Purpose

The Social Framework Community Grants Advisory Committee (CGAC) is an administrative committee that provides recommendations to council on the distribution of grants under the Social Framework Community Grants Policy (156.7 KB)

The committee provides recommendations on Social Framework Community Grants funding allocations and provides insights and advice to Family and Community Services to inform the Social Framework Community Grants Program.

The  Terms of Reference (215.3 KB) sets CGAC’s duties, membership and procedures. Meetings are convened as needed.  

Citizen Members

The most qualified community members are appointed in accordance with the terms of reference and  competencies (75.9 KB)

Todd Banks - Chair (2024- 2026, second term)

Todd has been a resident of Strathcona County for over 25 years and has volunteered in the community at the Rotary Club of Sherwood Park, County ClothesLine and the Heritage Hills Community League.  Employed by the Sherwood Park & District Chamber of Commerce as Executive Director, Todd has been involved in many aspects of the business community to attract and grow business such as, advocacy to all three levels of government, organizing community events, creating network opportunities for members as well as offering many cost saving benefits. Todd also sits on the Economic Development & Tourism Advisory Committee and the Social Framework Leadership Table with Family and Community Services. Todd is very proud and appreciative to reside in Strathcona County. 

Robyn Blackadar - (2022 - 2024, second term)

Robyn and her husband have been residents of Strathcona County for 34 years.  She has actively contributed to community life, including currently serving on the Seniors Advisory Committee, and performing as a musician and serving as past-President of the Wye String Ensemble. Robyn holds a B.A. in Psychology from the University of Calgary, an MBA from the University of Alberta, and has held numerous leadership positions in Alberta’s health and social system for over 25 years.  In 2023, Robyn retired from her position as President and CEO of PolicyWise for Children & Families, known for its work to generate and mobilize evidence for child, youth, and family well-being. Robyn currently is an assistant lecturer in the University of Alberta’s School of Business, where she instructs courses on nonprofit/public sector organization management and leadership.   

Ernie Eves (2024 - 2026, first term)

Ernie and his family moved to Strathcona County in 1993. He retired four years ago after a career in policing, private security and investigations. As an investigator with Alberta Health he observed first hand the challenges seniors, people with disabilities and their families experience. He has been a hockey coach over the years in several different Alberta communities. He served on the Airdrie Social Planning board for two years as a board member and Chairman before moving to Sherwood Park. Ernie has volunteered as a Site Manager with the Canadian Red Cross Emergency Response Team for the last 14 years and has been deployed throughout Alberta and Western Canada supporting families and individuals affected by natural disasters. Ernie is active in the local curling club and is an avid golfer. 

Justin Gagnon (2024- 2026, second term)

Justin is a public policy professional and a civil servant with the Government of Alberta. He is a graduate of the University of Alberta where he earned a Master's degree in political science. Justin and his partner Rebecca made Strathcona County their home in 2020, and welcomed their daughter in 2022. Living in Strathcona County offers plenty of opportunities to keep their little one busy; prime among them is connecting with nature in Elk Island National Park. Justin is also a lover of arts and culture, never having found a gallery or museum he didn't enjoy.

Tammy Greidanus (2024 - 2026, second term)

Tammy is an active citizen in her Sherwood Park neighbourhood and co-founder of the Gilmore Park Community League. Along with her husband Chris and two young adults, she has lived in Strathcona County since 2002. Tammy works for the City of Edmonton. In this role, she supports citizens to mobilize their gifts and abilities to create inclusive, more vibrant neighbourhoods through strong social connections. Tammy is also a professional skating coach with a background in business, recreation, Ukrainian dance and community building. Tammy was the recipient of the Pride of Strathcona - Community Service Award, Rotary Integrity Award and Senators Contribution Award. She has a passion and belief in Margaret Wheatley's statement that "whatever the problem, community is the answer". 

Dale Gullekson (2023- 2024, second term)

As a former educator, Dale has worked extensively with youth in the community as a teacher, coach, youth employment counsellor and finally as an educational consultant with Elk Island Public Schools. Working closely with the Sherwood Park and District Chamber of Commerce, Dale developed a school/community resource called the Student Skills Portfolio based upon the "Employability Skills Profile" from the Conference Board of Canada. This resource has become a model for Alberta curriculum across the province while receiving numerous community partnership awards. In 2023, Dale was very honoured to receive a Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Silver medal from Lieutenant Governor Salma Lakhani in recognition for valuable contributions to the province of Alberta. Dale has made Strathcona County his home for the past 40 years. 

Daryl Silzer - Vice Chair (2022-2024, first term)

Daryl is a recognized leader in fundraising for healthcare, research and education who excels at matching donor passions with organizational priorities to create positive impact and outcomes.  As the Director, Faculty Development, College of Health Sciences at the University of Alberta, Daryl provides strategic philanthropic direction to the faculties of Medicine & Dentistry; Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences; Rehabilitation Medicine; Nursing; Kinesiology, Sport, and Recreation; and the School of Public Health. He works with each faculty executive team to build out their philanthropic priorities for research; student scholarships, awards, bursaries, and support programs inclusive of mental health and wellbeing; equity, diversity and inclusion programs; and infrastructure such as labs, research equipment, and student areas.  Daryl recognizes the privilege it is to be a member of the Social Framework Community Grants Advisory Committee as its purpose aligns with his personal and family values.  Having moved to Strathcona County with his family in 2008, he appreciates living in a community that continuously strives to make life better for its residents.

Ben Throndson (2024 - 2026, first term)

Ben is a lawyer in Edmonton practicing mainly in municipal law, real estate, and civil litigation. He is a two-time University of Alberta graduate with degrees in political science and law. Ben is a relative newcomer to Strathcona County, having re-located from his hometown of St. Albert in 2023. He is very excited to be volunteering in his new community having previously served on several committees in St. Albert. In his spare time, Ben enjoys running, listening to podcasts, and spending time with his wife Karlyn and their St. Bernard-Poodle cross, Monroe. 

Curtis Williams (2024 - 2026, first term)

A devoted father of three and grandfather of one, Curtis has been married for 15 years. He was born in Calgary and raised in St. Albert. Recently, Curtis relocated to Sherwood Park after spending 14 years in Fort McMurray. He currently serves as the Executive Vice President for Applus, a global leader in non-destructive testing (NDT).