LEADERSHIP
Meet our leadership team
United by a vision for growth and innovation, Taza Development Corp. is a team of dedicated professionals who create meaningful, sustainable developments that empower communities. We translate expertise in leasing, marketing, communications, design and administration into connection, opportunity and progress for the Tsuut’ina Nation—and beyond.
President
james robertson
james robertson
A highly accomplished and experienced leader in community development, James formerly served as the inaugural President & CEO of the University of Calgary Properties Group, formerly known as West Campus Development Trust. During his 11-year tenure, he led the development of the University District master plan, transforming 200 acres of vacant land into a 9 million-sq.ft. mixed-use community.
As the City of Calgary Director of the Office of Land Servicing and Housing and President of the Calgary Housing Company, James oversaw a comprehensive portfolio exceeding $400 million, significantly contributing to the growth and transformation of Calgary’s urban fabric. His expertise extends beyond the public sector; he worked with IBI Group, an internationally renowned planning, architecture and design firm, and served as a board member of the Building Land Development Association – Calgary Region.
James’s leadership in creating complete, sustainable and prosperous communities has been recognized by the Canada Green Building Council, which awarded his work the highest certification for sustainability excellence.
Vice President, Development
bryce starlight
Bryce Starlight is an accomplished professional who has devoted his career to empowering Indigenous communities, promoting cultural awareness and fostering collaboration between industry and Indigenous communities.
His roles on political and technical working groups has given him extensive experience in First Nations land management, water policy, and resource management. In the private sector, he spent more than five years collaborating closely with Indigenous nations to develop pipeline and transmission line applications in Alberta and British Columbia. He has played a crucial role in managing engagement on a range of industry projects, facilitating working committees and presenting to First Nation leadership.
As Vice President of Development for Taza, Bryce plays a crucial role in ensuring traditional knowledge, values and practices are incorporated, not only to preserve Tsuut’ina culture, but also to promote cultural understanding among interested parties. By working closely with Tsuut’ina Nation and Canderel, Bryce ensures effective collaboration, alignment and efficient decision-making processes that move the project forward.
Vice President, Community Experience
Maureen Henderson
Maureen is a seasoned professional with more than two decades of experience in marketing, communications and real estate development projects. In her role at Taza, she has been instrumental in driving the vision and strategy behind placemaking and community building in the planned villages.
Her passion for creating thriving and inclusive communities has been evident throughout her career, which has encompassed executive roles in residential development, tourism and event management, as well as not-for-profit projects for companies like Brookfield Residential, Telus Spark Science Centre, Sheraton Hotels, Distinctive Edge Event Management and Calgary Sports & Entertainment Corporation.
With a comprehensive understanding of the social, economic and environmental dynamics of community development, Maureen has successfully led the design and execution of numerous initiatives that enhance community engagement, connectivity and overall viability for development projects. Before joining the Taza team, she served as the Vice-President of Marketing and Communications for the University of Calgary Properties Group, guiding the community-centric strategy for placemaking in both the University District and University Innovation Quarter.
She is deeply committed to mentoring young marketing and real estate professionals. An ardent advocate for forward-thinking and innovative approaches to community-driven development, Maureen continues to shape vibrant and dynamic projects that leave a legacy for the City of Calgary.
Vice President, Finance & Administration
Kyle Sheard
Kyle leads all finance and business administration functions at Taza. With more than a decade of experience in property development and corporate finance, Kyle brings valuable expertise to his role in overseeing capital planning, investment management, corporate strategy, resourcing and reporting.
Kyle has designed and implemented finance and management processes to optimize pro forma underwriting, manage liquidity and coordinate partnership reporting. He oversees creating and submitting all investment proposals and business cases for real estate and infrastructure projects. He has significantly increased partnership returns by reinvesting land proceeds into vertical development projects. It has secured and managed over $200M in project financing and credit facilities to deliver critical projects and provide operational liquidity.
Originally from South Africa, Kyle came to Canada by way of Brisbane, Australia, where he worked in a treasury position with Suncor Energy and as a Development Manager with Springfield Land Corporation and Mirvac Queensland.
Director, Design
Judith MacDougall
Judith MacDougall brings to Taza a wealth of experience and expertise garnered from more than 25 years in the architectural industry. She’s an established leader in sustainable design and complex building development, with a focus on impactful, human-centered experiences.
Throughout her career, Judith has played a critical role in numerous community-based, institutional and commercial mixed-use projects, inspiring her team to create inclusive spaces that maximize development potential and social engagement. Notably, she has worked closely with various Indigenous communities including the Siksika Nation and the Kainai Nation, to develop funding applications and conceptual designs that incorporate traditional ways of knowing and feedback from community members.
Judith’s expertise also extends to placemaking, community development and master planning, as evidenced by her work in various projects including the District at Beltline in Calgary, Red Crow Community College on Kainai Nation in southern Alberta and the Lakeshore Road Masterplan in Kelowna, BC.
