Faculty of Management

University of Lethbridge students take first place and the $10,000 prize at the CMA/CGA Alberta Board Governance Case Competition

CALGARY, AB– Business students from the University of Lethbridge won first place at the Certified Management Accountants (CMA) and Certified General Accountants (CGA) Alberta’s Board Governance Case Competition March 13 - 15 in Calgary.

The first place team was comprised of students Britney Anderson, Sahib Chhatwal, Jaden Evanson, Tasneem Kapacee and Sean Maddocks.

The students analyzed a governance case, based on a fictitious not-for-profit company, and presented their recommendations to a judging panel of esteemed Alberta business leaders, including: Kris Matthews, FCMA, President, Matthews Group LLP; Darrell Nimchuk, CMA, Consultant; Alison Geskin, Director of Development & Communication, Alberta Ballet; Jerry Richardson, FCMA, Partner, Ethier Associates; Kara Claypool, CMA, COO & CEO, Vintage Group; Blake Bartlett, CMA, Director, Forecasting, Alberta Health Services; Don Burwash, FCMA, Director of Finance, Signalta Resources Limited; Rita Sly, CMA, Director, ATB Financial; Christine McGinley, Consultant.

The students had six hours to develop their case and create a presentation to deliver to the judging panel.

“I’m always amazed at the quality of the presentations these students are able to achieve in only six hours, and this year was no exception,” says Joan Bedard, CMA (Hon.), Director, Customer Relations and Events, CMA Alberta.  “Overall the competition was a success, the judges were thoroughly impressed and each team member gained comprehensive practical experience that they can use in their careers.”

U of L Faculty of Management Dean, Dr. Bob Ellis, offered congratulations to the participants.

"I am so proud of what our students and their coaches have accomplished!" said Ellis. "We thank and congratulate our dedicated coaches, Glen Baker, Gord Hunter, Bruce Thurston and Eric MacLeod."

The competition also included a Board Governance 101 workshop lead by Dr. Chris Bart, founder, principal and lead professor of The Directors College and a leading board governance expert. Dr. Bart’s presentation focused on governance fundamentals and the importance of maintaining a positive relationship between management and a board of directors.

Team members with ONE rep Kara Mitchelmore

For more information about the CMA Alberta Board Governance Competition, visit www.cma-alberta.com/case.