GlobalFest Board Member Biographies
Doran Heit – Chairperson
Doran Heit was born and raised in Saskatchewan. From a young age, he learned that hard work and being respectful are two instrumental facets of becoming of proud, successful adult. Doran graduated university in 2021 and moved to Calgary to pursue a career in accounting. Currently, he is Controller of Alberta Housing at Excel Homes, as well as Chairman of the board of the Globalfest Society, and a member of the Blue Steele men’s over 35 soccer team. Doran is a proud father of two wonderful teenagers, and is always look to grow and develop in all facets of life.
“I love the idea and concept of GlobalFest and what it means to so many people and I hope that each and every day, we can reach out and influence people in a way that them up to wanting to help and be a part of making our world a better place to live in.”
Josh Hewitt – Treasurer
Josh Hewitt, CPA is a Manager, Domestic Tax with Grant Thornton LLP. Josh has 10 years of experience supporting clients from large public entities to owner managed and NPOs, and has been with GlobalFest for one year. He is also invested in his colleagues and actively assists with their professional development and completion of their CPA designations.
Rolland Lequier – Secretary
Rolland Lequier is a lawyer by profession, specializing in areas of estate law including probate, wills & estates and general corporate law. He co-founded a local charity focused on improving living accommodations for individuals and families with access and mobility challenges. Rolland has also served as an Executive member of his community association and alumni fraternity. Currently, he acts as the Chair of the GlobalFest Governance Committee.
Kevin Houde
Kevin Houde’s distinguished career in sales is evident in the relationships he has built with high level executives, one of his greatest strengths and attributes, where he helped develop business solutions for the digital world. With his professional and volunteer experience, Kevin has grown a passion for engaging and influencing people though his extensive knowledge of operations, procurement and marketing.
He holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Economics and Commerce.
As a retired Class A member of the Canadian PGA, Kevin enjoys playing on some of the most beautiful golf courses and keeping his golf game sharp in his free time.
Connie Landry
Connie Landry has had a long-standing, successful 35-year career in the oil and gas sector. She has a plethora of experience in capital finance, project management, community consultation, investment, and many more. Connie Landry has been serving on society boards for over 10 years and has been with GlobalFest for over 15 years. She first got involved with GlobalFest when she was the Aboriginal Relations Program Planning Advisor, in which she arranged for the annual GlobalFest (OneWorld) Sponsorship. Connie is a member of the Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte, from the Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory. Her proudest achievement is raising 3 amazing children.
Stephen Gillette
Stephen Gillette has a strong professional background with expertise in sales and customer service which speaks to his multiple hospitality organizations. He started his catering career in 1994 as an Event Associate with An Affair to Remember and moved into the Sales Manager role in 2000. Over the next couple decades, he had grown the company exponentially and made the decision to accept the role as the Owner and CEO of the business as of 2019.
It is well know that Stephen has an immense passion for making people smile. In 2012, Stephen took this passion and made the decision to venture into ownership at the Cat ‘n Fiddle Pub. “Calgary’s Friendliest Pub” and host of one of the most sought out annual golf tournaments in the city, Stephen has devoted much of his time all in support for Hospice Calgary. The newest project which he brought to Calgary and opened in March of 2020 is Zero Latency On Tilt, Calgary’s 1st Free Roam Virtual Reality. Needless to say, he prides himself in having fun and bringing people together.
Joy Tamke
Joy Tamke has been on the board for GlobalFest for two years. She sits on several other volunteer boards in the city including The Calgary Canucks Junior A Hockey Club. On past boards, Joy has been instrumental in building socially responsible initiatives and is involved in GlobalFest because of the ongoing dedication to an inclusive community. Joy has worked in the Calgary media advertising and marketing industry for 25 years and is currently the Integrated Account Manager at Corus Entertainment. She has two teenage children and has been married for 25 years.
Toyin Oladele
Toyin Oladele is a multi-disciplinary artist, curator, arts manager, creative strategist, and community builder, originally from Nigeria. She is a motivated and is a results-focused professional with almost two decades of experience in the arts. She has demonstrated excellence in organizational development, strategic planning, program development, community and arts-based event planning, engagement, and equity & diversity. Toyin is the founder and director of The Immigrant Council for Arts Innovation, a non-profit society whose goal is to connect new immigrant art workers to the community in Calgary. She is also the project manager for the Public Arts in the Northeast part of Calgary. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in the French Language and performing arts as well, she is an advocate for equity, diversity, and inclusion. Toyin mentors newcomers from diverse countries and professional backgrounds and enjoys creating arts with diverse communities and keeping community spaces connected.
Russ Tynan
Russ Tynan is a Principal of Osborne Interim Management, and the Head of Practice for Not-for-Profits and Social Ventures. Russ is recognized executive leader with almost five decades of experience supporting for-profit, not-for-profit, and government companies, organizations and initiatives. He has focused on governance and transition management throughout much of his career, which includes several industries including oil and gas, financial services, tourism, manufacturing, international events, and others.
Avnish Metha
Avnish Metha is our newest board member, and has always enjoyed both the fireworks and the OneWorld Festival. He was recruited by fellow board member, Russ Tynan, because of his dedication and hard work. Despite many, Avnish’s biggest achievements include being in the Top 40 Under 40, 2021 Western University Community Builder Award, Owner of the Village Brewery, and more. Avnish has one son, and is proud to say that all his grandparents are here in Calgary to watch him grow up.
