Board of Directors
Nicole Rymes
President
Nicole Rymes serves as Board President for United Way Fort McMurray and Wood Buffalo, helping unite donors, partners, and agencies to strengthen lives across the region. An avid community volunteer, Nicole has supported United Way campaigns through fundraising activities and personal giving since 2017. In 2021, she served as Workplace Campaign Chair, helping raise $2.14 million to fuel vital local programs.
Professionally, Nicole is an Operations Manager who has worked in the oil sands since 2008. She has held progressive leadership roles across operations and maintenance since 2012 and spent two years as a Leadership Development Coach—experience she brings to guiding a collaborative, impact‑driven board.
Having grown up with less, Nicole understands the importance of a strong social‑profit sector so that everyone, in every community, has the opportunity to succeed. Fort McMurray is the place she chose to build a life and raise her two daughters, and it’s why she’s proud to give back—through volunteering, leadership, and a steadfast commitment to local impact.
Michelle Velez
Vice President
Community Investment Chair
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Andrea Eldridge
Treasurer
Finance Committee Chair
Andrea Eldridge is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) with a master’s degree in accounting from North Carolina, where she spent most of her life. She brings extensive experience across public accounting, industry, and government sectors, offering a well-rounded perspective on financial management and compliance.
Passionate about giving back, Andrea actively volunteers with non-profit organizations whenever possible, combining her professional expertise with a commitment to community service.
Michael Vickers
Director
Michael Vickers is a Senior Safety Advisor – Contractor Safety based in Fort McMurray. He specializes in contractor safety programs and hazard assessments, with a strong commitment to creating safe, productive work environments that align with industry standards and company expectations.
Michael is deeply community-minded. He serves on the board of United Way Fort McMurray & Wood Buffalo and volunteers with organizations such as St. Aidan’s Society. He actively supports local initiatives and organizes fundraising events that strengthen community connections. His approach reflects a core belief: leadership extends beyond the workplace to building a better community for all.
Jennifer Kennett
Director
Jennifer is a proud Fort McMurray local, representing four generations of family deeply rooted in the region. As a wife and devoted mother of two girls, she carries a strong connection to the community that has shaped her life and values.
With more than 15 years of professional experience in Human Resources, Jennifer brings extensive expertise in supporting people, strengthening teams, and helping organizations thrive. Her commitment to community leadership runs just as deep—she has dedicated the past 18 years to volunteering on boards and championing social profit organizations.
Driven by a belief in service, collaboration, and meaningful contribution, Jennifer remains committed to giving back to the region she proudly calls home.
Alex Stark
Director
Alex Stark is a devoted advocate of United Way. In 2014, He led his first highly successful workplace campaign with United Way Fort McMurray and Wood Buffalo.
After several years working across the province and around the world, Alex renewed his involvement with United Way initiatives in 2024. Now based in Fort McMurray, he serves as Vice President of Operations at Suncor, bringing a depth of experience in organizational leadership to both his professional and community roles.
Driven by a passion for strategic planning, operational excellence, and long-term community impact, Alex believes strong organizational foundations are essential to delivering impactful community service. His commitment, insight, and hands‑on leadership continue to strengthen United Way’s mission across the region.
Funky Banjoko
Director
Funky Banjoko has been a dedicated resident of Fort McMurray since 2011, bringing more than 30 years of supply chain experience to the community after joining Nexen Energy (CNOOC Limited) as a Senior Buyer. She served as a Councillor for the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo from 2021 to 2025, advocating for inclusive governance and community development. Her long-standing commitment to local service includes participation on several boards and committees such as Community in Bloom, the RMWB Library Board, and the Regional Recreation Board of Wood Buffalo.
Funky has been a United Way board member since 2024, where her passion for supporting vulnerable populations and amplifying underrepresented voices continues to guide her work. She is currently the Executive Director of the Fort McMurray Montessori Foundation, leading with the values of integrity, compassion, and community upliftment.
Roy Amalu
Director
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IJ Uche-Ezeala (Kumon)
Director
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Lindsay Bradbury
Director
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Janelle Malcom
Director
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Samia Sarkar
Director
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