Our Board

AITC-SK is supported by a board of exceptional individuals that provide strong leadership skills and diverse concepts that help lead the provincial team in a successful direction. Our Board encourages collaboration, creativity, passion, and critical thinking of staff members and Saskatchewan's agriculture and education communities.  

Dean Elliott

Dean Elliott
Chairperson

Bio

Dean Elliott

Dean brings a strong Education perspective to the board. For many years, as a teacher then later with Ministry of Education as the science consultant, writing K-12 science curriculum. Dean is no stranger to AITC as he spent several years on the board as a representative of the Ministry of Education and collaborated with AITC through his current work with Saskatchewan Industry Education Council and the Saskatchewan Distance Learning Corporation.

Sarah Baille

Sarah Baille
Vice-Chair

Bio

Sarah Baille

Sarah Baille is a Marketing Manager at Fast Genetics. She grew up on a mixed farm near Spiritwood, SK, where her family raised cattle and grew grains and forages. After graduating high school, Sarah obtained a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture, majoring in Animal Science at the University of Saskatchewan. This is when she was first introduced to volunteering with AITC (through being involved in the CALM initiative). She now works for Fast Genetics, a pig genetics company with roots in Saskatchewan, and currently manage their marketing and communications while also completing her MBA through the University of Guelph. Outside of her career, Sarah loves getting involved in anything to do with promoting agriculture and educating on how incredible the industry is. Some of these activities, outside of AITC, include advising on the Sask Pork Symposium board, being an educator on Farm and Food Care food influencer tour, and working with the Animal (Bio) Science Club at the UofS on educating students about careers available in their field.

Brendon Fornwald

Brendon Fornwald

Bio

Brendon Fornwald

Brendon is a Senior Farm Management Consultant who joined Backswath in 2022.  He specializes in financial management and services tailored to the agriculture industry.  Previously, he spent over six years as a Senior Relationship Manager with Farm Credit Canada, focusing on agricultural production lending and relationship management in Saskatchewan. Brendon holds a Bachelor of Business Administration with a Finance major from the University of Regina and is an active member of the Canadian Association of Farm Advisors (CAFA) and serves as the Chair of the Regina CAFA Chapter.  Raised on a mixed farm, now a fully grain-based operation, he brings lifelong agricultural experience combined with financial expertise.  His approach emphasizes strong relationships, honest advice, and tailored solutions to help clients achieve their goals.

Bryan McNabb

Bryan McNabb

Bio

Bryan McNabb

Bryan McNabb is the Superintendent of Indigenous Education with Horizon School Division, overseeing 42 schools across east-central Saskatchewan. With over 34 years in education, Bryan brings deep expertise in Indigenous educational approaches, including Treaty Education, Truth and Reconciliation, and land-based learning. He previously served as Principal of George Gordon Education Centre and held elected leadership roles within George Gordon First Nation, including Chief and Band Councillor. Bryan holds a Master of Education in Administration and a Bachelor of Education from the University of Regina. His work is rooted in fostering inclusive, culturally responsive learning environments and building strong partnerships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities. Bryan is known for his integrity, strategic insight, and commitment to collaboration, making him a respected leader and advocate for educational equity and innovation.

Byron Eberle

Byron Eberle

Bio

Byron Eberle

Byron Eberle is a leader with Farm Credit Canada (FCC), bringing extensive experience in Canada’s agriculture and food sectors. He is known for building high-performing teams and leading with a collaborative, inclusive approach, with a strong focus on developing people and fostering meaningful partnerships. In his role at FCC, Byron works closely with entrepreneurs and companies across the agri-food industry, supporting their growth and helping them reach their full potential. His deep understanding of the sector and ability to connect people, ideas, and opportunities brings valuable perspective to the AITC-SK Board.

Claire Ledingham

Claire Ledingham

Bio

Claire Ledingham

Although Claire grew up in urban Saskatchewan she has always been fascinated with agriculture and food production, this led to her obtaining a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture from the University of Saskatchewan in 2023. Claire has since worked to gain practical knowledge of the agriculture industry with a focus on livestock production. She spent time gaining experience in swine production, grazing management and beef cattle nutrition. In the spring of 2025 Claire stepped into her current role as a Public Trust Specialist with the Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture. In this role she collaborates with agriculture industry groups to bring the exciting story of Canadian agriculture to the public! Coming from an urban upbringing Claire understands the importance of spreading clear and accurate information about the agriculture industry, particularly to school-aged children.

