Board of Directors
David Attema
David Attema brings a unique perspective to the board having worked as a transportation planning researcher, a Red Seal electrician, and an international development practitioner. He currently works for the City of Kelowna in their parking services division. His prior research work improves understanding of the role affordable housing plays within economic development policies. Dave is passionate about improving equitable access for all people in their urban environments, and sees many connections between our transportation systems and affordable housing. Dave holds a master’s degree in planning from the University of Waterloo. In his spare time, Dave enjoys cycling, canoeing, and cheering on the Edmonton Oilers.
James Allen
James brings knowledge of construction and governance to the board. James has worked in the construction field in both residential and commercial construction for almost 20 years. James is also a current sitting councillor with the Town of Redcliff and has some knowledge on the governance and bylaw procedures around development. James is also deeply involved in volunteer work dedicating a lot of his time to his local church. In his spare time James likes to relax, spend time with his family, and is big into board games.
Cory Both
Cory Both brings over 22 years of progressive policing experience to the board, with a deep understanding of leadership, mentorship, and the social factors contributing to marginalization and homelessness. Cory is known for his principled leadership, commitment to organizational excellence, and ability to build and lead high-performing teams. Outside of policing, Cory has served on numerous community-based boards and committees, as well as church boards and charitable non-profits. Born and raised in Medicine Hat, he and his wife have raised their four children in the city. He is deeply committed to the safety, dignity, and well-being of all citizens, especially the most vulnerable members of the community. In his spare time, Cory enjoys spending time with his family, staying fit and enjoying the outdoors, and staying actively involved in the life of his community.
Mark Duncan
Mark brings extensive knowledge of IT Infrastructure and governance to the board. Mark has worked in IT for over 25 years. He is currently employed by the Medicine Hat Police Service as a Systems Administrator. He has sat on a few different Church boards over the years past and as board chair for a couple years as well. He has a passion for Men’s ministries and enjoys the outdoors, especially the lakes and mountains of BC.
Steve Brogen
Steve Brogan brings a range of technical and construction expertise to the board as an engineer and entrepreneur. Born and raised in the Maritimes, Steve has studied and worked in Western Canada, the USA, and the UK where he has held both academic and private sector roles in engineering and business leadership. For the past ten years he has owned and operated a multi-disciplinary engineering consulting company and has been a partner in a structural wood manufacturer in central Nova Scotia. Before that, he held academic positions at Dalhousie University and the Scottish Agricultural College (now SRUC). Steve has a degree in engineering from the University of Saskatchewan, as well as a PhD from the University of Dundee. In his spare time, Steve enjoys travelling with his wife and four children, serving in various positions at church and never-ending DIY and gardening projects at home in Masstown, NS
Justin van der Merwe
brings a wealth of experience to the board as a planner and housing researcher with a passion for city-building and community housing. Justin has studied and worked in Canada, the United Kingdom, and South Africa where he held various roles in government, post-secondary institutions, and research bodies. He is currently a planner with the City of Medicine Hat. Before that, he worked as Senior Researcher for the Canadian Centre for Housing Rights where he led the CMHC-funded Low-End Market Rental (LEMR) Housing Monitor tracking changes in affordable housing stock in 66 Canadian municipalities. He is also currently Lead Advisor to the follow up to that project, the LEMR Community Housing Acquisitions Tool. Justin has masters degrees from the Universities of Waterloo and Stellenbosch, as well as a PhD from Oxford University. In his spare time, Justin enjoys being with his family, riding his bike, and reading.
Jeremy Wildeman
Jeremy brings extensive fundraising, project management, and governance experience in the charity and non-profit sector to the board. As the Director of Research at the Canadian Centre for Housing Rights (CCHR), his work focuses on advancing the right to housing and enhancing housing security across Canada. Working with a skilled team, he established CCHR’s Department of Research and developed its agenda from 2022 to 2024. For 2024-2027, the department’s strategic priorities include research on affordable housing supply, housing discrimination, and displacement, with a broader emphasis on housing affordability and tenure security. Jeremy holds a PhD from Exeter University as well as a masters from the University of McMaster. Jeremy is an avid hockey fan and will cheer on any Canadian team to finally win the Stanley Cup.