Below is the most up-to-date list of candidates for our 2022 Board election. Each candidate has been provided with the opportunity to submit a bio and written statement. Candidates are presented in alphabetical order.
Important Election Information:
Voting Phase: March 31 - April 14
Annual General Meeting & Swearing in Ceremony: April 28th at Hotel Arts & Online
On March 31st, all members will be emailed a unique voting link. Members will have the opportunity to select their top 9 candidates.
If you have any questions, please contact the AMBA office at info@amba.ca
Important Election Information:
Voting Phase: March 31 - April 14
Annual General Meeting & Swearing in Ceremony: April 28th at Hotel Arts & Online
On March 31st, all members will be emailed a unique voting link. Members will have the opportunity to select their top 9 candidates.
If you have any questions, please contact the AMBA office at info@amba.ca
2022 BOARD OF DIRECTOR CANDIDATES
BHAVNA BHASIN
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Bhavna is well versed in the financial industry and brings over 15 years of experience. Her current role as a Regional Sales Manager provides her the opportunity to focus on building relationships with her broker partners as TD's market expert in the Calgary region. Her passion to support brokers and the industry drives her desire to join the AMBA board to effect meaningful change and to help with the mission to grow and educate all fellow members to higher heights.
With a desire to sharpen her leadership skills, Bhavna is excited to contribute to such a great association to network, strategize and give back by way of volunteer work. She looks forward to working with the other board members and volunteers to make this industry one of the best!
While not hustling in her current environment, she is a huge advocate in supporting those in personal health, wellness and mindfulness. You’ll likely find her guiding students through a yoga class or spending time with her beautiful family.
Bhavna is well versed in the financial industry and brings over 15 years of experience. Her current role as a Regional Sales Manager provides her the opportunity to focus on building relationships with her broker partners as TD's market expert in the Calgary region. Her passion to support brokers and the industry drives her desire to join the AMBA board to effect meaningful change and to help with the mission to grow and educate all fellow members to higher heights.
With a desire to sharpen her leadership skills, Bhavna is excited to contribute to such a great association to network, strategize and give back by way of volunteer work. She looks forward to working with the other board members and volunteers to make this industry one of the best!
While not hustling in her current environment, she is a huge advocate in supporting those in personal health, wellness and mindfulness. You’ll likely find her guiding students through a yoga class or spending time with her beautiful family.
DANIELLE PENDLETON
Danielle is a not-so closet nerd who’s a sucker for spreadsheets, Marvel/Harry Potter/Lord of the Rings references and delicious food. She loves long walks on the beach and getting lost - no, really - exploring the
planet and learning new languages feed her soul.
Open to trying any food once, there are only 5 things she absolutely won't touch, while treating dill pickles and potato chips like their own food groups. Her 90lb beast of a pup (Lleial) and rescue-kitty (Skittles) remind her that you can find joy in the slightest things, and how she thrives on challenges because she sees them as growth opportunities. She lives and breathes pride for AMBA and the mortgage industry, and is beyond excited to continue giving back and helping make positive contributions to the mortgage space by getting re-elected.
DARREN QUILLEY
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I have been a mortgage professional since January 2009. For the last 13 years, I have had the pleasure of various industry-based roles that I feel would be beneficial to you and the AMBA Board of Directors. Currently, I’m one of the Area Vice Presidents for TMG The Mortgage Group, where I get to work with an amazing group of Mortgage Professionals. This is the first time that I’ve run for the AMBA Board, but I’m no stranger to volunteering my time to give back to my community. I’m a longstanding member of the Kinsmen Club of Edmonton, where my fellow Kinsmen and I look for ways to serve the community’s greatest need. I’ve held many different positions within the organization, with the most incredible honour of serving as the President of the 97-year-old organization. I know many of you from my time as a BDM for FCT, MERIX, or TD, and I value each of you because I truly believe that consumers are best served and supported by Mortgage Brokers. If elected, I look to be your voice and support each of you and AMBA’s mission of providing the services, information, education, and industry leadership that Mortgage Brokers need to succeed. I hope to earn your vote and represent you on the AMBA Board. I appreciate your consideration! |
FAIZ KHAKU
Faiz Khaku has been assisting Canadians and their families with their finances for nearly 20 years. With a Degree in Applied Financial Services and 15 years working for three of the six big Canadian banks, Faiz decided it was time to follow his passion and become an independent Mortgage Broker. Over 8 years as a mortgage professional, Faiz has moved from being a mortgage advisor in the bank to an established Mortgage Broker; mentoring a team of six agents.
He is the proud father of two incredible children and husband to an amazing wife, Iram. Faiz is passionate about hockey (regularly participating with Hockey Helps the Homeless) and motorcycles (one of his goals is to start a Motorcycle & Mortgages Club).
“I was born in Calgary and this amazing province has afforded me incredible opportunities. With the support of my family, friends, and community/business networks, I ask for your support in becoming an AMBA Director so that I can continue to develop on the incredible work already done by AMBA. I want a part in helping the next generation of Mortgage Broker be successful in helping their communities.”
