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.
Jennifer Kennett
Vice President
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.
Andrea Eldridge
Treasurer
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.
Michelle Velez
Community Investment Chair
Michelle Velez is a dedicated community leader and member of the United Way Fort McMurray and Wood Buffalo Board of Directors, serving as Community Investment Chair. Professionally, Michelle works in the oil sands industry and brings strong leadership, strategic thinking, and a passion for community impact to her role.
As a long-time resident of the region, she is committed to supporting initiatives that strengthen local communities and improve the well-being of individuals and families across Wood Buffalo. Through her work with United Way, Michelle helps ensure local investments create meaningful and lasting change where it is needed most.
Michael Vickers
Community Investment Vice Chair
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.
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.
IJ Uche-Ezeala (Kumon)
Director
Coming soon…
Lindsey Bradbury
Director
Lindsey Bradbury is a passionate community advocate dedicated to strengthening the Fort McMurray Wood Buffalo region. With more than 15 years of experience at United Way Fort McMurray and Wood Buffalo, she has helped connect resources, partners, and local organizations to create lasting impact for individuals and families. Lindsey holds a Bachelor of Arts from Cape Breton University and has pursued studies in Social Work through the University of Manitoba. Proud to call Fort McMurray home, she is committed to building a stronger, and more connected region.
Janelle Malcom
Director
Janelle Malcom is a respected leader in Fort McMurray with extensive experience in the energy industry. Currently serving as an Operations Manager, she has built her career through progressive leadership roles in operations, engineering, and mine planning. She holds both a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Alberta.
A former varsity hockey player, Janelle brings the values of teamwork, integrity, and leadership to both her professional and community involvement. Proud to call Fort McMurray home, she is passionate about supporting initiatives that strengthen the Wood Buffalo region and create opportunities for individuals and families to thrive.
Samia Sarkar
Director
Samia Sarkar is an industry leader with more than two decades of experience in engineering, operations, sustainability, and strategic leadership in Alberta’s energy sector. Throughout her career, she has held progressive leadership roles with both Syncrude Canada Ltd. and Suncor Energy, and currently serves as General Manager, Engineering & Reliability at Suncor’s Base Plant in Fort McMurray. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering from the University of Alberta and an MBA from Queen’s University.
Passionate about giving back, Samia is actively involved in mentorship and community leadership, supporting the development of others through volunteer and professional mentorship programs. She is committed to helping UWFMWB to build a stronger, more connected Wood Buffalo region.
Natasha MacArthur-Poole
Director
Natasha MacArthur-Poole is a respected educational leader who has dedicated her career to serving students, families, and staff in Fort McMurray. Having worked within the Fort McMurray Catholic School Division since 1995, she currently serves as Superintendent of Schools, following progressive leadership roles including Deputy Superintendent, Associate Superintendent, Director of Human Resources, and Principal.
Natasha holds a Bachelor of Education from the University of Alberta and a Master of Education in Leadership and Learning from the University of Prince Edward Island. A passionate advocate for education and community well-being, she is proud to support the work of United Way Fort McMurray and Wood Buffalo and believes in the power of collaboration to create opportunities for individuals and families to thrive across the region.