GlobalFest Staff Biographies

Ken Goosen – Chief Operating Officer

Ken Goosen has proudly been with GlobalFest for 30 years. He is a proud graduate of the University of Manitoba and has had the great fortune of being involved with the creation and realization of GlobalFest, starting in 1993. In his lifetime, Ken was Development Officer of the Royal Winnipeg Ballet, Director of Development and Tour Director for Alberta Ballet, and Founding Director of Development EducationMatters. Despite many, one of Ken’s proudest achievements in life was the fact that over 1,000 people have become Canadian Citizens at Elliston Park through GlobalFest. Ken is also incredibly proud of his team at GlobalFest, and the impact they have made to create a sense of purpose within the community.  

Despite the plethora of achievements, Ken considers his family – Barb, Mattea, and Hayden – to be his core.  

John Pham – Director of Operations

John Pham has been with GlobalFest for 13 years and is currently the Director of Operations. Starting as an intern within the Youth Leaders of Tomorrow (YLOT) Program, John is a starring example of homegrown talent. His proudest achievement is seeing what the small, tight-knit group at GlobalFest has been able to accomplish over the years and how the community has benefitted and grown.

Wendy Wilson – Artistic & Cultural Director

Wendy Wilson started her GlobalFest journey in 2007, when she was hired to assist with the completion of several projects. 16 years later, Wendy continues to be an instrumental facet of GlobalFest as the Cultural and Artistic Director. Outside of work, her proudest achievement is her family; her son, Zach, and her daughter, Eilidh.

Calvin Hansen – Production Director

Calvin Hansen has been with GlobalFest for 20 years. Calvin started off working with an equipment supplier that helped with the OneWorld Festival when all the pavilions were in different locations. He started his career at GlobalFest when management contacted him to help with the Pavilions when they got moved to Elliston Park. Outside of work, Calvin’s proudest achievement is his beautiful family.

Tina Hynes – Accountant Technician

Tina Hynes is a Senior Accounting Technician and has been with GlobalFest for 5 years as Bookkeeper. Since being referred by one of the Board of Directors, Tina has played a critical role in the acceleration of GlobalFest. Her proudest achievement is getting her Administrative Assistant Certificate.

Kelly Guille – Fireworks

Kelly Guille has been working in the fireworks industry for 30 years. His professionalism and creativity landed him the position of Vice President of Archangel Fireworks, eventually becoming sole owner of the company.  Kelly has been Fireworks Producer at GlobalFest since 2021 but has been involved with the organization since 2007 when he was Lead Technician for all the countries’ performances.

GlobalFest takes place in Moh’kinsstis Treaty 7 territory, home to the Blackfoot confederacy: Siksika, Kainai, Piikani, as well as the Îyâxe Nakoda and Tsuut’ina nations, and home to the Métis Nation of Alberta, Region 3.