Current Board Members

Councillor Kevin Klein, Chair

Kevin is the City Councillor for Charleswood - Tuxedo - Westwood. Kevin spent over 18 years in the private sector as a Senior Executive for three of Canada's most recognized companies including his time as Publisher & CEO of the Winnipeg Sun and as a divisional President for MTS responsible for the creation of a new digital division. Kevin was recognized as a finalist for Canada's Top Forty Under Forty and for the creation of a business/community funded K-9 Unit for a Police Service in Ontario.

As an advocate for victims of Domestic Violence Kevin sat on the board of the Prairie Action Foundation and has shared the story of Losing his Mother to Domestic Violence in published articles and has spoken to on many occasions to groups large and small in an effort to increase awareness.

Kevin is currently Chair of the Police Board, a Board Member of CJNU-FM Winnipeg Community Station, FGNHA- VP of Officials, he continues in his role as a Referee in Chief for Minor Hockey and as a Tae Kwon Do instructor. Previously Kevin served on the Manitoba Chamber of Commerce Board, The Better Business Bureau Board and as an Associate for the Asper School of Business.

Councillor Markus Chambers, Vice-Chair

Markus is the newly elected City Councillor for the new ward of St Norbert – Seine River.  Prior to seeking election Markus spent 29 years as a civil servant with the Province of Manitoba in a variety of positions. 

Markus began his career with the province working at the Seven Oaks Centre for Youth as a juvenile counsellor before accepting a permanent position with the Income Assistance Program where he worked for 7 years before becoming a Policy Analyst for the Department of Family Services.  Markus transitioned to the Department of Labour and Immigration and spent 17 years assisting in the development and management of the Provincial Nominee Program.

As an avid community volunteer, Markus has served 6 years on the Board of Trustees for the United Way of Winnipeg and 10 years on the Capitol Campaign Cabinet for the Friends of the Canadian Museum for Human Rights.  Additionally, Markus has also served on the boards of the Henteleff Park Foundation and the St Boniface Hospital Research Foundation (International Academy of Cardiovascular Sciences) raising money and awareness for heart health within the Caribbean Community.

Markus is a graduate of the University of Manitoba where he most recently completed the Public Sector Management program and previously double majored in Political Sciences and Sociology.

Mohamed El Tassi

Mohamed El Tassi is the CEO of Sargent Blue Jeans and the Manager of Peerless Garments. Mohamed contributes to the business community through the Downtown Biz and the Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce. He has served on the Boards of the Air Cadets, EPIC Opportunities, Manitoba’s Residential Tenancies Branch, the University of Winnipeg Community Renewal Corporation, the Canadian Muslim Leadership Institution and the Rotary Club of Transcona.

Mohamed is actively involved in his faith community while assisting new immigrants to Canada. He personally supports the work of the Silom Mission, Agape Table and Habitat for Humanity and participates in the CEO Sleep Out.

Mohamed is devoted to helping others, motivated in keeping the city safe and committed to making a difference.

Damon Johnston

Damon Johnston is the current President of the Aboriginal Council of Winnipeg and has held that role since 2008. Damon retired from the City of Winnipeg in 2005 after serving as a Community Resource Officer in the Aboriginal Community and other various roles for 15 years. Previously, he served as the Assistant Executive Director of the Indian and Metis Friendship Centre of Winnipeg, was elected the Secretary Treasurer of the Ontario Metis and Non Status Association and was a correctional and probation officer with the Ontario Ministry of Corrections. Damon proudly served in the Royal Canadian Navy from 1966 to 1968. Damon is a strong advocate for giving back to his community and in addition to the Winnipeg Police Board, currently serves as the Chair of the Addictions Foundation of Manitoba and as a member on the boards of the Media Credit Union, the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) – Manitoba and Winnipeg, SEED Winnipeg Inc., and Ndinawemaaganag Endaawaad Inc. (Ndinawe)

Damon is a Member of Fort William First Nation, Thunder Bay, Ontario and is a graduate of the Confederation College of Applied Arts and Technology with a Diploma in Administrative Management.

Edna Nabess

Edna Nabess was born and raised in Cormorant, Manitoba and is a proud member of the Mathias Colomb Cree Nation. Edna was taught the traditions of her Cree culture by her mother and is the founder and principal designer of Cree-Ations. Edna is a well-known artisan creating one-of-a-kind designs and is a founding member of the Manitoba Artist Showcase.

Edna received the Aboriginal Business Service Network Award in 2009, the BMO Expansion and Growth in Small Business Award in 2017 and was a Recipient of a Canada 150 Medal that same year. In addition to the Winnipeg Police Board, Edna serves on the boards of Efficiency Manitoba, Manitoba Public Insurance, Manitoba Social Services Appeal, Manitoba 150 Celebration Committee and the Advanced Education Training and Literacy Aboriginal Advisory Council (AETLAAC). Edna was a candidate in the 2016 Provincial Election in the riding of Kewantinook.

Edna gives back to the community by participating in multiple charitable events and fundraising activities.

Brian Scharfstein

Brian Scharfstein is a Canadian Pedorthist specializing in the care of diabetic and arthritic feet.  He is the President and CEO of Canadian Footwear and The FootHealth Centres in Winnipeg and Calgary. He is the owner of FHC Pedorthic Consulting Services.  Brian has been serving the Manitoba community for almost 50 years. For the past 17 years Brian has regularly been providing education and conducting clinics in First Nations communities.  He prides himself in the trusted relationships he’s built over the past many years with leaders in the Indigenous community.   Brian is a past chairman of The Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce, and currently sits on the board of the Mount Carmel Clinic Foundation.

He is actively involved in providing footwear to core area institutions through our “Fit Feet on the Street” charity.  

Alicja Szarkiewicz

Alicja Szarkiewicz immigrated to Canada from Poland with her parents when she was a young girl and has called Winnipeg home since 1960. She grew up in the North End and attended the University of Manitoba, where she graduated with degrees in Psychology and Education. Alicja taught in English and French in elementary and middle schools in Winnipeg for over thirty years. She continues to be a strong advocate for adolescent literacy programs.

Alicja has retired from teaching and is currently the Office Manager for a Civil/Mechanical Engineering Firm while she continues to direct the activities of her own online business. She is an active community volunteer and has served on various local boards and advisory councils, including the St. James-Assinibioa Teachers Association executive and the Grace Hospital Patient and Family Advisory Council. Alicja is a political activist and has run for office provincially and federally.