Leadership Team

Chief Executive Officer

Martina is passionate about Onward’s vision: with homes for all, people and communities thrive.

Martina came to the role in 2017, with 20 years of experience in the real estate sector, and a strong track record of driving transformational growth, solid operations, and meaningful partnerships. With an ambitious strategic plan, Onward offered the perfect marriage of her experience in real estate and her passion for implementing innovative solutions for Calgarians in need. Over the last 15 years, Martina led the development of more than 1,000 housing units in the non-market sector.

As a respected leader within the industry, Martina is committed to building strong partnerships with government, private sector and community groups. She currently serves on the board of Housing Partnership Canada. Martina also served on The City of Calgary’s Subdivision and Development Appeal Board (SDAB) for more than a decade and holds a Master of Environmental Design degree from the University of Calgary and a Certificate of Advanced Real Estate Development Economics from Simon Fraser University.

Chief Operating Officer

As Chief Operating Officer, Chris brings over two decades of strategic leadership in real estate and property management, working for global leaders in facilities management across Europe and the last 10 years for a large Canadian real estate investment trust.

With expertise in managing operations, capital expenditures, asset management, insurance and energy sustainability for portfolios of up to 25,000 units, Chris’ leadership is characterized by a commitment to fostering collaborative partnerships and delivering tangible results that positively impact residents and stakeholders alike. Prior to joining Onward, Chris held key executive roles, earning a reputation for building high-performing teams, fostering innovative partnerships and delivering measurable social and economic impact.

Chris holds a Bachelor of Arts Honors degree in International Business Management from the University of Manchester, UK, as well as technical, health and safety, and executive management certifications. Chris is bilingual in English and French.

Outside of his professional endeavors, Chris is an advocate for youth mentorship programs and environmental conservation efforts, reflecting his belief in the power of collective action to shape a better future, create lasting value and a meaningful impact in every community served.

Senior Advisor

Gary has stepped into the executive Senior Advisory role advancing our strategic projects. He spent a year in the role of Chief Operating Officer of Onward following a successful merger with the non-market housing provider he had been leading as CEO since 2016.

Gary brings to this role the expertise he gained through his career in the private sector in finance and business development roles. He has been active in the development of more than 500 housing units with both private and not-for-profit organizations and has over 15 years experience in the development and management of rental housing.

Executive Coordinator

As a born and raised Calgarian, Megan has been giving back to her community over the past 25 years. She completed a Masters Degree in Public Administration at the University of Victoria. Since then, Megan has spent over 15 years working the oil and gas, pipeline and power industries in a variety of regulatory, finance and business writing roles. Most recently, Megan has been using her public policy background to serve on a public agency regulatory board.

Director, Engagement and Communications

Beverly (Bev) comes to Onward with over 12 years of experience working in policy and government relations with an association representing land developers and home builders in Calgary. In addition, Bev co-chaired the Community Housing Affordability Collective in Calgary for five years working closely with her co-chairs, steering committee directors and membership representing all facets of the housing spectrum from homelessness, subsidized and supported housing providers through to market housing (rental and home ownership).

Director, Asset Management

Dan has a background in procurement and project management within the hospitality, health services, homebuilding, large renovations, and charitable sectors. Dan was a Chief Operating Officer at Larkspur Developments, managing residential property acquisitions and development in southwestern Alberta. In his current role, Dan leads Onward’s asset and property management functions.

Senior Manager, Resident Services

Jennifer is an experienced property management professional with an extensive background in operations, budgeting, administration and customer service. Previously, Jennifer worked as a Regional Property Manager for a large rental housing operator, managing a portfolio of 1,200 rental apartments across southern Alberta. She has also implemented systems and procedures focused on customer service and enhanced relationships, resulting in positive outcomes and improved resident satisfaction.

Senior Advisor, Happiness

Having joined the team in the summer of 2022, Benny & the Jets aka Benjamin Button reminds us of the importance of happy trails and naps. Coming from a shelter in central Alberta, Benny is a big proponent of our portfolio being pet-friendly and the importance of #adoptdontshop. When not napping, as befits a senior of 85 years in human age, he is always willing to pitch in as lunch quality controller.

Chair

Bryan is president, founder and CEO of CITYTREND and CEO of Permit Masters. In 2010, CITYTREND was named by Profit Magazine as one of the Top 50 Emerging Companies in Canada. Bryan formerly worked with The City of Calgary’s Corporate Planning Application group and holds a Bachelor of Science in Urban Planning from Université du Québec à Montréal. He volunteers with Calgary’s U6 soccer program and at Connaught School.

Vice-Chair

After a 37-year career in the oil and gas industry both in Canada and the Middle East, Rob sees providing sufficient affordable housing as an ongoing challenge but he is extremely proud of the organization’s accomplishments and is excited about the future. Along with his wife, Karen, Rob loves traveling to places near and far.

Vice-Chair

Ian is currently the owner of the Rocky Mountain Paint Company, which operates Benjamin Moore independent dealer retail paint stores. He also has a wealth of strategic experience in housing development, including 15 years of leadership roles at Brookfield Residential. Ian holds a Master of Environmental Design (Planning) from the University of Calgary and Bachelor of Arts (Political Science) from the University of Victoria. Ian’s other volunteer endeavours include coaching with Axemen Lacrosse.

Treasurer

An accountant with a solid natural sciences background, Jim has worked as a chemist, production manager, industrial relations officer, systems analyst, accounting manager, controller and vice-president of finance for a GE Capital Canada company. Jim is an active volunteer, including roles as a group committee chair and leader for Scouting, treasurer for several international band trips, president of a community association, chair of his church’s finance committee, and president of the Calgary chapter of Financial Executives International. Jim and his wife have three children and three granddaughters. He enjoys music, gardening, wood and metalworking.

Secretary

Gavin has a love for anything that takes him into the great outdoors and especially enjoys participating in obstacle course races and triathlons. Along with his wife and two incredible girls, Gavin is proud to call Calgary home. Professionally, Gavin has a background in entrepreneurship and business strategy and is currently Managing Partner, Strategy and Growth for Level 52.

Director

Madelyn is a retired social worker with decades of experience serving vulnerable populations in Canada and the U.S., most recently at the nationally recognized children’s mental health charity, Wood’s Homes. Madelyn holds an MSW from Columbia University in New York and is a Registered Social Worker. She continues to support Wood’s Homes in her retirement through work on the Neighborhood Advisory Committee and by providing single session mental health counselling.

Director

Cindy is an avid traveller who loves to garden when she is not out exploring the world. Cindy believes that fundraising, stakeholder management and government and community relations are critical to ensure affordable housing is on the minds of all Calgarians. Her involvement from 2014 to 2018 as Co-Chair of the RESOLVE Campaign cabinet brought affordable housing to more than 1,800 people in Calgary. Cindy has been a member of the Institute of Corporate Directors since 2011, allowing her to provide foundational and continued education regarding good governance for not-for-profit organizations and public/private corporations.

Director

Paul is Assistant Vice-President, Commercial Financing with First National Financial LP. He has diverse experience in commercial real estate finance and development, with extensive knowledge in business development, strategic planning, risk assessment and operations. Paul has held senior roles within the housing construction, real estate and finance industries. Paul has a passion for affordable housing and completed the development of three multi-family projects in coordination with Attainable Homes Calgary. Paul holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree with distinction from the University of Saskatchewan.