With extensive and diverse experience in home financing, banking, and credit, Faiz has the financial acumen and industry knowledge needed to be a truly effective member of the AMBA Board of Directors. Faiz will bring a passion to his seat and a spirit of collaboration to the Board.
HAYLEY CROSS
Hayley Cross has been in the mortgage industry for 3 years and her focus is on building trusting relationships with her clients who are looking to achieve their goals of home ownership. She has won top sales leader of the month for Flare Mortgage Group multiple times and has been placed in the top three rookie and potential growth categories within Tango Financial Group.
Hayley has been successfully raising funds and volunteering in support of the Special Olympics Foundation since 2016 and is an active member of BNI. She is best known for surrounding herself with positive people and creating happiness for others around her.
Since becoming a mortgage broker in 2019 I have been fortunate enough to be a part of AMBA, through this experience I have decided to become a member of the Board of Directors to give back to my fellow industry members. The AMBA association is an integral part of the success of the Alberta Mortgage Brokers and I believe with my new perspective and creative approach I will make a strong and reliable team member.
My vision is to continue ensuring the public through transparency that they can rely on mortgage brokers for their financing, and provide them with the proper education during their home purchase.
My volunteerism started in 2016 when I began organizing motionball events in Edmonton, AB. I continue to volunteer to bring change, opportunity and empowerment to others; this is the same vision I feel I can bring to AMBA as a member.
I'm looking forward to helping establish new standards of excellence in education for our members and being an advocate for change that strengthens the mortgage broker profession. I am willing and available to attend AMBA events and encourage others to attend and be engaged in our association. I look forward to being able to support the members of the association through continued strengthening of the AMBA policies and practices and help with purposeful planning to ensure continued success and development.
JASON PROVENCHER
Jason Provencher is responsible for sales delivery and relationship management of the Bank’s National Sales channels. This includes the development, management and execution of the Bank’s various product and service portfolios including mortgages and deposits. Regulatory and compliance responsibilities include analysis of business and impacts to stakeholders.
Jason has over 25 years of experience in financial services. Before joining Bridgewater Bank, Jason’s career began in retail banking at ATB Financial. Since joining the bank, Jason successfully applied his leadership skills by managing high volume funding operations and helped establish the broker-sourced model that has served the bank for more than two decades. Jason has been the VP National Sales for 2yrs and is steadfast in his commitment to the Broker network. Previous to VP National Sales, Jason spent 15 yrs in various senior positions at Bridgewater, including BDM, Manager Deposits/Mortgage Funding.
He earned his Bachelor of Business Administration in management and is a recent student of Lean Management. He is a current Director on the Board for AMBA (Alberta Mortgage Brokers Association) and recently assisted Service Alberta in re-establishing governance for RECA and the 4 industry councils in Alberta. During his past few years on the AMBA Board Jason has helped develop governance and provide experience in many areas.
KRISTY LYNN MAXWELL
Coming from out of industry, Kristy Maxwell joined Verico early 2019, and was chosen for her expertise with relationship management, which was accentuated from her experience in a well-known worldwide Awards & Events program – The Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year Awards. Kristy managed the development, organization and execution of all related activities, projects, budgets, events, and sponsorships for Prairies.
Currently within her role at Verico, she leads, supports, and continues to advance all internal & external relationships within her region of Western Canada which consists of 1000+ Brokers & Agents across BC, AB & SK.
You may know Kristy from her current efforts of giving back to the industry as she co-hosts a national, industry-wide, virtual series called “A Woman’s Perspective” that has since been featured in CMP as well generated a new 2022 partnership Brokers Helping Brokers TV. OR perhaps from her participation within the local MPC advisory committee, or simply with her continue attempts to be engaged within AMBA – volunteering at events & with the events/awards committee.
By running for a position on the ABMA board, Kristy hopes not only to spread her contagious enthusiasm throughout this great industry of ours, but use her 15+ years of events management experience to serve and compliment the already extensive list of experience within the AMBA team.
After hearing there was an opportunity to join AMBA as a director, admittedly I was hesitant, a little intimidated even given that I have only been in the industry for 3 years – what could I hope to contribute? Well, if given the opportunity to serve, my platform will be 3-fold;
1) Regain a sense community – given we have been apart for so long, many of us may need to work our way back to being in person; and I hope to be a major contributing factor in that.
2) A Confidant - A Representative of the NEW AMBA event harassment policy – I hope to be known as a safe & confidential place for anyone to be able to approach for guidance, directions or simply someone just to listen.
3) Be an Engager – spreading enthusiasm throughout this great industry of ours, generating excitement & engagement throughout AB, representing AMBA at countless industry events.
