Tennis Alberta is pleased to roster ten board members from clubs across Alberta as well as four full-time staff and one contract staff (as of July 2024).
You can contact the Tennis Alberta Board directly by emailing board@tennisalberta.com. Any communication sent to this address is directed to the Association’s Secretary for proper dissemination to the rest of the board members.
Michael Bennett | President
Calgary Winter Club
Elected 2021
2nd Term: Expires 2026
Total Years Served: 2
Mike is a sales, marketing, and business development leader with progressive experience in sales, marketing, customer service, and strategic planning. He has excellent change management skills and uses them to align sales teams to meet customer needs across multiple businesses. Mike, a highly motivated hands-on leader, leads regional sales at Bausch Health. He is respected for bringing an innovative and dynamic approach, ensuring exceptional results, and building highly engaged teams.
Mike brings strong leadership, analytical, and motivational skills to the Tennis Alberta board, and he’s adept at building relationships with stakeholders. Mike is an avid tennis player at the Calgary Tennis Club.
Barbara Rypien | Vice-President
Calgary Winter Club
Elected 2023
1st Term: Expires 2025
Total Years Served: 1
Barb is a professional geologist with 25 years of experience in North America and International regions. She has a background in management, technical excellence, communication and strategic thinking, and governance. Barb has been a part of the SAIT Advisory Committee for Geoscience and is currently on the Board of Directors with the Calgary Winter Club, where she is part of the governance and nominating committee and the chair of the member engagement committee. Additionally, Barb serves as a director and secretary with the Calgary Horticultural Society. Barb is an active tennis player, and her oldest son plays competitive tennis at the provincial level in Alberta.
Mark Hamill | Vice-President Finance
Alberta Tennis Club
Elected 2024
1st Term: Expires 2026
Total Years Served: 0
Mark is an Accounting Manager at Melcor Developments Ltd, specializing in the preparation of project financial statements, budgeting, cash flow projections, and financing management across various real estate development projects in Canada and the United States. Since obtaining his CPA designation in 2020, Mark has developed a strong passion for real estate development, and he has cultivated robust relationships with banking institutions, legal professionals, insurance brokers, and development managers to ensure optimal financial outcomes.
Mark grew up participating in junior tennis in Red Deer and is dedicated to promoting the sport’s growth throughout the province.
Chris Zelyas | Secretary
Capilano Tennis Club
Elected 2022
4th Term: Expires 2026
Total Years Served: 6
Chris is a partner in the Dentons Canada LLP Litigation and Dispute Resolution team. His varied legal practice includes a focus on intra-business disputes between partners, shareholders, officers, and directors.
In this capacity, he regularly advises clients on issues of corporate governance and how to achieve business goals in the face of dissent and opposition. He also handles lawsuits dealing with large construction and infrastructure projects gone awry, and is increasingly focused on disputes under Canada’s internal trade agreements. In 2016, Chris was recognized as a “Canadian Corporate Lawyer to Watch” by the Lexpert Guide to the Leading US/Canada Cross-Border Litigation Lawyers in Canada.
Chris has volunteered his time in a variety of capacities, including providing front-line intake services for the Edmonton Police Service, assisting with the University of Alberta’s Safewalk Program, and providing pro bono legal services to Edmonton’s lower-income population through the Edmonton Community Legal Centre. He has served as his former firm’s Practice Group Leader for the Intellectual Property Litigation Group and on the Associate’s Committee, providing guidance to and assessments of the firm’s younger lawyers. He regularly presents on a variety of legal topics.
Chris is an avid tennis player and he has looked for ways to contribute to the game off the courts. He is a member of the Capilano Tennis Club’s executive board and has recently taken on the mantle of the club’s Director of Programming. Chris has also volunteered with Tennis Alberta as a member of the Disciplinary Committee.
Jerrold Diamond | Director
Royal Glenora Club
Elected 2022
3rd Term: Expires 2026
Total Years Served: 4
Dr. Jerrold Diamond is the founding partner of Diamond Dental, a multi-dentist practice in West Edmonton. A graduate of the University of Alberta Faculty of Dentistry (1991), Dr. Diamond is also a member of the Visiting Faculty at Spear Education in Scottsdale, Arizona, one of the leading postgraduate centers for dental education.
