At the September 21, 2023 AGM of the Calgary Horticultural Society, the following are new directors standing for their first two-year term ending in September 2025.
Nicki Griffin
Nicki is a Chartered Professional Accountant that offers more than 25 years of experience in accounting, team management, and client service. Her expertise includes vital finance and reporting responsibilities including cash forecasts, analysis of operating entities and projects, and providing support in future acquisitions, divestitures, and financing. Nicki enjoys photography, particularly taking pictures of flowers and plants. One of her favorite books is The Secret Garden and one day she would like one of her own to get lost in. Nicki’s favourite flower is a Peony.
Maria Lavelle
Maria is a lawyer with over 20 years of experience. She currently works as legal counsel with the Alberta Energy Regulator. She is an enthusiastic amateur gardener with a love of growing vegetables that began when she was a child. She brings to the Calhort Board previous governance experience as the Chair and Vice-Chair of the (former) Calgary Science Network (now the Alberta Science Network).
Melissa Morrow
Melissa Morrow is a senior HR leader who is a Charter HR Professional and Certified Executive Coach. Melissa has been surrounded by gardeners her whole life with both her mother and mother-in-law being avid gardeners. Melissa moved from Ontario in 2014 and was excited to discover the Calgary Horticultural Society to assist in adapting to this challenging growing zone. Melissa has been actively supporting the Society since last November.
Monika Sipley
Monika has held many different roles in her 33-year career in the Oil and Gas industry. Ranging from Retail Sales, Marketing, Information Technology, and Project Management. She recently retired and is now pursuing her passion in gardening, volunteering for various boards and is heavily involved in cat rescue organizations.
Allyson Seeney
Allyson works as a Senior Investment Associate within Calgary’s wealth management industry. In her role at BMO Nesbitt Burns she supports individuals, families and businesses with financial planning and implementing investment strategies. Allyson is licensed with the Canadian Investment Regulatory Organization and holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Alberta. She also has past experience working in government and the not-for-profit sector.
Allyson has been container gardening in her condo since 2015. She’s very interested in urban agriculture, community gardening and studying the mental health benefits of being outdoors. When she’s not tending to her plants, Allyson and her husband (Mike) can be found hiking or biking on trails in the Canadian Rockies.
Natasha Tames
Natasha Tames is a lawyer in practicing in the areas of insurance, commercial litigation, professional negligence, and construction litigation. She is passionate about gardening, both indoors and outdoors, and is currently interested in learning more about native plants and whether yuzu trees can viably be grown potted and indoors during our cold, Calgary winters. Natasha joined the Horticultural Society to continue learning about horticulture, participate in the plant exchanges, and meet fellow gardening enthusiasts across Calgary. She joined the board in January.
