Announcing the 2026–2028 SAFA Leadership Team
Following this spring’s elections and the appointment process for remaining vacancies, SAFA’s leadership team for the 2026–2028 term is now in place. Thank you to everyone who put their name forward or participated in the election process. The following members will serve in SAFA leadership roles beginning July 1, 2026.
Table of Officers
| Position | Representative |
| President | Blair Howes |
| Secretary-Treasurer | Cameron Gall |
| Division I | Dan Jones |
| Earl Simpson | |
| Division II | Chuck Cheng |
| Amir Fard | |
| Division III | Teela Kowalchuk |
| Danny De Castro | |
| Division IV | Jessica Norman |
| Sheldon Thunstrom | |
| Division V | Milad Sabeti |
| Past Representative | Stephen Barry |
Academic Council Representatives
| Division | Representative | School/Department | Term Ends |
| Division I | Vacant | — | June 30, 2028 |
| Blair Howes | Construction | June 30, 2027 | |
| Division II | Chuck Cheng | Energy | June 30, 2028 |
| Brian McDonald | SADT | June 30, 2028 | |
| Troy Taperek | M&A | June 30, 2027 | |
| Division III | Linda Gardner | Business | June 30, 2028 |
| Milad Sabeti | Academic Services | June 30, 2028 | |
| Sonia Perna | Academic Services | June 30, 2027 | |
| Division IV | Sheldon Thunstrom | HPS | June 30, 2028 |
| Chris Collins | Energy | June 30, 2027 |
| Board of Governors Representatives | Term Ends |
| Lahiru Silva | June 30, 2028 |
| Richard Stobbant | June 30, 2027 |
Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE) Council
| Representative | Term Ends |
| Milad Sabeti | June 30, 2028 |
Thank you to all members who have stepped forward to serve. We look forward to working together over the next two years to support members, strengthen communication, and continue building a strong and effective Association.
Additional Volunteer Opportunities Still Available
While most positions have now been filled, SAFA is still seeking members to serve in several important representative and committee roles.
Academic Council – Division I Representative
One Academic Council position remains vacant for a two-year term ending June 30, 2028. Academic Council is responsible for providing advice and recommendations on academic matters that affect teaching, learning, and student success at SAIT.
SAFA is also accepting nominations for the following committees:
- SAIT Artificial Intelligence Committee (technology) – one-year term beginning July 1, 2026 – SADT faculty are encouraged to apply, as well as faculty in other schools with strong technical background in AI.
- SAFA/SAIT Faculty Workload Guidelines Committee – two-year term beginning September 1, 2026
Members interested in any of these opportunities are encouraged to review the committee information included with this newsletter and consider how their experience and perspective could contribute to these important discussions.
To apply, please complete the appropriate attached nomination form and submit it to the SAFA Office no later than 4:00 p.m. on June 19, 2026. Questions about these positions or committee responsibilities can be directed to the SAFA Office.