Dr. Diamond and his wife, Lisa, have co-chaired the Harvest Gala, a key fundraiser for the Lois Hole Hospital for Women, from 2020 to 2022 and again in 2024. In 2023, he was appointed to the Board of Directors of the Canadian Dental Association, representing Alberta. An avid tennis player for over 30 years, Dr. Diamond currently serves as Chair of the Tennis Committee at the Royal Glenora Club.
Patrick Thomas | Director
Calgary Tennis Club
Elected 2023
1st Term: Expires 2025
Total Years Served: 1
Patrick Thomas is an active member of the Calgary tennis community, serving on the Calgary Tennis Club board and leading the Calgary Tennis Society, which started in 2009. Previously, he served as executive director and founder of the Dinos Tennis Society for the University of Calgary Dinos Tennis Team. In 2021, Thomas was recognized with a Tennis Canada Distinguished Service Award for helping to grow and nurture the sport in Alberta.
Patrick served as the Tennis Alberta Interim Executive Director from March to August 2024. He was an Investigator with the Calgary Police Services for over 25 years and has additional background in insurance claims investigation. Patrick recently retired, but he still devotes much of his free time to the Alberta tennis community.
Marcel Joubert | Director
Osten & Victor Alberta Tennis Centre
Elected 2024
1st Term: Expires 2026
Total Years Served: 0
Marcel is originally from South Africa, was a nationally ranked junior tennis player and was offered a full tennis scholarship to the USA in 1980. In South Africa, Marcel was the owner of a Photographic Company and later taught Commercial Photography at the
local University. While in South Africa, Marcel acquired his pilot’s license and after immigrating to Canada approximately 30 years ago, focused his career on the aviation industry. Marcel became a flight instructor and later obtained his Airline Pilot License. Thereafter, he was a Captain on Medivac aircraft, flying air ambulance throughout the Arctic and North America.
He later became owner, operator, director and chief pilot of an aerial survey company. In that company, Marcel was responsible for liaising with, managing and training of the flight crews, liaison and communication with Transport Canada, Maintenance organizations and clients to ensure safe and successful flight operations throughout Canada and the USA. Marcel retired from his aviation business career business in 2022.
Marcel has been actively involved in tennis at the Osten & Victor, Alberta Tennis Centre since its opening and recently completed his TPA Instructors Certificate. Marcel is also actively involved in competing in Masters tennis tournaments provincially, nationally and internationally on the ITF Masters tour. He has competed in notable tournaments such as:
• Steve Stevens Canadian Senior Nationals,
• British Seniors Open (Indoors and Clay)
• European Seniors Open (Indoors), US Seniors National hardcourt championships,
• World Masters Individual Championships and grass court tournaments in the United Kingdom.
• Various Alberta Masters and other level 5.0 tournaments.
Marcel’s career retirement in 2022 has afforded Marcel more time to help with tennis of all levels and his on-court experience has reached a point of “giving back” to the sport.
Shelley Swirski | Director
Calgary Tennis Club
Elected 2024
1st Term: Expires 2026
Total Years Served: 0
Shelley brings over 30 years of diverse experience to the Tennis Alberta board. She began her career in TV journalism, working as an anchor, reporter, producer, and news director for CTV, Global News, and CBC in Winnipeg and Calgary. After transitioning from television, she moved into the not-for-profit sector, taking on leadership roles as an Executive Director and Manager at Highbanks Society and the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) in Calgary. Her expertise spans business operations, stakeholder relations, fundraising, and staff and volunteer management.
A passionate tennis player, Shelley is an active member of both the Calgary Tennis Club and the Osten & Victor Alberta Tennis Centre. She combines her love for the sport with her extensive leadership experience, helping to grow and promote tennis in Alberta. Shelley has previously been a member of several professional organizations, including the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC), the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP), and the Calgary Chamber of Commerce.
Wendy Ng | Director
Osten & Victor Alberta Tennis Centre
Elected 2024
1st Term: Expires 2026
Total Years Served: 0
Wendy Ng is a seasoned financial professional, bringing more than two decades of diverse corporate experience. She is a chartered professional accountant (CPA, CA) and a chartered business valuator (CBV).
Wendy actively contributes to the Calgary community. She has lent her expertise to several volunteer initiatives and previously served as Treasurer on the Board of Calgary Legal Guidance, an organization dedicated to providing access to justice for disadvantaged Calgarians.
