Our Staff
Justin Herman
Chief Executive Officer
Justin Herman is an accomplished professional with a diverse set of skills and experiences. He has a demonstrated history of working as an entrepreneur with specialization in strategic business partnerships and business leadership.
Herman's career trajectory shows his dedication to innovation and growth. He has held various leadership positions and has consistently pushed for excellence in every role. He strives to create an impact through strategic decision-making and fostering strong business relationships.
His commitment to continuous learning and adaptation sets him apart in the ever-evolving landscape. Justin Herman's broad skill set and vast experience make him a formidable force.
Under his leadership, partnerships have been cultivated to equip Indigenous people with jobs, opportunities, and training in diverse sectors of the economy. He has worked tirelessly to foster Indigenous inclusion through employment, community investment, and business opportunities to bring about economic and social prosperity.
One of the notable achievements under his leadership includes a joint venture with Convergint, a global leader in service-based systems integration. This collaboration has not only brought significant economic benefits but also helped in promoting diversity and inclusion for the citizens of his home community, Chard Métis Nation .
His leadership has also paved the way for landmark collaborations like the equity pipeline partnership between Enbridge and 23 Indigenous communities. These initiatives have increased Indigenous representation in the workforce and provided more business opportunities.
Moreover, Justin has been instrumental in addressing the Indigenous housing crisis in northern Alberta by working with leaders from different communities and Cenovus Energy.
Through his leadership role at the Chard Métis Nation, Justin continues to represent and advocate for Aboriginal and Métis people residing in and around Chard, Alberta.
Pamela Herman
General Manager
Pamela Herman is a dedicated and accomplished leader who currently serves as the General Manager of Chard Métis Nation. A beacon of resilience, hard work, and community focus, her journey is a testament to the power of perseverance and commitment.
As the General Manager of Chard Métis Nation, Pamela has made significant strides in advancing the organization's mission. Her leadership style is characterized by empathy, inclusivity, and a strong focus on community development. She has successfully spearheaded various initiatives that have positively impacted the community, demonstrating a profound understanding of the challenges faced by its members and a genuine dedication to their welfare.
Leonard Black
Business Development Manager
Leonard Black, a dedicated member of the Fort MacKay community for the past 25 years, brings a wealth of experience and a deep-rooted passion for his community to his role as Business Development Manager for the Chard Métis Nation. Born and raised in Janvier, Leonard is a proud member of the Chipewyan Prairie First Nation.
His professional journey spans several decades in oilfield services, where he worked diligently for industry leaders such as Shell and Bouchier. His extensive background in civil work and site services, which includes maintenance road repairs and operating floating equipment, has honed his skills and knowledge. He also continues to offer field support as needed, drawing upon his years of experience in snow removal with loaders and rock trucks, and site-wide watering roads with water trucks. This expertise, combined with his experience supervising teams of up to 40 individuals at Shell and Bouchier Group, has prepared him well for his current role.
Now, Leonard finds immense joy in serving his community while also enjoying more quality time with his beloved family - his wife, two children, and cherished granddaughter. The opportunity to give back to his community through his work with the Chard Métis Nation is not just a job for Leonard; it's an enriching part of his life journey.
We are grateful for Leonard's commitment to our community and his tireless efforts in helping us build a better future for the Chard Métis Nation. His dedication and hard work are truly appreciated by all members of our community.
Rolando Inzunza
Director of Consultation
Rolando Inzunza is a seasoned professional and a committed advocate for Indigenous rights. With almost three decades of experience in community engagement and consultation, Rolando brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the organization.
Born in Chile and educated in Canada, Rolando's career has been marked by a profound commitment to serving marginalized communities. His passion for indigenous rights led him to Chard Métis Nation, where his role allows him to work closely with the community, understand their needs, and advocate for their rights.
As Director of Consultation, Rolando's responsibilities include liaising between the community and various stakeholders, facilitating dialogue, and ensuring that the voices of the Chard Métis Nation are heard and respected. His strong communication skills, coupled with his deep understanding of indigenous issues, make him an effective advocate for the community.
Laura Secord
Finance Officer
With over Twenty years of experience Laura Secord has been providing sensible Financial and Administration focus to companies of all income levels. She has also appeared as a financial expert in various C-Level meetings in Edmonton and Fort McMurray. Laura is an accomplished Business Financial Controller and really enjoys using her skills to contribute to the success of The Chard Metis Nation and Chard Metis Dene Group of Companies. She specializes in administrative business controls and procedures including accounting software and organizational apps.
She brings a positive attitude and tireless energy that encourages others to work hard and succeed. She is inspired daily by her four children and one granddaughter. In her free time, Laura enjoys hunting and training her Labrador retrievers for Field Hunting Trials across Canada where she has achieved numerous awards.