Voting for the 2024-2025 Board of Directors is closed. Thank you to all candidates who ran in this year’s Election and to all members who took the time to vote. Meet your four newly elected Directors here.
The following candidates have been nominated to run in AMBA's 2024-2025 Board election. Each candidate has been provided with the opportunity to submit a written statement, video submission and headshot. Candidates are presented in alphabetical order.
2024-2025 BOARD OF DIRECTORS CANDIDATES
rose blankenagel
"I'm deeply honored and genuinely excited about the opportunity to contribute to this esteemed team of industry leaders, all dedicated to enhancing the lives of brokers across our province. For me, continual growth is paramount – whether it's personal, professional, emotional, or spiritual. I firmly believe in challenging the status quo and pursuing excellence wherever possible. My primary objective is to cultivate an inclusive environment where every broker feels empowered to voice their perspectives and where collaboration drives meaningful progress within our industry. One area of particular focus for me is advancing gender equality within our profession. By breaking down barriers and promoting equal opportunities, we can unlock the full potential of our workforce. Additionally, I'm deeply committed to ensuring that our educational initiatives are not only comprehensive but also tailored to the evolving needs of our members. Education is a cornerstone of success, and it's imperative that we equip brokers with the tools they need to thrive in a dynamic landscape. Equally important is fostering open communication and dialogue among our members. I am dedicated to amplifying the voices of our community and leveraging their diverse experiences to inform our collective decision-making processes. Ultimately, my aim is to contribute meaningfully to the advancement of our industry and the communities we serve. I am eager to collaborate with each of you as we work towards a shared vision of progress and prosperity. Thank you sincerely for considering my nomination." |
HEATHER BOWIE
Heather Bowie joined the mortgage profession in 2022. She holds her Chartered Professional Accounting designation and has previously worked in various accounting positions for over 15 years. Most recently, prior to her career change, Heather worked in public practice, assisting clients with advisory services such as monthly coaching, budgeting, and cash flows, providing tailored strategic solutions to achieve long-term objectives. Heather’s passion to make a difference in people’s lives led her to make a career change, and she hasn’t looked back! Heather is an active member of AMBA and frequently attends events. She loves to learn and is consistently participating in ongoing professional development to further her knowledge to assist her clients as well as deepen her understanding of the industry and profession as a whole. Heather has strong organizational and leadership skills and was recently awarded the 2023 President of the Year for BNI Alberta North Region in recognition of her clear vision, positivity and organizational skills within her Chapter. During her down time Heather is called Mom by two amazing teenage daughters and a partner to a successful entrepreneur. "When you are passionate about your purpose it is essential to dedicate time to give back, and actively contribute to impacting others. My financial background and commitment to ethical standards will provide a great asset to the Board and association. My unique perspective in the mortgage industry and past experience working with small business owners with their strategic planning will help to improve the effectiveness of the Board in achieving its goals and ensuring the continued success of the mortgage broker industry in Alberta." |
NATASHA GEMBY
As a nominee for the Board of Directors at the Alberta Mortgage Broker Association (AMBA), I am honored to share my vision for the future of our association and why I am seeking a position on the Board. My candidacy is driven by a deep commitment to the mortgage brokerage industry and a desire to contribute meaningfully to its growth and development. I pride myself on being dependable and ensuring things are addressed and executed to completion. First and foremost, I believe in the power of collaboration. Our industry thrives when brokers, lenders, regulators, and other stakeholders work together towards common goals. If elected, I will prioritize fostering a culture of collaboration within AMBA and across the broader mortgage industry. By uniting our voices and expertise, we can better serve our clients and strengthen the integrity of our profession. Education is another cornerstone of my vision for AMBA. With over two decades of experience in the financial industry, including roles as a Banker, Broker, and Regional Manager, I understand the importance of continuous learning and professional development. I am passionate about providing brokers with the knowledge and tools they need to succeed in an ever-evolving marketplace. Through innovative educational programs and resources, we can empower brokers to deliver exceptional service. Inclusivity is a core value that guides my approach to leadership. I would like to continue to create a welcoming and inclusive environment within AMBA where every member feels valued, respected, and supported. Diversity of thought and experience strengthens our organization and enables us to better represent the interests of all brokers, regardless of background or affiliation. By upholding principles of inclusivity and equity, we can ensure that AMBA remains a trusted advocate for the entire brokerage community. One of my key objectives as a member of the Board will be to elevate the image of mortgage brokers in the eyes of consumers. By promoting transparency, professionalism, and ethical conduct, we can instill confidence in the value proposition of working with a mortgage broker. Through targeted marketing initiatives and public outreach efforts, we can position brokers as trusted advisors and advocates for their clients' financial well-being. In conclusion, I am running for the AMBA Board of Directors because I am passionate about advancing the interests of mortgage brokers and elevating our profession to new heights. With my extensive experience in the financial industry and a proven track record of getting things done, I am confident that I can make a meaningful contribution to the future success of AMBA. I am committed to working collaboratively, promoting education and inclusivity, and advocating tirelessly on behalf of our members. Thank you for considering my candidacy, and I look forward to the opportunity to serve the brokerage community as a member of the Board. |
KRISTY MAXWELL
