Board of Directors | Travel-ING On Co-op

Board of Directors Nominees

We are approaching our first AGM on November 22, 2025 where our members will elect the first Board of Directors. Candidate nominations are now open. You can find more information about the AGM and nomination information here.

Candidate information will be updated as we receive it.

Katarina Hugo

Board of Director Nominee

With a lifelong respect for Alberta’s rich and sometimes-forgotten heritage—instilled by my grandfather’s passion for northern Alberta storytelling—I bring a strong foundation in culture, tourism and community development. Early engagement with a political Youth Board gave me first-hand experience working with governance structures and board processes. Later I served as Campaign Manager in Edmonton-Glenora, building leadership, stakeholder engagement and organizational skills.

Professionally, I supported the Honourable Heather Klimchuk when she served as Minister of Culture, including hands-on involvement in Alberta Culture Days across the province. That experience deepened my commitment to Alberta’s culture and community identity, while working collaboratively with MLAs, local

businesses, nonprofit organizations, and community groups across the province.

In my current role as Issues Manager at the Alberta Post-Secondary Application System (APAS), I work directly with the board and its committees—developing terms of reference, bylaws, fiduciary oversight, strategic and financial reporting, and risk oversight. I’ve had the privilege of learning from governance expert Joan Hertz, KC, and am committed to a “nose in, hands out” governance approach that ensures strategic oversight without being operationally involved. I also dedicate a great deal of time in owning the development of Annual Business Plans, as well as 5-year Strategic Plans, and understand the importance and efficiency in having a clear vision, mission and values established so that they may shape the work of the organization and impact financial commitments of the organization.

I believe my mix of governance experience, public-sector leadership, collaboration with various types of Boards and understanding that each board has varying needs, cultural heritage advocacy and passion for Alberta’s communities makes me well-suited to serve on the Travel-ING On Tourism Cooperative board. I would be honoured to contribute.

Linda J. Pedley
Board of Director Nominee

In 2000, Linda decided to focus her creative energy into writing. Pursuing online certification courses, attending in-person workshops and conferences, engaging in the local writer's community by attending the Writer's Circle and then as co-founder of an award-winning writer's foundation (Writers Foundation of Strathcona County), she channeled skills and learning into her craft. She has since published 9 of her own books and 100+ others for mostly Alberta authors who have a similar dream. She founded her publishing company, Dream Write Publishing Ltd. in 2019, and recharges her own creative spirit by helping and supporting others. It took 25 years since that focus began to finally retire from a 17-year "9-to5-er", where she can again focus 100% on her own journey. Other interests include drawing, painting, photography, sewing and designing, and Alberta road trips in her escape vehicle, Sunshine, a bright yellow Toyota FJ Cruiser. Side-kicks include Sparky the Chihuahua and Tiny the mini-Yorkie—the reasons to get up early every morning!

Applicable experience for my board nomination / application:

25 years on Writers Foundation of Strathcona County Board
- Co-founder of Society
- Hold position of Director / Treasurer
17 years with Alberta Federation of REAs Ltd. (retired September 2025)
- Business Management Coordinator
- Board support with reports, governance, policy development, procedures, etc.
- Cooperative association / Alberta umbrella / rural-based in electrification
15 years Dream Write Publishing Ltd.
- Registered corporation in Alberta
- President / owner / operational manager
Under development Alberta Authors Cooperative
- Established and registered in Alberta in 2021
- All preliminary paperwork filed
- Was tabled due to work schedule, but will continue in future

Trudy Smith

Board of Director Nominee

Trudy is formally retired, but not retired, as her interests keep her too busy. She has spent 20 years on the road in sales and marketing; some of it selling advertising and some in photography. Her work on the road gave her the opportunity to travel across Canada and visit 40 US states, and at one point, she was able to spend four years living in her motorhome, with her dogs as her companions.

When COVID struck, she thought she would settle down. However, the pandemic brought on the need for fire fighters so, as a previous volunteer Fire Chief, she came out of retirement and joined the local fire department.

She thinks that if people figured she could put out a fire she could do anything and in 2021 she was talked into running for council in the Village of Chipman. For Trudy, being a councilor was a challenging learning curve, especially as working slowly is not her mode of doing things.

Where she found her niche was in economic development. Meeting interesting people, identifying new opportunities, and not being afraid to try new things was a great challenge - and fun - challenge for her. Having a great CAO enhanced the adventure.

When asked why she would like to be on the Travel-ING On Board of Directors, Trudy defined herself as a flexible, out-of-the-box thinker who sees opportunities all around her and she loves a challenge. Combined with her personal passions for history, learning and seeing new places and things she sees herself a solid candidate.

Joyce Aulenback
Founding Member
Board of Director Nominee

Founding Member , Joyce Aulenback, is pictured on the right with Sheila Willis, our founder after receiving the Emerging Co-op award through the Alberta Community & Co-operatives Association, Nov. 4, 2025.

Biography and information coming soon.

Vernelle Halisheff
Founding Member
Board of Directors Nominee

Founding Member, Vernelle Halisheff, is pictured on the right with Sheila Willis, our founder after receiving the Emerging Co-op award through the Alberta Community & Co-operatives Association, Nov. 4, 2025.

Biography and information coming soon.

Danielle Geddes
Founding Member

Founding Member, Danielle Geddes will not be running in the 2025 Board elections.

Her experience experience as a board member and volunteer with numerous non-profits focused on horses, community events and agriculture n the Hamlet of Smith and surrounding areas was a valuable addition as our co-op moved from incorporation to the first AGM. Thank you!