Board of Directors

Cory Furman (Chair), Regina
Intellectual Property (IP) Attorney and Strategic Business Executive

Cory Furman is a strong community advocate and with over 27 years of experience practicing law and has served on numerous boards in Saskatchewan. As a certified Chartered Director, Cory has served eHealth Saskatchewan, Cowessess Ventures Ltd., Creative Saskatchewan, Institute of Corporate Directors – Saskatchewan Chapter, Regina & District Chamber of Commerce, Saskatchewan Trade & Export Partnership, to name a few. He is an advocate for enhanced organ donation policy in Saskatchewan and spends his personal time at the rink with his family in one of his favourite roles: hockey dad.

Rachel Heidecker (Vice Chair), Osler
Technology, Management, and Marketing Specialist

Rachel Heidecker is a leader in business strategy and transformation, specializing in technology, innovation, management, and marketing. She obtained her Chartered Director designation, is an MBA and BSc graduate from the University of Saskatchewan and received a post-graduate diploma in software technology from the University of Calgary. She was previously a director and manager at the University of Saskatchewan. Rachel is passionate about the arts and may be seen in a variety of flamenco dance performances around Saskatoon.

Shawn Blackman, Prince Albert
Lawyer and Musician

Shawn E. Blackman is a Senior Crown Prosecutor with the Ministry of Justice. He earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree and Bachelor of Laws degree from the University of Saskatchewan. Shawn has been practicing law for 18 years, and over the last 30 years has performed across Canada as both a featured performer and as a supporting guitarist for several artists. In 2021 Shawn received the "Guitar Player of the Year" conferred by the Saskatchewan Country Music Association.

Keith Busch, Watrous
Financial Officer

Keith Busch is the Chief Financial Officer of Blair's Crop Solutions. He previously directed corporate finance and accounting practices in East and Southeast Asia and administered government finances in Canada's northern territories. He holds an MSc from the University of London and BA from McMaster University. He has been recognized for his community contributions and charitable work from governments both at home and abroad.

Derek Davidson, Regina
Lawyer

Derek Davidson is a Crown Prosecutor with the Province of Saskatchewan in Regina. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Western Ontario and his Bachelor of Laws degree from the University of Manitoba. Derek has been practicing law for seven years and has also been involved with the Mentorship program at Mother Theresa Middle School in Regina. He is a regular patron of the Globe Theatre and the Regina International Fringe Theatre Festival.

Gale Hagblom, Saskatoon
Urban Planner and Artist

Gale has a diverse background brought about from living in several regions within Canada, including the Atlantic and Arctic regions. She worked for nearly a decade as the Communications Coordinator for the Saskatchewan Craft Council and previously served on the boards of the Churchill Arts Council and the Great Northern Arts Festival, as well as the organizing committee for the EMMA International Collaboration. She is fully engaged in supporting creative initiatives that will result in advancing artistic and cultural opportunities. Gale studied Graphic Design at the Banff Centre for the Arts and holds a BFA from NSCAD University and master's degrees in Geography and Planning and Studio Art from the University of Saskatchewan. Gale works as a City Planner and maintains a professional art practice.

Melissa Johnson, Hyas
Dance Instructor

Melissa Johnson has been involved in the creative and arts community for a number of years. From being an accomplished dance instructor to owning and operating her own dance studio for over 10 years, Melissa continues to instruct students and has received numerous choreography and artistic awards in recognition of her work. Melissa is not only involved in the world of dance, but is also tirelessly involved and volunteers her time with community and charities such as serving on her local School Community Council, volunteering as a senior girls volleyball coach, serving as a Volunteer Chair for Northern Saskatchewan for Diabetes Canada and as Chair for the Kids in School Policy Committee. Melissa has a true passion for helping others and has also owned and operated a decorating business that works with clients to turn their house ideas into homes that suit their needs. Melissa looks forward to serving on this Board where she can bring her experience and creativity to continue to help build a strong arts community in Saskatchewan.

Shahid Pervaiz, Regina
Business Executive

An accomplished business executive with Canadian and International Experience for Small and Medium Enterprises, Shahid is currently the Corporate Manager at Stewart Southern Railway Inc. Earlier in his career, Shahid produced a variety of documentaries, drama, and musical programs. Additionally, he has organized creative writing programs and fostered multiculturalism.

Darcy Sander, Prince Albert
Retired Educator

Darcy Sander is a retired school principal who has served as Faculty Advisor for several universities subsequent to retirement. He sits on the Prince Albert Board of Police Commissioners and the Board of Directors for the Prince Albert Community Service Centre. Darcy has performed with numerous groups and musicians throughout the years. In 2015, he received the Western Canadian "Principals of Music Award" conferred by the Canadian Coalition for Music Education and in 2017, he received the "Outstanding Administrator Award" conferred by the Saskatchewan Band Association. Darcy has written, directed, and recorded several school musicals and performs in several musical groups including "Mike and Darcy" and "The Goodfellas."

Lois Standing, Saskatoon
Consultant

Lois Standing has a diverse background as a community and business planning consultant and creative clothing designer. She obtained her MBA from the University of Saskatchewan and received a Fashion Designer Diploma from the George Brown College in Toronto. She is currently the Indigenous Inclusion Consultant at the City of Saskatoon and was previously the Director of Indigenous Business programs at the University of Saskatchewan. Lois is passionate about the arts and local economic development.

Rae Staseson, Regina
Educator, Media Artist

Professor Rae Staseson, Dean of the Faculty of Media, Art, and Performance at the University of Regina, is also a media artist and curator. Her work has been exhibited internationally in 14 countries and is represented in several collections, including the National Gallery of Canada, the Walker Art Centre, and the Saskatchewan Arts Board. The focus of her work for the last decade has been a series of video and sound projections tracing themes of home, site/place, and memory. As an administrator and curator, Rae opened, directed, and curated for Concordia's Media Gallery, hosting innovative exhibitions by local, national and international media artists. She joined the University of Regina in 2014, and is leading the faculty in new directions with the recent renaming and rebrand of the Faculty of Fine Arts, now known as the Faculty of Media, Art, and Performance.

Lyndon Tootoosis, Battleford
Sculptor

Lyndon Tootoosis, of the Battle River Cree tribal group, has been a sculptor for 25 years. As a youth, he was traditionally guided and learned to make ceremonial objects. With permission from his Elders, he shares their stories, legends, and beliefs through sculpture. His artwork is found in collections across Canada, including that of the Saskatchewan Arts Board. Lyndon has worked with the Allen Sapp Gallery and the Living Sky and Chinook School Districts. In 2014, he was on the artistic team for the North American Indigenous Games, where he served as a mentor and ensured that cultural protocols were followed.