second-nature to Teresa in her role at SARM. Teresa supports SARM's team of lawyers and is responsible for the administration of the Legal Department. Born and raised in Regina, Teresa has been with SARM since 2000 when the legal department was first introduced.

Jodi Hughes

Employee Benefits Administrator

Jodi has a passion for benefits and disability, as shown in her 20 plus years in the industry. She enjoys dealing with people and is always there to help. Jodi loves spending time with family and friends and also loves to travel.

Lisa Shordee

Insurance Program Administrator

Lisa is from the Fort Qu’Appelle region and administers SARM’s Property Self-Insurance Program and Fidelity Bond Self-Insurance Plan. She loves learning and trying new things and enjoys a good cup of joe.

Programs (RIRG & Bridge Services, Programs, and Member Purchasing)

Dustin Resch

Manager, Programs

Born and raised in Swift Current, Dustin has approximately 20 years in the non-profit and post-secondary sectors. In his current role, Dustin oversees the continuous improvement of SARM’s programs and supports the staff who administer them. He loves reading a wide variety of fiction and non-fiction, SK craft beer, the music of Johnny Cash, and spending time with his two children, his spouse (Jolene), and their cat.

Daniel Segal

Senior Municipal Bridge Engineer

With over a decade of experience encompassing a rural municipal bridge’s complete lifespan, Daniel can leverage his specialized knowledge and experience towards the unique goals and challenges of rural municipal government. Outside of the office Daniel enjoys camping, playing volleyball, and riding his motorcycle.

Alexander Udey

Municipal Bridge Engineer

Alexander provides engineering services to rural municipalities and is one of the program managers for the Rural Integrated Roads for Growth Program. He is passionate about technology, cooking, and spending time with friends.

Gaylene Mellon

Transportation Infrastructure Program Administrator

Gaylene is a team player, whether she is at home with her 4 kids, volunteering in her community, or working at SARM. She is sociable and finds fun in all the little things. When she is not chaperoning kids to activities, she is with her family spending time at their cabin enjoying time in the sun.

Annette Ellert

Agriculture Program Administrator

Annette grew up in Assiniboia with a large farming family. Remaining true to her roots, she spends most days making sure the agriculture programs run smoothly. Annette loves animals and has her own little pup, Jake.

Christina Berry

Programs Administrative Assistant

Christina provides administration support to SARM’s Programs team. Her favourite part of her job is being able to work within a variety of different program areas and loves helping out whenever needed. She grew up on a farm near Storthoaks, SK, and graduated from the U of R with a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Environmental Geoscience. She enjoys travelling, playing hockey, collecting crystals, and Hillberg & Berk sparkle balls in her spare time.

Amanda Kozak

Procurement Advisor

Amanda assists members with procuring the goods and services that they need to run smoothly. She is committed to saving you time and money on your purchases. Outside of the office Amanda enjoys cooking, spending time with her family and relaxing at the lake.

Community Planning

Jennifer Chamberlin

Manager, Community Planning

As a registered professional planner providing community planning assistance to SARM members, Jennifer is cool as a cucumber, she's so level headed. She always makes time to chat. Jen enjoys being active outdoors, whether it’s with skates, cleats, or a board on her feet or a club, racket, or paddle in her hand.

Finance

Breanna Janzen

Senior Accountant

Breanna comes from BC and is a huge asset to the finance team. She is exceptionally organized and likes to streamline processes. Our taste buds have told us that she is an expert baker but our waistlines are thankful she only treats us to her baking every once in a while.

Candace Jennings

Accounting Assistant

Candace has 15 years experience in office administration and accounts payables and receivables which lends well to her role in supporting SARM’s Finance department. She is a mom of 3 boys and enjoys camping, golfing, and spending time with family and friends. Candace is also a huge Riders fan and loves music.

Karen Takach

Administrative Assistant