Click here to return to the homepage. The Rainbow Society of Alberta
Home divider About Us divider Wishes divider News & Events divider Volunteer Dream Team divider Friends & Sponsors divider Contact Us
About Us
arrow bullet Our History
arrow bullet Board of Directors
arrow bullet Staff
arrow bullet FAQ's
Board of Directors
  • David Sharko B.Comm, LL.B. (President, Legal Director)
    Occupation: Lawyer, Parlee McLaws
    Member Since: July 1998
    Based in Edmonton
  • Norm Duff (Vice President, Director of Business Development)
    Occupation: Manager, Marketing Joint Venture Projects, ATCO Midstream
    Member Since: October 2002
    Based in Calgary
  • Diane Bannman (Director of Fundraising)
    Occupation: Interior Designer
    Member since: 1994
    Based in Edmonton
  • Betty Ann Emery (Director of Wishes)
    Occupation: President, United Nurses of Alberta Local 301
    Member since: December 2006
    Based in Edmonton
  • Tim White (Director)
    Member since 2008
    Based in Whitecourt
  • Brian Popp (Director of Finance)
    Member since August 2009
    Based in Edmonton
  • Sandee Wahl (Director of Communications)
    Occupation: Director of Marketing, Trail Appliances
    Member since August 2009
    Based in Edmonton
  • Tiffany Clark (Director of Northern Alberta)
    Occupation: Mortgage Professional, TMG
    Member since December 2009
    Based in Grande Prairie

We are always looking for new board members to help our organization grow. If you feel you have skills that would help us, and are interested in joining, please send an e-mail to Craig Hawkins, our Executive Director, who will be happy to discuss a position with you.


Below is a typical job description for a Rainbow Society director:

  • Have a clear understanding of the mission of The Rainbow Society of Alberta.
  • Attend monthly board meetings in Edmonton (excluding July and August). Directors that live outside of Edmonton participate in board meetings via teleconference call.
  • Attend the annual general meeting in Edmonton each year.
  • Work in conjunction with the Executive Director on yearly Fundraising, Wish and Communication goals.
  • Take an active role in regional fundraisers.
  • In conjunction with the Executive Director, develop a three to five year strategic plan for The Rainbow Society.
  • Promote The Rainbow Society of Alberta to contacts within the community, including corporate partners, foundations and other funding agencies, with an emphasis on corporate partners.
  • Form a working committee if necessary.
  • Be involved with at-home wish applications as time permits.

The role of the Board, in general, is to:

  • Ensure the organization is carrying out its mission in a manner that is ethical, effective and fiscally accountable.
  • Be responsible for the process of policy, including establishing, developing, implementing and evaluating policies.
  • Set the rate of progress which the organization will undertake in achieving its purpose or mission through programs.

The Board is also responsible for:

  • Working to achieve the stated purpose and objectives of the organization.
  • Making policies and plans.
  • Raising and managing funds.
  • Employing staff.
  • Appointing committees.
  • Leadership development.
  • Advocacy in the community.
  • Orienting their replacement on the board.
  • Approving budgets.
  • Participating in the development of the organizational plan and annual review.