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.

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.

Chief Financial Officer

Onward welcomed Stephen Cole to its leadership team in summer 2024, immediately benefiting from his 27 years of finance and accounting experience.

Stephen offers extensive expertise in auditing, risk management, strategic planning, business analysis, and budgeting. Building on a successful career in financial management in the oil and gas sector, he brings a strong focus on aligning financial strategy with organizational goals. Stephen is particularly passionate about applying his skills to strengthen business sustainability and advance community affordable housing through Onward’s mission-driven work.

Chief Development Officer

Ian brings a wealth of development and business expertise to Onward, built through a career that spans both senior leadership in the housing industry and entrepreneurship.

In addition to owning and operating successful businesses, Ian spent more than 15 years in senior leadership roles with Brookfield Residential, where he contributed to the planning and development of large-scale residential communities and complex housing projects. Ian earned a Master of Environmental Design (Planning) from the University of Calgary and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of Victoria.

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.

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.

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

Bruce retired from NORR Architects Engineers Planners after a 45-year career that took him to Alberta, British Columbia, and Bermuda. Throughout his career, Bruce designed multi-family housing, with a focus on projects for not-for-profit organizations. Bruce’s commitment to not-for-profit housing and his deep love for Calgary and Alberta make him a valuable addition to Onward. He has a heartfelt desire to address the housing challenges faced by our growing province. Bruce enjoys spending time with his wife, Susan, as well as his children and grandchildren.

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

Paul, a Calgary native, has been a driving force in the city's inner-city development for 30 years. As a managing partner in Battistella Developments, a construction and development company, he's played a significant role in shaping Calgary's urban landscape. Beyond his professional life, Paul is a dedicated family man, sharing his life with his wife, two children, and their dog, Amica.  

Director

Matt is legal counsel at a publicly-traded North American power producer and has a background in corporate commercial law and mergers and acquisitions. A Vancouverite by birth and Calgarian by choice, he is an avid outdoorsman, spending his free time hiking, fishing and skiing. Matt holds a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) from Queens University and a Juris Doctor from the University of Calgary. He and his fiancée enjoy spending time with their menagerie of two cats, one dog and a horse.

Director

Gary recently retired from his executive leadership roles with Onward, where he served as Chief Operating Officer following a successful merger with the non-market housing provider he had led as CEO since 2016. He brings to the Board extensive expertise from a career spanning the private sector in finance and business development, as well as senior leadership in housing. Over his career, Gary has been directly involved in the development of more than 500 units through both private and non-for-profit organizations and has more than 15 years of experience in the development and management of rental housing.

Director

Ken started with Arthur Andersen & Co. as a chartered accountant, then held senior financial roles with some of Canada’s largest real estate developers, and eventually he and his wife bought Taco Time Canada Inc., growing the business and selling it to a public company in 2008. Ken’s volunteer activities include serving on Children’s Cottage Society Board as President and on the Canadian Franchise Association as Board Chair. Ken’s interests include travel, investment management, and a desire to give back to the Calgary community.

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

Josh is a Partner at Miller Thomson LLP, specializing in real estate law with a strong focus on development and leasing. He has played a key role in some of Calgary’s most complex real estate projects and has served on several quasi-judicial tribunals and industry groups. Born in Calgary, Josh is a firm believer in Calgary’s volunteer spirit.

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.