Board of Directors
Some wear suits. Some wear police uniforms. All bring exceptional leadership and wisdom to the table.
Board of Directors
Guiding Us Towards Excellence:
Our volunteer Board of Directors provides the vision, governance, and strategic leadership that power the Calgary Police Discovery Centre. From a Deputy Chief to CEOs, corporate leaders, community changemakers, and lifelong educators, this dynamic group brings extraordinary experience and shared commitment.
Board Members dedicate up to nine years of service to ensure we remain bold in purpose and meaningful in our impact. They bring leadership with heart, oversight with purpose, and the kind of big-picture thinking that keeps us bold, focused, and future-ready.
DEPUTY CHIEF CORY DAYLEY:
President
“Safe communities are built when police and community work together with a shared purpose. I’m proud to serve on the Board of the Calgary Police Discovery Centre which creates innovative ways to strengthen connections in our communities across our city and deliver impactful programs for youth and families.”
Deputy Chief Cory Dayley He also has a keen interest in YL’s approach to Cyber safety and education, as he was the first officer to create the cybercrime program that has positioned CPS as a leader in digital policing. He will be a great source for information and support.
Cory has served with the Calgary Police Service for 23 years and has an impressive background
Deputy Chief Dayley has worked across the Service, acquiring strong knowledge and understanding of the business of policing. He had gained valuable experience on the frontline and in specialty areas, including Technological and Cyber Crime, the Chief Crowfoot Learning Centre (CCLC), the Real Time Operations Centre (RTOC), the Professional Standards Section (PSS), covert operations, organized crime and, most recently, as the superintendent of the Criminal Operations and Intelligence Division, which included several stints acting as the deputy chief for the Bureau of Investigative Support.
Deputy Chief Dayley has led and been involved in many significant initiatives, including the creation of the cybercrime program that positioned the CPS as a leader in digital policing.
Deputy Chief Dayley has a strong educational background, with professional development training in criminology, executive leadership, management, police administration, police operations, cybersecurity and intelligence.
Throughout his career, he has taken a people-first approach and is committed to the principles of equity, diversity, inclusion and belonging. He advocates for employees to remove barriers and create a culture of inclusion.
Sheila Flemmer:
BOARD CHAIR
SHEILA FLEMMER, Community Investment, Community Engagement, and Communications Specialist
“Calgary is a city built on collaboration, care, and community leadership. It’s an honour to chair the Calgary Police Discovery Centre, which plays such an important role in helping our city thrive.”
Sheila Flemmer has rich history in creating meaningful impact in our communities. She is an experienced senior professional with a demonstrated history of working in the energy industry and for non-profit. She brings experience in community investment, corporate social responsibility, public relations, marketing and communications, event management, stakeholder engagement, and strategic planning.
Sheila joined the YouthLink board in 2018 and is Co-Chair of the Community Engagement, Stakeholder Relations, and Marketing Committee. She also volunteers for the Calgary Stampede Chuckwagon Committee and other various charities.
Sheila has a Public Relations Certificate from Mount Royal University and holds a Corporate Citizenship Management Certificate from the Boston College Carroll School of Management’s Centre for Corporate Citizenship.
DEANA HELTON:
Vice Chair
(Retired) Area Director, Central Schools, Calgary Catholic School District
“A lifetime in education teaches you that guidance, understanding, and encouragement can shape the course of a young person’s life. I’m proud to support work at the Calgary Police Discovery Centre that helps young people see the possibilities ahead of them.”
Deana joined Calgary Catholic in 1993 after moving from New Brunswick to encompass 39 years in Education. Deana’s passion to support those students in need led her to complete a MA in Clinical Psychology in 1998 and continued in a long career as a Guidance Counsellor. Deana also spent nine years as a Principal in schools in north east Calgary, a highlight of her career!
In retirement, Deana feels honored to serve on the Board of YouthLink and looks forward to continuing her support for youth in need. Deana, husband and daughter volunteer as ski instructors for the Canadian Disabled Ski Association, Calgary (CADS), in retirement she looks forward to increase time on the golf course, ski hills, curling ice and delivering hampers for St Vincent de Paul through her church.
ERIN CROSLEY
“I believe education doesn’t only happen in classrooms. Programs and experiences that empower youth and families with knowledge, awareness, and support can change the trajectory of someone’s life. This is something I’m passionate about.”
Erin Crosley is a partner with McLennan Ross LLP where she has worked since 2007, practicing in commercial and insurance litigation, professional discipline and employment and human rights law. Prior to her law education and career, Erin worked with at risk and vulnerable children and youth and obtained her Bachelor of Social Work Degree at the University of Victoria.
With her background working with youth and as a mom of two tweens, Erin is passionate about holistically supporting youth and their families in the community and targeted programs and resources that educate and empower youth in ways beyond the traditional educational system.