Judith has previously held key positions at architectural firms such as Bing Thom Architects, Kasian, Omicron and McKinley Burkart. Her leadership and strategic vision have contributed to significant growth and success in these organizations, earning several accolades such as the APEGA award for Environment and Sustainability for the University of Calgary Child Development Centre, the Prairie Wood Design award for Red Crow Community College and the Mayor’s Urban Design Awards – Urban Architecture for the District.
Director, Accounting
Cecilia Hyslop
Cecilia Hyslop is the Director of Accounting at Taza Development Corp., where she leads a team that is dedicated to streamlining processes and improving efficiencies. With more than 20 years of accounting experience, her expertise lies in streamlining processes, enhancing efficiencies and demonstrating a remarkable track record in financial reporting.
Cecilia has worked in various industries in Romania and Canada, gaining extensive knowledge in financial reporting, budgeting, forecasting and developing departmental policies and procedures.
Since relocating to Canada, Cecilia has focused her career in the real estate sector, where she obtained her CPA, CGA designation in 2015 from CPA Alberta.
Director, Tsuut’ina Relations
Randy Dodginghorse
As a proud member of the Tsuut’ina Nation with a deep connection to his Indigenous community, Randy strengthens the partnership between the Tsuut’ina Nation and Canderel. Born and raised in the Tsuut’ina Nation, Randy has spent much of his life immersed in the traditions, language and history of his people.
Randy worked in various First Nation organizations, gaining valuable experience in diverse portfolios after relocating to Vancouver, BC in 2010. Since his return to Tsuut’ina Nation in 2016, Randy has been dedicated to working with Treaty 7 Leadership and the Tsuut’ina community in the field of education. He has worked with the Tsuut’ina Education Department as a facilitator and cultural teacher, and helped develop a land-based cultural program under the guidance of community Elders and traditionalists for the Tsuut’ina elementary, middle and high school curriculum.
With his professional background and personal dedication, Randy is committed to the well-being of the Tsuut’ina people and adept at navigating the complexities of economic development to ensure mutual benefit for all parties.
Vice President, Legal
Linda Laratta
Linda Laratta is an integral part of Taza Development Corp., where she serves as Legal Counsel and the Vice President of Legal and Contract Administration. With more than 30 years of experience, Linda provides vital legal counsel on corporate, commercial real estate, construction and land development matters. Her expertise spans various areas, including land acquisition and disposition, ownership and transaction structuring, as well as contract and commercial lease negotiations.
Linda is a dedicated professional who is a longstanding member of the Law Society of Alberta. Before joining Taza in 2019, Linda honed her skills at several law firms and was a legal advisor to several prominent real estate groups. Her role at Taza allows her to combine her legal expertise with her desire to create a meaningful legacy, making her an invaluable member of the team.
Board of Directors
The Taza leadership team answers to a Board of Directors, which includes two members from Canderel and Tsuut’ina Nation Minor Chiefs. The board meets quarterly to make high-level decisions about the development, and ensures all parties are given equal representation and voice.
Chairman
Jonathan Wener, Canderel
In 1975, it was Jonathan’s mad love for architecture and keen, energetic eye for real estate development that started not only the Canderel we know today, but the one of tomorrow—with a totally new generation of bright, entrepreneurial real estate experts. Heralded as one of Canada’s top business leaders and a respected philanthropist, Jonathan continues to impart his vast experience, deep knowledge, generous nature and valuable guidance as Chairman.
Executive Vice-President & COO
Ben Rogowski, Canderel
Thoughtfulness and astute judgment are two of the many qualities that have placed Ben at the head of Canderel’s corporate operations. For more than two decades, he has been at the nucleus of the acquisition and execution of several high-profile developments across the country. Ben’s entrepreneurial spirit, coupled with a consistent risk mitigation mindset, continues to play a key role in the growth of Canderel.
Xàkújághá, Minor Chief
Shay Runner, Tsuut’ina Nation
The great-grandson of Chief Big Belly and Maggie Big Belly and Oscar and Daisy Otter, Shay grew up on Tsuut’ina Nation and continues to pass generations of Tsuut’ina values and traditions down to his family. A graduate of the First Nation Business program at Yellowhead Tribal College in Edmonton and a former provincial school liaison, Shay was elected to his first term in 2019, where his lifelong reputation as a positive and dedicated team player has only grown.
Xàkújághá, Minor Chief
Paul Whitney, Tsuut’ina Nation
Born in Calgary, Paul grew up on Tsuut’ina Nation until he went to residential school in Northern Alberta at the age of 14. He returned home at 18 and has lived in Tsuut’ina ever since. After earning his Red Seal in Journeyman Mechanics from SAIT, Paul mentored apprentice Nation members who wanted to pursue the same career path. A third-degree black belt in Hapkido, Paul has spent more than 33 years mentoring martial arts students.
