Churchill Gateway Development Corporation
The CGDC has compiled a dedicated Board of Directors comprised of academics, business leaders, former statesmen and logistic experts. The Board reflects the serious commitment of Manitoban and Canadian leaders to the successful future of the Port of Churchill.
Lloyd Axworthy, Chairman of the Board
Lloyd Axworthy is President and Vice Chancellor of the University of Winnipeg. Formerly Director and CEO of the Liu Institute for Global Issues at the University of British Columbia and Canada's Foreign Minister from 1995 to 2000, Lloyd Axworthy's political career spanned 27 years, during six of which he served in the Manitoba Legislative Assembly and twenty-one in the Federal Parliament. He held several Cabinet positions, notably Minister of Employment and Immigration, Minister Responsible for the Status of Women, Minister of Transport, Minister of Human Resources Development, Minister of Western Economic Diversification and Minister of Foreign Affairs.
Lloyd Axworthy remains involved in international matters and lectures widely in Canada, the U.S. and abroad. His book "Navigating a New World - Canada's Global Future", was published in the Fall of 2005.
Lloyd Axworthy graduated in 1961 with a B.A. from United College (now the University of Winnipeg), obtained his M.A. in Political Science from Princeton University in 1963, and subsequently earned a PhD from Princeton in 1972.
Mike Ogborn, Managing Director, OmniTRAX, Inc. and President, CGDC
Michael Ogborn is responsible for government relations, labor relations, public relations, contract administration, Class I relationships and administrative matters for OmniTRAX. Mr. Ogborn has negotiated all of the purchase and sale agreements of acquisitions or dispositions as well as handling and negotiating all of the labor agreements on behalf of OmniTRAX Canada Inc.
Mr. Ogborn is active in the American Short Line and Regional Railroad Association, and is currently serving on its Board of Directors and Executive Committee. He has also served for the Intermodal Association of North America. He previously served in various management capacities. Mr. Ogborn has a BA and a JD from the University of South Dakota.
Angela Mathieson, Director
Angela Mathieson holds the position of Secretary to the Community and Economic Development Committee of Cabinet (CEDC) for the Manitoba Government. In her role as Secretary to CEDC, she coordinates major community and economic development projects for the Province.
Previously, she was Assistant Deputy Minister in the Department of Intergovernmental Affairs and Trade, responsible for urban strategic initiatives and the City of Winnipeg.
She has a Master's degree in city planning and prior to joining the Manitoba government she worked in consulting on numerous projects dealing with urban management, strategic planning, and economic development, with clients in government, non-profit and private sectors.
Mike Spence, Director
Michael Spence serves as Mayor for the Town of Churchill and has served on Council since 1989. Born and raised in Churchill, Manitoba, Mayor Spence has continued to reside in Churchill with his spouse and two daughters.
He is the owner of Tamarack Interiors Ltd. and The Seaport Hotel in Churchill as well as the Wat’chee Lodge, which specializes in Aboriginal Cultural Experiences. Prior to becoming an entrepreneur, Mr. Spence was employed by the Churchill Pre-Fab Housing Plant, where he learned the floor installation business.
In 1990 he was appointed by Mayor and Council to serve on the Churchill Economic Advisory Committee as well as the Churchill Health Centre Board and was later elected by the Board to serve as Chairperson. Mayor Spence is an Executive Member of the York Factory First Nation, as well as a Board member for the Manitoba Hydro Electric Board, and the Interim Executive Committee for Travel Manitoba. Mr. Spence was also appointed by the Premier to serve on the Climate Change Task Force.
Eitan Dehtiar, Director
Eitan brings nearly 20 years experience in finance, supply chain management and business development. Most recently, Eitan served as Vice President Finance & Strategic Planning with Braden-Burry Expediting Ltd., where he was involved in the development of supply chains for Northern Canada's largest resources projects. Eitan has spent many years helping develop the Churchill Gateway, and has served numerous boards, including various Chambers of Commerce, as well as municipal and territorial boards. Eitan graduated from Queen’s University with a Masters Degree in Business Administration. He is also a Certified Management Accountant.
Darcy Brede, Director
Mr. Darcy Brede serves as Senior Vice President/Chief Operating Officer of OmniTRAX and directly manages operations for the OmniTRAX organization and its managed companies in the U.S. and Canada, terminal services, equipment services, and switching services. Darcy holds full responsibility for the financial performance, team development, labor relations, and safe operating environments.
Darcy brings over 20 years of experience in the railroad industry. Darcy started his career with BC Rail where he held several positions including Director of Network Operations, Area Manager and Terminal Manager. Within OmniTRAX, Darcy has held the roles of General Manager, Regional Vice President and Executive Vice President of Operations. Darcy graduated from the University of British Columbia with a BA in History and Literature, and earned his MBA from the University of Western Ontario.