Jason Croswell

Jason Croswell

Bio

Jason Croswell

Jason Croswell is the Manager of Compliance with Saskatchewan Crop Insurance Corporation (SCIC), with a strong foundation in agriculture and leadership. Raised on a family dairy farm, Jason returned home after attending Mount Saint Vincent University to partner with his parents, helping grow the operation into a large-scale beef, grain, and forage farm. In 2010, he transitioned to SCIC, where he has advanced through multiple roles into leadership. Today, he leads compliance within the Finance Division, overseeing audit processes, data accuracy, and program integrity. He holds a Business Management Diploma from Saskatchewan Polytechnic, along with certificates in Leadership and Public Policy. Jason lives on an acreage with his wife and children and remains closely connected to agriculture. He is also a volunteer firefighter, Medical First Responder, and an active mentor, contributing to agricultural education initiatives across the province.

Jessica Lovich

Jessica Lovich

Bio

Jessica Lovich

Jessica Lovich is a passionate dairy farmer from the Regina area. With her husband, they own Lovholm Holsteins, a dairy farm that focuses on genetics and production. They are also currently raising the next generation of future agricultural leaders with their three girls. Outside of farm life Jessica and her family are all actively involved in their community through sports and youth groups. Jessica is currently a director for SaskMilk but would love to be part of the AITC organization as well. Their family farm hosts farm tours through Ag In the Classroom and other industry partners. They love talking agriculture with school groups, industry groups and various tours that come to their farm. It is important that people understand the agriculture industry and how it impacts their lives. Jessica feels she would be an asset to the AITC board as she is passionate about education and have experience with the program as well.

Jessica Podhordeski

Jessica Podhordeski

Bio

Jessica Podhordeski

Jessica Podhordeski is the Executive Director of Sask Sheep. She lives on a farm near Marcelin, Saskatchewan, with her husband and their two sons. Raised in Saskatoon without a direct connection to agriculture, Jessica’s path into the industry began with her passion for horses. This interest led her to join 4-H and ultimately pursue a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture, majoring in Animal Science. During her time at university, she gained valuable hands-on experience and married into a farming family. Jessica’s career has been rooted in the hog sector and public education, while also spanning the beef, sheep, goat, and dairy industries. In 2024, Jessica and her husband purchased the family farm, where they now operate a retail hay business. They are proud to be raising their family on the farm and look forward to continuing to grow their operation.

Lesley Kelly

Lesley Kelly

Bio

Lesley Kelly

Lesley Kelly is a farmer, entrepreneur, and mental health advocate based in Watrous, Saskatchewan, where she farms with her family. As the voice behind High Heels & Canola Fields, Lesley connects farmers and consumers by sharing authentic stories from the farm, building trust and understanding around agriculture. Her advocacy grew while launching a snack food company using her family’s grain, which led to an online community of more than 100,000 followers focused on transparency, education, and connection. Lesley is also a leader in advancing mental health in agriculture. As a trained peer supporter and co-founder of the Do More Agriculture Foundation, she has played a key role in reducing stigma, expanding access to resources, and supporting farmers and farm families across North America. Her leadership has been recognized with the Farm & Food Care Champion Award, YWCA Women of Distinction Award, and the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal. She currently serves as a Director with Saskatchewan Wheat and Farm & Food Care Saskatchewan. At home, Lesley enjoys life on the farm with her husband and two sons, often found at the rink, in the kitchen, or in the combine.

Rochelle Mansiere

Rochelle Mansiere

Bio

Rochelle Mansiere

Rochelle Mansiere is a Senior Consultant with Hawkeye Strategies, where she supports cooperatives and communities by strengthening governance through practical, engaging approaches. With over 20 years of experience in strategic planning, facilitation, and marketing, Rochelle helps organizations clarify their vision and translate it into actionable strategy. Her expertise spans enterprise performance, communications, marketing, and crisis and issues management across a range of industries, including agriculture, financial services, manufacturing, and energy. An experienced facilitator and speaker, she is known for bringing clarity and energy to complex conversations, helping boards and leadership teams make informed decisions. Rochelle holds a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture, majoring in Agricultural Economics, from the University of Saskatchewan. She continues to build her expertise through ongoing governance and leadership development programs. Active in her community, she supports youth development through local volunteer roles. Outside of work, she enjoys time with her family, the outdoors, and baking French bread.

Tracey Broughton

Tracey Broughton

Bio

Tracey Broughton

Tracy Broughton is the Executive Director of SaskOilseeds, with over 15 years of experience in the agriculture sector. She brings expertise in governance, strategy, and policy, along with a strong, results-oriented approach to leadership. Known for building collaborative partnerships and driving progress across the industry, Tracy contributes valuable insight and governance experience to the board of AITC-SK.