You may already know me from my current efforts of giving back to the industry as I co-host a national, industry wide, virtual series called “A Woman’s Perspective” OR perhaps from my participation within the local MPC Advisory Committee, OR my continue attempts to be engaged within AMBA – volunteering at events & the events/awards committee. Before joining VERICO, I managed all aspects of an executive relationship building program, building and nurturing professional relationships with various high-profile stakeholders such as Founders/CEOs, and business/academic community leaders across the Prairies. Currently within my role at Verico Financial Group, I lead, support, and advance all internal & exertional partner relationships within my region of Western Canada, consisting of 1000+ Brokers & agents across BC, AB & SK. So, I feel my experience brings a board and sound knowledge base, and I am distinguished by my passion to help fellow entrepreneurs succeed. My promise to you would be to serve AMBA’S members to the absolute fullest of my capabilities, and though I am honoured just to be considered for the opportunity to serve for the Alberta Mortgage Brokers Association - I would love for YOUR vote. So please consider me, Kristy-Lynn Maxwell, to represent YOU this up coming AMBA election. Thank you.
PAMELA PIKKERT
Pam Pikkert in a nutshell:
(Cause in this market, who has time for more??)
- - Mortgage Broker /AMBA & MPC Member since 2006
- - Partner in Regional Mortgage Group
- - Mom of both human and fur babies
- - Board Member for 5 years and chair of the Governance Committee for 2
- - Flawless dancer- (yes that matters!!)
- - 5 Time- CMP Woman of Influence
- - Participant in 2021 MPC Hill Days
- - 2020 Mortgage Alliance Broker of the Year
- - 2019 Woman of Distinction Nominee
- - Winner of the 2018 AMBA Ambassador Award
- - Deeply passionate about making our industry more inclusive and free of all harassment
My Vision for AMBA
I have served as an AMBA board member for 5 years so far and I am seeking your support so I can serve a bit longer. The work done by AMBA over the past few years is phenomenal. Strengthening ties with MPC and RECA; the creation of committees to ensure the continuity of the association and oversight of its finances. Not just surviving but thriving through COVID. Your current Board and the amazing staff deserve piles of accolades for the work they have done. I see such immense potential for this association, and I light up when I know I have the chance to help take it there. Inclusivity and Anti-harassment work is an area I am particularly passionate about, and I am certainly not alone. The offers of help already given by our members have been overwhelming. I see our industry as becoming better partners to our clients, industry partners and each other as we work together to make sure everyone is treated equally. This industry has gifted me with a rewarding career, amazing opportunities, friendships, and connections with some genuinely great people. I am seeking reelection knowing full well that I have the skills, the experience, and the deep passion necessary to represent you well.
Thank you and see you all soon!!
RUSSELL MENDONCA
I was lucky enough to enter this industry in 2003 and can’t highlight the importance of an industry association like AMBA enough – as a member, I have had countless opportunities to grow and connect with fellow industry leaders. I am so excited by the association’s recent changes, ushered in by hours invested by many amazing people. As we move forward and consider candidates for the board, I would be proud to be part of the legacy as we continue this journey to be the trusted professionals the public turns to for their mortgage needs.
In my almost 20 years in the industry, I’ve worked at brokerages, banks, mortgage investment corporations and, most recently, a credit union. I’ve served as a Mortgage Agent, Associate, Underwriter, Business Development Manager and currently serve as the AVP Direct Finance, Mortgages at connectFirst Credit Union.
Over the past six years I set aside some time to complete both my Advanced Coaching Diploma to further my volunteer wrestling coaching experience through the Canadian Sport Institute and my Masters of Arts in Leadership through Royal Roads University. Through all my schooling, the biggest lesson I learned was how to be curious. Problems are much easier to solve when you ask the right questions.
I’m hoping to help provide a diverse view to the board, bringing the curiosity that’s served me well. I am in a position where I am able to invest in an organization that provided me with substantial support over my career through education, mentorship and fellowship.
You have some incredible choices among industry members that have applied to be on this board, and I am honored to even be considered. Please vote for the members that have the skills that will continue to drive our organization into the future. Thank you!
SHAWN THOMPSON
I am Shawn Thompson. Currently I am an owner and the broker of record for Dominion Lending Centres Maximal Mortgages. I have worked in the mortgage industry for over 20 years as both a broker and in business development for various mortgage lending companies. I am an avid golfer and enjoy traveling with my family. You can catch me watching almost every Oilers game and Sunday football, along with my kids’ sports. I began Maximal Mortgages with my partners over four and half years ago and we continue to grow our professional team and strive for excellence daily.
Since we started the brokerage, we have felt that being a part of AMBA is important for all of our brokers in order to contribute to our industry. AMBA is an important vehicle, which can be used to influence, grow and better our business within the province of Alberta. If elected as a member of the board, I intend to continue using AMBA as an instrument to strengthen the mortgage business and influence all levels of government with respect to rules, regulations and other important issues that need to be addressed within our business. I would like to give mortgage brokers a greater voice on both the provincial stage and federal through our alliance with MPC. If elected I intend to use both AMBA and MPC as platforms to lobby all levels of government in order to ensure that mortgage rules are fair and appropriate for all jurisdictions. I look forward to working closer with AMBA in the future.