She is an avid recreational tennis player and you can find her enthusiastically participating in Calgary’s inter-club league and local tournaments, showcasing her passion for both the game and community engagement.
Pam Cotter | Director
Saville Community Sports Centre
Elected 2024
1st Term: Expires 2026
Total Years Served: 0
Pam Cotter is an accomplished IT professional with over 20 years of experience in the field. She has worked as a Network and Systems Administrator and currently serves as a Regulatory Compliance Analyst in the utility sector. Pam studied at the University of Alberta and the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT).
Pam has served as Finance Director and Secretary on the Board of Directors for the Garneau Tennis and Beach Volleyball Club. She is currently part of the Garneau Court Rejuvenation Committee, helping with the application for Historic Site designation and preparations for the club’s 100th-anniversary celebrations in 2029. Pam is a passionate tennis player who participates in local tennis tournaments and other events in the Edmonton tennis community.
Lorna Milkovich | Director
Red Deer Tennis Club
Elected 2024
1st Term: Expires 2026
Total Years Served: 0
Lorna Milkovich is an active Red Deer Tennis Club member and Board President from 2022 to 2024. She has a Bachelor of Nursing from the University of Calgary and a Master of Business Administration from Royal Roads University. She is the Executive Director of the Red Deer Primary Care Network, where she has led the development of this innovative healthcare organization. She brings a big-picture perspective to strategic planning and leads by drawing on the skills and ideas of the team to create a highly motivated team and successful organization.
Colin Latchford | Executive Director
colin.latchford@tennisalberta.com
Colin brings a wealth of experience to Tennis Alberta, joining from Squash BC, where he served as Executive Director for three years. During his tenure, he successfully led the organization’s growth in revenue, community engagement, and participation. He also developed a strategic plan, launched major programs, and oversaw a complete rebranding effort.
Before his role at Squash BC, Colin spent over a decade working in tennis. A lifelong player and Tennis Canada Certified Club Professional 2, he began coaching as a teenager in Ontario and has since held diverse roles across the industry. His experience includes managing a year-round tennis facility as Tennis Director and leading community development efforts for Tennis Saskatchewan.
Colin holds a Master of Business Administration from Toronto Metropolitan University and has pursued graduate studies in Sport Management. He is passionate about growing the sport of tennis and looks forward to driving Tennis Alberta’s strategy to increase participation, support facilities, and engage communities across the province.
Mary Potter | Manager, Administration, Communication & Member Services
mary.potter@tennisalberta.com
As Manager of Administration, Marketing, and Member Services, Mary oversees services for member clubs, manages individual member payments, and leads the promotion of Tennis Alberta’s programs and initiatives.
Mary brings extensive experience in both administration and program development. She is the visionary behind the Edmonton Little Aces program, now known as the Edmonton Junior Tennis Society, a successful grassroots initiative.
In addition to her leadership off the court, Mary is an accomplished competitor. As one of the top female tennis players over 60, she has earned multiple ITF titles and continues to compete at the national and international Masters level.
Mary is deeply committed to the Alberta tennis community and works closely with clubs and communities across the province.
KJ Read | Manager, Tournaments & Competitive Structure
kj.read@tennisalberta.com
A long-time tennis official working with Tennis Canada at tournaments across the country, KJ is our Manager of Tournaments and Competitive Structure. Additionally, he is Tennis Alberta’s Manager of Officiating. In this role, KJ manages the Junior Competitive Structure and supports member clubs in hosting Tennis Alberta-sanctioned events. He works closely with players, parents, officials, and coaches to facilitate tournament entries.
Scott Pleavin | Specialist, Marketing & Digital Projects
scott.pleavin@tennisalberta.com
Scott serves as our Specialist, Marketing & Digital Projects, where he focuses on marketing initiatives, digital projects, and facility member support. With education in both technology and business, he brings a unique mix of skills to the team. He earned an advanced diploma in Environmental Technology from Georgian College and worked as an electronics technician and data analyst. Later, he completed a diploma in Business Administration with a marketing major from SAIT.
Scott has been active in sports throughout his career, including over 15 years as a hockey official for the Ontario Minor Hockey Association and Hockey Alberta. He’s also a board member and the Communications Director at the Calgary Tennis Club, where he plays avidly and works to make the tennis community more enjoyable for everyone.
