The Meewasin Team

Andrea is humbly honored to fulfill the role of CEO at Meewasin with an amazing team, Board of Directors and passionate community. Andrea’s priorities are to action with success, the strategic priorities of Meewasin, ensuring alignment with Meewasin’s mandate, this involves everything from public and government relations, partnership, innovation and management of both existing and new resources, while ensuring a healthy and vibrant river valley for future generations.

Born and raised in Saskatoon, Andrea is proud of her roots and her community. She volunteers as a mentor through Leadership Saskatoon, and Co-Chairs the City of Saskatoon’s Indigenous Technical Advisory Group. Andrea represents Meewasin on the Discover Saskatoon Board, the CCIUCN (Canadian Committee for the International Union of Conservation of Nature), and sits on Trans Canada Trail Indigenous Advisory Committee.

Andrea makes the most of her downtime enjoying travel, exercise, a good book and puzzles.  She loves biking and walking in nature with her family and their dog.

Andrea Ziegler, Director of Operations

Andrea Ziegler, B.Comm.

Andrea is a part of Meewasin’s leadership team and provides strategic and overall operational guidance on legal, financial, human resource, information technology, and governance issues. Born and raised in rural Saskatchewan, Andrea is a farm girl at heart, but has spent much of her adult life right here in Saskatoon. A short hiatus in the West Kootenays reignited her affinity for the outdoors, with a focus on conservation and passive recreation of natural spaces. In her spare time, you may find her in the company of her husband Nathan, son Noah or any number of furry friends (not necessarily in that order), likely outside, traveling, or camping.

Mike Velonas, Manager of Planning and Conservation

Mike is a part of Meewasin’s leadership team and is responsible for oversight of development review, Meewasin’s Act, planning and development policies, bylaws, the exploration of a potential national urban park, and planning of new facilities. Mike earned his degree in Regional and Urban Planning from the University of Saskatchewan and has a passion for good urbanism that includes well connected and protected natural areas. Born and raised in Saskatoon, Mike is often walking and biking the Meewasin Trail with his young family. His favourite part of the job is being part of an organization that makes Saskatoon and region better today and for future generations.

Alan Otterbein, Manager of Design and Development

Alan is part of the management team and is responsible for Meewasin’s design and development work, plus the operation of Meewasin’s facilities. His team consists of design assistants, construction and facilities supervisor, and construction and horticulture foremen and seasonal crews. He enjoys making development projects a reality, enhancing the public realm and improving access for all users.

Alan is a registered Landscape Architect, with a degree in Landscape Architecture from the University of British Columbia and over 25 years professional experience at various locations, including British Columbia, Montana, Alberta and Saskatchewan. He has lived and worked in Saskatoon with his family for over 20 years. Alan is on the board of the Saskatchewan Trails Association, and represents Meewasin on Saskatoon’s Municipal Heritage Advisory Committee.  Outside of work, Alan enjoys spending time with his family, travel, gardening, photography, and enjoying outdoor adventures.

Amy Wall, Manager of Marketing and Fund Development

Amy Wall, B.Comm, BA

Amy is a part of the leadership team and is responsible for the oversight of Meewasin’s marketing, communications and fundraising work. Her team consists of a marketing coordinator, donations officer and graphic designer who work to strategically share the work of Meewasin and keep the public and stakeholders informed about important jurisdiction projects. Her favourite part of the job is connecting with organizations and individual donors to create partnerships that support Meewasin’s work and strengthening fundraising, government relations and revenue generation efforts.

She is a Saskatonian through and through, having grown up here and attended the University of Saskatchewan to complete degrees in Commerce and Political Studies. Amy volunteers as a Board member with AFP Saskatoon and a member of the planning committee for the Saskatchewan Marathon. When she’s not working, she enjoys running many kilometers on the trails, watching sports, and spending time with her husband, son Elias and daughter Nya traveling and enjoying nature.

Magel Sutherland, Manager of Education and Experiences

Magel Sutherland, B.Sc. Hons.

With over 20 years’ experience in the public, private and not-for profit sectors, Magel brings a rich and varied background to her work with Meewasin. As part of the leadership team, she is responsible for the oversight of Meewasin’s education programming and experiential tourism offerings. Magel is proud to work with a talented team of staff to introduce students and visitors to the Meewasin Valley through land-based educational programming and one of a kind experiences.

Born and raised in Saskatoon, Magel has a degree in Environmental Science from the University of Saskatchewan. She started her career with Parks Canada, with stops along the way at Saskatchewan Environment, the University of Saskatchewan, and most recently Leadership Saskatoon.

Magel loves nature and the outdoors and spends as much time as possible at the lake with her husband Trent, and kids Ava & Luke. Her favorite part of her job is watching people young and old connect to the beauty of the Meewasin Valley

Michelle Pomedli, Executive Assistant / Office Manager

Michelle Pomedli, BASc Hons.

Michelle is part of the leadership team and is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day office operations, as well as providing administrative support to Meewasin’s Board of Directors and various committees. She loves being involved with each department at Meewasin, as it allows her to get a sense of all the amazing work the Meewasin team and volunteers are undertaking.

Michelle was raised on a farm north of Humboldt, then moved to Saskatoon to attend university. She got her degree in Environment & Society from the University of Saskatchewan. Outside of work, Michelle keeps busy with her husband and young daughter. Together, they love to spend their time gardening, camping, or biking along the Meewasin Trail.