Meet the ASUPCA Team!

President, Chinook Parkway

Michael Newell serves as the President of the Association of Saskatchewan Urban Parks & Conservation Agencies.

Michael brings more than two decades of public sector expertise in municipal greenspace management, commercial horticulture, and cemetery operations. Prior to his work in Saskatchewan, he built an extensive professional background in Ontario through supervisory positions with the City of Owen Sound, the City of Cambridge, and the Mount Pleasant Group of Cemeteries. He holds an Associate Diploma in Horticulture from the University of Guelph and is a credentialed CPSI Playground Inspector. His diverse background combines technical asset management, community collaboration, and environmental design to support ASUPCA's mission of connecting people to nature.

Vice President, Meewasin Valley

Andrea is a part of Meewasin’s leadership team and provides strategic and overall operational guidance on legal, financial, information technology, and governance issues. She is a detail oriented problem solver focused on the next right step to guide operations to their intended outcomes. Born and raised in rural Saskatchewan, Andrea is a farm girl at heart, but has spent much of her adult life right here in Saskatoon. She is deeply connected to the legacy work of Meewasin and its impact on the Saskatoon region.

Secretary/Treasurer, Tatagwa Parkway

Curtis started with the City of Weyburn Parks Department in 2012 as a Parks Technician and accepted the Position as Parks Manager in 2018. Curtis is responsible for all aspects of the Parks Department and has had the pleasure working with exceptional City staff over the years. Curtis’s duties and responsibilities include: Parks staff recruitment and training, Parks, Green Space, and Play Space Management, Urban Forest (ISA certified), Cemetery operations, Campground operations, Tatagwa Parkway Parks Administration, and ASUPCA member.

Administrator & Social Media Coordinator

As the Administrator and Social Media Coordinator for ASUPCA, Trish oversees organizational operations and digital outreach across Saskatchewan. She manages communications, coordinates member engagement, and ensures ASUPCA’s online presence reflects its mission to promote accessible, inclusive natural recreation spaces. With a background in administration, marketing, and non profit finance, she combines administrative precision with creative storytelling to highlight ASUPCA’s initiatives, partnerships, and impact throughout the province.

Director, Chinook Parkway

Martin is an experienced Parks Superintendent and horticulture professional with more than 15 years of progressive experience across municipal parks operations, urban forestry, sports fields, cemeteries, open spaces and landscape construction.

His has a proven ability to lead staff, support operating and capital budget preparation, oversee procurement, maintain safety and regulatory compliance, and deliver responsive public services.

Supported by a strong background in operational planning, asset and fleet oversight, stakeholder engagement, labour relations and staff development, Martin brings a wealth of knowledge and skills to both the City of Swift Current and ASUPCA.

Ex-Officio, Saskatchewan Parks and Recreation Association

Andrew Exelby sits on the ASUPCA board in an ex-officio capacity. He is the Parks and Open Spaces Consultant with the Saskatchewan Parks and Recreation Association (SPRA). Working with SPRA since 2012, he thoroughly enjoys connecting the parks industry across Saskatchewan through his activity with groups such as ASUPCA, Sask Trails, Sask Regional Parks and the Trans Canada Trail. Working with all of these groups makes good use of his educational background in Landscape Management from Olds College and his coordination role of Communities in Bloom and consulting efforts with communities and park operators across Saskatchewan fill the rest of his time at SPRA. Andrew is rooted in rural Saskatchewan, living on the farm where he grew up near Craven, SK with his wife and two children. They enjoy travelling across the province and experiencing the great parks and recreation opportunities that Saskatchewan has to offer.

Director, Tatagwa Parkway

Richard Henning is the Director of Leisure Services for the City of Weyburn, where he oversees local parks, sports, recreation facilities, and major community projects like the city's aquatic and recreation complex.

Director, Battleford River Valley

Michelle Horncastle is the General Manager of InnovationPlex with the City of North Battleford and has worked in the Parks and Recreation field for over 10 years. Throughout her career, she has gained experience in recreation facility operations, programming, event management, staff leadership, and community development.

Michelle is passionate about the role parks and recreation play in building healthy, active, and connected communities. As a member of the Saskatchewan Urban Parks and Recreation Association (ASUPCA), she looks forward to connecting with Parks professionals from across the province.

Outside of work, Michelle enjoys spending time outdoors camping, fishing, and hiking, as well as photography.

Director, Pehonan Parkway

Erin is a Recreation Programmer with the City of Prince Albert, holding a Bachelor of Arts in Recreation, Sport and Tourism and Canadian Certified Playground Inspector (CPSI) designation.

She oversees the City’s summer Playground Program, coordinates playground maintenance, supports the planning and development of capital playground projects, and contributes to facility operations at the Alfred Jenkins Fieldhouse. With 15 years of experience in municipal parks and recreation, she is committed to creating safe, inclusive and engaging recreational opportunities and welcoming park spaces that serve and connect the community. Outside of work, Erin enjoys traveling and hiking, staying active through fitness and recreation, and attending live sporting events.

Director, Wakamow Valley Authority

Director, Wakamow Valley Authority

Director, Wascana Centre

Director, Meewasin Valley

As Meewasin’s Chief Executive Officer, Mike is responsible for ensuring that the vision of the Valley, as set out in the 100 Year Master Plan and strategic plans, is realized through conservation, development, and education. Mike serves as a community leader and advocate for the organization. He collaborates closely with municipal, provincial, federal, First Nations and Métis governments, the University of Saskatchewan, and other community interest-holders.

Mike earned his degree in Regional and Urban Planning from the University of Saskatchewan and has a passion for good urbanism that includes well connected and protected natural areas. Born and raised in Saskatoon, he is often walking and biking the Meewasin Trail with his family. Mike is deeply honoured to work as part of dedicated team that makes the best part of the Saskatoon region better.

Director, Battleford River Valley

Gordon "Gord" Whitton serves as the Parks and Arenas Manager for the City of North Battleford, overseeing the operations, maintenance, and long‑term development of the city’s parks, green spaces, arena facilities, and cemeteries.

With a strong commitment to safety, efficiency, and community service, Gord works closely with his team to ensure residents and visitors enjoy high‑quality recreational spaces throughout the year. He takes pride in supporting staff, enhancing facilities, and contributing to the overall livability of North Battleford.

Gord models a democratic leadership style that emphasizes inclusivity, boldness, and staff well‑being. An approach that consistently drives efficiency, effectiveness, and a positive workplace culture.

Director, Pehonan Parkway

Timothy Yeaman is the City of Prince Albert’s Parks and Open Spaces Manager, providing leadership for the municipality’s parks, open spaces, urban forestry, recreational amenities, and related infrastructure. A Certified Arborist with extensive experience in municipal parks management, he brings a practical, hands-on approach to the planning, development, maintenance, and renewal of the City’s public spaces and recreational facilities.

In his role, Yeaman provides operational leadership and oversees capital planning, asset management, public safety, project delivery, and the long-term stewardship of the City’s parks and open spaces. He has played a key role in major community projects, including Little Red River Park, Rotary Adventure Park, neighbourhood parks, playgrounds, and other public recreational facilities, while also supporting community partnerships and initiatives that enhance public spaces for residents.

Tim’s professional education includes training through the Municipal Forestry Institute, along with ongoing professional development in organizational behaviour and leadership through the University of Alberta in his pursuit of the National Advanced Certificate in Local Authority Administration Level I and II. His career reflects a strong commitment to public service, practical municipal leadership, urban forestry, and the development of safe, accessible, sustainable, and well-maintained public spaces that serve the Prince Albert community.