Erin is honoured to be a Board member with an organization that strives for these goals and that is also focused on crime prevention programing that helps youth meet their full potential.
JACKSON MCDONOUGH
Co-founder and CEO, Upwardly Careers
“Calgary thrives because of its entrepreneurial spirit, bold ideas, and strong sense of community. I’m proud to support the Calgary Police Discovery Centre, which brings those same qualities to the work of community policing, education, and safety.”
Born and raised in Calgary, Jackson is a fourth-generation entrepreneur and passionate Calgarian. Jackson started his career in Austin, Texas where he worked for software company that went public on the NYSE. In April 2021, Jackson moved back to Calgary and launched Upwardly Careers, a Next-Generation talent recruitment agency. As Co-founder and CEO, Jackson is on a mission to advocate for the power skills that people bring to businesses and the community.
Additionally, he is a founder of The Beacons of Hope and holds several community Board positions.
Myles Ross
Senior Associate, Dentons Canada LLP
Myles is a senior associate in the corporate group of Dentons Canada LLP’s Calgary office. Myles’ practice focuses in the areas of corporate and securities laws.
Myles and his wife have been living in Calgary for over five years and they are passionate about advancing youth programs in their community. Myles previously held a position on a board of directors for a children’s hospital in his hometown of Saskatoon and he maintains his passion for causes impacting youth and local communities to this day.
Myles enjoys all things sports, being outdoors and spending his free time with his wife, Dayna and their puppy, Smitty.
LENNINA PAVON CARDOSO:
Vice Chair
“I am proud to serve on the Board of the Calgary Police Discovery Centre to help youth feel informed, empowered, and supported through real-life learning experiences. For me, it’s about building trust, fostering understanding, and ensuring every young person has the tools to thrive in a safe, connected community.”
Lennina brings more than two decades of experience in communications, project management, and corporate citizenship across the broadcasting, film, banking, and energy sectors. As a Corporate Citizenship Senior Advisor, she develops strategic community partnerships, leads national initiatives, and champions sustainability and employee engagement programs at the enterprise level.
She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communications from Monterrey Institute of Technology and Higher Education (ITESM) and the University of Manitoba, along with professional certificates in Corporate Citizenship (Boston College Carroll School of Management’s Centre for Corporate Citizenship), Corporate Social Responsibility (University of St. Michael’s College at the University of Toronto), and Social Innovation (Mount Royal University).
Lennina has worked internationally in Mexico, Peru, and Canada, and is passionate about community impact, sustainable development, and cross-cultural connection. As a parent, she cares deeply about creating a safer world for all kids.
A dedicated volunteer, Lennina previously served on the board of Light Up the World (LUTW) and is an active year-round volunteer with the Calgary Stampede.
DENNIS PLINTZ:
Realtor/Broker Plintz Real Estate
“When we invest in knowledge, prevention, and young people, we invest in the future of our entire community. Supporting this mission is something I deeply believe in.”
Dennis has devoted his 20-year career to building relationships. His strategic vision and client process navigates the largest transactions of most people’s lifetime through innovative technology. His creativity, expertise, and enthusiasm led him to close record sales year after year. He holds a ranking among the top realtors in his marketplace.
Dennis’s passion for sales started young. At seven-years-old, he sparked his desire for accomplishment by selling his brother’s toys door-to-door and learned the value of a strong work ethic and hustle. He has a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration from Mount Royal University and is recognized for being a top producer. In his community Dennis is an inspiration, leader and example of unparalleled tenacity.
At the heart of Plintz Real Estate are three core values: Responsiveness, Creativity and Connection. Responsiveness makes everything happen. Their team is not just fast, but they are also prepared. Creativity is in Dennis’ DNA. He commits to finding solutions allowing his team to generate ideas, problem-solve, learn and improve. Being a third-generation Calgarian, Dennis is grateful for the connections he has had. His success in business is deeply tied to the people he has worked and collaborated with. The convergence of these values has led to opportunities that have shaped Dennis, his family and his team.
While sales and entrepreneurship have been a staple for Dennis, so has community impact. Dennis is committed to giving back. He has volunteered and donated to many organizations, primarily focusing on youth and emergency shelter causes. He considers working with organizations like the Calgary Women’s Emergency Shelter, Impact Society and youth in general, a privilege.
Dennis is the author of Hustle: A Guide to the Ethical Art of Selling & Survival and Positively Sold: Buy Smarter, Sell Higher & Push Your Real Estate Agent to Hustle Harder.
MARYANNE POOLE-FRANZ:
(Retired) Comptroller, Calgary Catholic School District
“I feel honoured to serve as a member of the Calgary Police Discovery Board of Directors and be part of an organization that focuses on inspiring and educating youth.”