As a passionate advocate for the mortgage industry in Alberta, I am honored to present my candidacy for a board position within the Alberta Mortgage Brokers Association. With a deep-rooted commitment to excellence, integrity, professionalism, and engagement, I stand ready to contribute to the advancement and success of our industry. Having now spent 5 years immersed in the dynamic landscape of the mortgage industry, including serving a previous 1-year term on the board, I have gained invaluable insights into the challenges and opportunities facing professionals in our field. As Chair of the Professional Standards Committee and a past member of the Awards & Recognition Committee, I have actively contributed to shaping the association's initiatives and policies. I look forward to future participation within the Governance Committee, leveraging my experience to drive positive change and foster inclusivity within our association. My vision for the association centers around three core pillars: professionalism, inclusivity, and engagement. Professionalism is fundamental to the success and credibility of our industry. As a board member, I will advocate for high ethical standards, transparency, and accountability among our members. By promoting a culture of professionalism, we can enhance trust and confidence in the mortgage brokering profession, benefiting both consumers and industry stakeholders alike. Inclusivity is essential for creating a diverse and representative association that reflects the breadth of talent and perspectives within our industry. As a board member, I will champion initiatives to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion, ensuring that all members feel valued, respected, and empowered to contribute to our collective success. By fostering a culture of inclusivity, we can harness the full potential of our membership and drive innovation and excellence across the association. Finally, community engagement is crucial for building strong connections and fostering collaboration among brokers, lenders, and other industry stakeholders. As a board member, I will seek to cultivate a culture of engagement, creating initiatives to bring our community together and propel us toward shared success. In conclusion, I am deeply passionate about the mortgage industry and the vital role it plays in the lives of Albertans. If elected to the board of the Alberta Mortgage Brokers Association, I pledge to bring energy, enthusiasm, and a tireless work ethic to the table. Together, we can build a stronger, more vibrant future for our industry—one that empowers brokers, serves consumers, and contributes to the prosperity of our province. Thank you for considering my candidacy. |
TRACY REGIER
Tracy Regier is a passionate, driven and incredibly organized mortgage professional. With three years of experience, she brings a fresh outlook on the mortgage industry. She is committed to bringing inspiration to AMBA and advocating for increased financial literacy and inclusion. In 2024, Tracy was named an awardee for the CMA’s Home Trust Woman of Distinction Award and a nominee for the RBC Woman of Influence award; and in the previous two years, she was nominated as an industry Young Achiever. These nominations came from Tracy’s love for giving back to her community and actively prioritizing education. Tracy is a wife and mother to three children and a local women’s empowerment group director. She strives to be 1% better daily for herself and to provide a positive example for those around her. Her vision for AMBA during her term, should she be elected, would be to increase AMBA’s visibility in our industry. The best way to accomplish this is to increase engagement by providing value. Anyone who knows Tracy knows that you can almost always find her with a big smile on her face. This type of positivity and enthusiasm belongs on the AMBA board. |
Sarah strauss
As a mortgage broker, my vision for the future of the Alberta Mortgage Brokers Association (AMBA) is centered around fostering innovation, promoting industry standards, and advocating for the interests of brokers in an ever-evolving financial landscape. I believe in the power of collaboration and community within the mortgage industry, and I see AMBA as a pivotal platform for driving positive change. I am running for the AMBA Board because I am deeply passionate about advancing the profession of mortgage brokering and ensuring that brokers have the resources and support they need to thrive in their careers. As a member of the Board, I aim to leverage my experience and expertise to contribute to the development of policies and initiatives that empower brokers, enhance transparency, and elevate professionalism across the industry. Ultimately, my goal is to be a proactive voice for mortgage brokers within Alberta, advocating for fair practices, regulatory clarity, and opportunities for professional growth. I am committed to working collaboratively with fellow board members and industry stakeholders to shape a future where brokers are respected, supported, and equipped to excel in their vital role of helping individuals achieve their homeownership dreams. Sincerely, Sarah Strauss |
NAOMI WAREHAM
With 24 years of financial services experience, Naomi has gained valuable knowledge through a variety of roles within our industry. Prior to joining the Mortgage Connection Team 2 years ago as the VP of Operations, Naomi was an Underwriting Team Manager at First National, a residential Underwriter at CMHC, Mortgage Specialist at RBC Royal Bank and an Account Executive at Canada Guaranty several years. Throughout her career, Naomi has gained a wealth of industry knowledge and is passionate about helping people in our industry and in service to Canadians through helping them achieve their dream of home ownership. "I have spent my entire career helping people in various positions within our industry. In addition to this, I have worked along side Canadians to help them achieve their dream of home ownership. I learned very quickly how much I love this industry and how much it means to be part of a larger community of industry professionals who care and share the same dream and goals as I have. I know we are stronger together and are a dynamic force when we come together. When we all share the same vision and passions for this industry, we can be an incredible team bringing a wealth of knowledge to everyone in our industry regardless of their position. Simply put, we can bring change and growth when we collaborate together on a larger scale and incorporate our visions together to drive one powerful message, as a team in this industry. In AMBA, I believe this is the exact force for growing our industry and shaping it every year better than the year before. That is what really gives me a strong desire to be part of this Board of Directors, I want to be part of something special, share, and work with people who are like minded and love this industry as much as I do. My experience in this industry can be of great benefit to the AMBA Board of Directors as I have developed, learned skills and insight inside this industry. I believe these developed skills over my last 24 years can assisting and in collaborating with others to achieve our shared vision." |
Important Election Information
VotingVoting is now closed - thank you to everyone who participated in the 2024-2025 Board of Directors election!
Results will be communicated to all candidates by April 12, 2024. Election ResultsElection results will be shared with all members on April 15, 2024.
Once voting has concluded, results will be compiled, and all candidates will be notified of the results. If you have any questions, please contact the AMBA team at [email protected]. |