Welcome to the new and re-elected members of the EAC board
July 17, 2025
The EAC’s Board of Directors are volunteers, elected by the membership to a three-year term, for up to two consecutive terms. The EAC would like to extend a welcome to our three newest members of the Board of Directors, as well as three Board members returning for a second term. Thank you to all of our volunteers!
Learn more about these Board members below. To see the complete list of Board members, visit the EAC website.
NEW TO THE EAC BOARD
Nadim Chin
Nadim is an Edmonton community builder with a background in managing large scale public funding programs such as the Canada Digital Adoption Program and the Digital Economy Program. He was the Manager, Destination Development with Explore Edmonton where he had a key role in developing Edmonton’s Tourism Master Plan. He is a co-founder of the Edmonton Chapter of “The November Project,” and from 2021 to 2023 he served on the Board, and as Chair of the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Executive Committee, with the November Project Inc. (non-profit organization based out of Boston).
Jared Tabler
Jared is the Chief Executive Officer for MCQUEEN, which provides strategic marketing and communications services. Jared brings considerable past Board experience, with strong knowledge in governance, policy, and public relations. He is a graduate of MacEwan University’s Arts and Cultural Management program and has previously served on the Boards for Alberta Ballet, CNIB and HIV Edmonton. Currently, Jared serves as the Chairman of the Board for Theatre Network, and is also the Chief Curator at the Miller Art Gallery.
Penelope Moon Walker
Penelope is a Kwakwaka’kwakw artist born in Campbell River, B.C. who was adopted to a non-Indigenous family in B.C. She studied contemporary realism in oil paintings with the guidance of Gene Prokop, Prokop Art School. Then she proceeded to explore other techniques from the late Terry Isaac and Guy Coombs. When becoming a full band member of the We Wai Kai Nation, Penelope reconnected with language and uses the Kwak’wala/lik’wala language titles for her paintings, with an English definition and phonetic pronunciation. Penelope also brings professional experience in arts administration and as a social worker.
RETURNING BOARD MEMBERS
Mary Ann Dobson
Mary Ann has served on the EAC Board since 2022. She is an art educator and school administrator who grew up in rural Alberta and moved to Edmonton for high school and fell in love with the arts in our city. She is a lifelong volunteer for visual arts organizations and has been a visual art educator and school administrator for over 20 years, currently serving as Principal of Highlands arts-core K‑9 School. Mary Ann has a BFA (visual art) and a Master of Art Education from the University of Alberta.
Ainsley Hillyard
Ainsley has served on the EAC Board since 2022. She is a choreographer and performer who works in contemporary dance and theatre. Ainsley was a co-founder, co-artistic director and general manager for the Good Women Dance Collective from its inception in 2009 to 2023. She regularly collaborates with local Deaf artists and creates from a place of inclusion, honoring and upholding Disability politics whenever she is able to. She volunteers much of her time supporting local arts groups and arts administrators. She is also the chair of the Common Ground Arts Society Board.
Suzanne Thomas
Suzanne has served on the EAC Board since 2022. A lawyer since 1998, she practiced law for 13 years before transitioning to law firm management and human resources. Currently, Suzanne works at Dentons Canada LLP where she is responsible for recruitment and development of lawyers and students. Suzanne’s passion is coaching and mentorship, and she enjoys working with people to help them achieve their professional and personal goals. Outside of work, Suzanne loves to attend theatre and music productions of all sizes.
