Board of Directors

The Alberta Elder Abuse Awareness Council Board of Directors represents communities and regions across the province. Their passion and expertise provide valuable input and direction to help shape the important work of the AEAAC.

AEAAC is recruiting new Board Members!

If you are committed to improving the lives of older adults in Alberta, come join us!
The Alberta Elder Abuse Awareness Council is a province-wide network of professionals representing communities across Alberta promoting the well-being and security of older adults. We work to increase community awareness, support a collaborative community response, and develop the resources to address and educate about elder abuse.

We are seeking eligible candidates who are committed to supporting the prevention of elder abuse in Alberta and interested in participating in the work of the AEAAC.

Commitment

Board members are expected to:

  • Attend monthly Board meetings by teleconference. (First Thursday of the month, 10:00 am – 12:00 pm)
  • Participate in a Sub-Committee based on need and interest
  • Provide guidance regarding the AEAAC’s mission, policies, and strategic plan
  • Actively support the sustainability and growth of the AEAAC and be an AEAAC Member in good standing

We are looking for individuals from various regions of our province, and strive to have representation from across all Alberta — including rural and remote areas.
Professional experience in the field of elder abuse prevention is not mandatory.

To apply, please download and submit the application form. If you have any questions about the recruitment process or about becoming a director, please email Joanne Blinco, Case Management Coordinator, at AEAAC.coordinator@outlook.com.

Current Board Members

Karen Whiteman
Karen WhitemanRegional Director Southern Alberta; (Calgary) Vice Chair Director
Karen Whiteman is currently the Regional Director, Southern Alberta at Kerby Centre that includes both Calgary and Medicine Hat. She is a skilled facilitator and presenter, and teaches non-profit management and diversity in the workplace at the university level. Committed to the work she does, Karen has been on many diverse boards at both a governance and operational level.

When Karen started working at Kerby Centre, she became passionate about elder abuse awareness and prevention, and is now proud to share her wealth of knowledge concerning elder abuse, gained while acting as director of the older adult shelter at the Kerby Centre.

Mark Dixon
Mark DixonExecutive Director SAIF Society; (St. Albert) Director
Mark is currently the Executive Director at Stop Abuse in Families (SAiF) Society in St. Albert. He has extensive board experience, including Rotary as president, and as steering committee chair for the St. Albert Youth Mental Health Hub. He says that because SAiF Elder Abuse programs benefit from AEAAC, he would like to reciprocate by taking on a larger role in this important provincial work. He comes to us with a marketing degree and nearly 40 years of marketing, communications, and strategy experience that he is hoping to leverage in his work with AEAAC.
Michael Bokhaut
Michael BokhautPartner with Carbert Waite LLP (Calgary) Director
Michael is a partner with Carbert Waite LLP, a litigation law firm in Calgary, Alberta. He practices commercial litigation and regularly defends clients from financial elder abuse. He sees that as a lawyer he could play a vital role in raising awareness of elder abuse in Alberta. On top of a law degree, he also has a commerce degree. He volunteers for a number of organizations in the Calgary community including mentoring junior lawyers and providing free legal advice to the local community through Pro Bono Law Alberta.
Jessica Fielding
Jessica FieldingMarketing Manager at Eagle Engineering and Consulting
As a seasoned marketing professional with over two decades of experience, Jessica is committed to leveraging strategic communication to raise awareness about elder abuse prevention. Currently serving as Marketing Manager at Eagle Engineering and Consulting, she brings a wealth of expertise in brand storytelling, digital engagement, and community outreach. Her strategic approach to marketing, extensive campaign launch experience, and deep understanding of communication channels will enhance AEAAC’s efforts to raise awareness and educate the public. Driven by a personal passion for protecting seniors, she is dedicated to driving communication strategies that educate and empower Albertans.

If you are concerned about yourself, a loved one, or someone in your community, please visit our Resource Page to find the closest agency to contact for help. If you need immediate help, please call 911, or for 24 hour support and referral, the Family Violence Info Line at 310-1818.