Maryanne is an experienced chartered professional accountant (CPA, CA) earning her designation in 1988. She had a long, successful career with various management positions within the Calgary Catholic School District. As Comptroller, her experience included all aspects of full-cycle accounting, treasury, financial reporting, budgeting, forecasting, and long-term financial planning. She gained valuable insight into the accountability and transparency necessary in publicly funded organizations. These positions gave her the opportunity to collaborate with educators, primarily focusing on early interventions for at-risk students.
Maryanne, born and raised in Calgary, actively participates in various organizations while raising her two children. She volunteered with soccer clubs, basketball clubs, and Girl Guides of Canada. Maryanne retired in 2019 after 29 years with the Calgary Catholic School District. She has been busy in retirement as a volunteer with numerous charities and pursuing her passion for skiing, hiking and camping.
ANDREW WAIAND:
Director, TD Securities — Global Investment Banking
“I believe the most important investments any community can make is in the prevention, education, and the opportunities we create for young people. Supporting the Calgary Police Discovery Centre is my way of investing in a safer future for our city.”
Andrew joined TD Securities, Global Energy Group in 2010, and has held senior roles within Investment Banking in Calgary. Andrew’s primary role at TD is to advise large corporate clients on complex mergers and acquisitions and capital markets activities. Prior to joining TD, Andrew worked as an engineer at both FortisAlberta and SNC Lavalin. Andrew holds a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from the University of Calgary. He is also a registered Professional Engineer with APEGA.
At TD, Andrew is involved in several initiatives including mentoring new immigrant women looking to join the workforce in Canada. Andrew also volunteers with the University of Calgary acting as a mentor in the Scholars Academy Mentorship program supporting undergraduate students with exceptional leadership capabilities, intellectual curiosity, and strong commitments to our local and global communities.
Outside of work, you can find Andrew with his wife and two children on the ski slopes. In addition, Andrew is proud to have a member of his extended family join the Calgary Police Service.
Insp. Mark Ehrmantraut:
“I’ve seen firsthand the impact the Calgary Police Discovery Centre can have in bringing police, youth, and the community together. When those connections happen in a meaningful way, it builds understanding and plays an important role in keeping Calgary safe.”
Insp. Mark Ehrmantraut joined the Calgary Police Service in 1999 and has served in a wide range of operational, investigative, and administrative roles across the organization. Over the course of his career, he has held positions in Frontline Patrol, Traffic Section, Professional Standards Section, the Office of the Chief, Court and Disclosure Unit, Centralized General Investigations Unit, Chief Crowfoot Learning Centre, Economic Crimes Unit, and the Real Time Operations Centre.
Insp. Ehrmantraut has contributed to several major organizational initiatives, including the Wittmann Report project team and the Service’s COVID Incident Management Team. He has also led the implementation of transformative initiatives such as e‑Disclosure and the Calgary Screening Project. He is recognized for his collaborative approach, strategic vision, organizational insight, and people‑centered leadership.
Currently serving as the Inspector of the Youth Services Section, he oversees strategic programming focused on education, early intervention, and mentorship. The section includes the Youth Education Unit (School Resource Officer Program) and the Youth Intervention and Mentorship Unit (Multi‑Agency School Support Team, Youth at Risk Development Team, and the Youth Mentorship Team). He is committed to supporting the healthy development of youth in Calgary and believes strongly in the positive impact that meaningful police engagement can have in their lives.
Tara Robinson:
Executive Director Calgary Police Discovery Centre
“As a TV journalist, I reported on crime for 20 years. Today I am passionate about helping to prevent it.”
Tara Robinson is the Executive Director of the award winning Calgary Police Discovery Centre. Robinson led the collaborative team that designed and built the Centre, helping transform it into one of Canada’s most innovative spaces where policing, education, and community engagement come together. Today, the Centre welcomes thousands of youth, families, educators, and visitors each year.
Her career has been defined by building organizations that support and protect people. Robinson previously served as Executive Director of the Calgary Police Youth Foundation, which raises funds for police-led prevention and early intervention programs for youth. Earlier in her career, she helped create Calgary’s Child Advocacy Centre (now the Luna Centre), helping establish a model that set the standard for child advocacy centres across Canada. Robinson also served as CEO of the RCMP Heritage Centre in Regina, Saskatchewan, where she advanced a bold vision to transform the centre into Canada’s next National Museum.
Before entering the nonprofit sector, Robinson spent 20 years as a CTV News journalist and anchor, reporting on national and local stories. Her work brought her face-to-face with both the realities of crime and the extraordinary efforts of police to keep communities safe…an experience that ultimately shaped her commitment to prevention and education.
The team at the Calgary Police Discovery Centre has received numerous recognitions for innovation in crime prevention, community policing, and public engagement from organizations including the Alberta Association of Chiefs of Police, the Calgary Police Commission, and the Alberta Museums Association.
Robinson has been a featured speaker at conferences including the International Association of Women in Policing and the Canadian Museums Association, and she is a proud recipient of the Queen’s Jubilee Medal.
