Senior Leadership Contacts

With a diverse educational background and over two decades in various leadership roles (including teacher, vice principal, principal, division principal, associate and deputy superintendent levels), Dr. Ryan Sawula brings a wealth of experience to his current position as Superintendent of Schools of Chinook’s Edge School Division. He holds a Bachelor of Education degree (Social Studies major Career and Technology Studies Minor) and a Master of Education from the University of Alberta as well as a Doctorate in Education from the University of Calgary. His doctoral research from the University of Calgary explored how school leaders cultivate community. Ryan champions student voice, collaborative leadership, and data-informed decision-making to create responsive learning environments. Ryan is dedicated to fostering responsive learning environments through student voice, collaborative leadership, and evidence-based practices. As Superintendent, Ryan is responsible for supporting the Board of Trustees in all of its functions.  He provides leadership to Division staff in the provision of excellent programming for all students. In accordance with the Education Act Section 222, the Chief Superintendent is the Chief Executive Officer of the Board and the Chief Education Officer of the Division. The Superintendent reports directly to the Board and is accountable to the Board for the conduct and operation of the Division. All Board authority delegated to the staff of the Division is delegated through the Chief Superintendent. This work involves supporting the Board of Trustees in its governance function and ensuring Board policy is implemented effectively and directing and evaluating the division’s administrative procedures to ensure sound educational and corporate practices are achieved. Ryan and his wife have two daughters. His family loves skiing, and spending time outdoors. 

As Associate Superintendent, System Services, Karyn is responsible for overseeing Indigenous Learning, Safe and Caring Schools, high school collaboration, the international student program, and facilitating division administrative meetings. She is also honoured to support the Family School Wellness program, a team devoted to student well-being across the division. Karyn serves as liaison superintendent to schools in Didsbury, and Sylvan Lake. After graduating with her Bachelor of Education from U of A, she began her career in Whitecourt, Alberta. Amidst eight years of teaching at the middle and high school levels, she earned her Masters degree with a focus on Educational Leadership. Over the next 13 years, Karyn enjoyed her role as a high school administrator with Red Deer Public and now is thrilled to be serving staff members, parents, and students of Chinook's Edge School Division. Karyn and her husband, Cory, have three wonderful children- twins, Mikayla and Cassie, and Connor. They love travelling, reading, being outside, and spending time together. Chinook's Edge School Division is committed to a strong mission and vision. Karyn is honoured to be a part of an organization 'Where Students Come First!'

Jason Drent is responsible for all areas of Learning Services for the schools within Chinook’s Edge School Division. The Learning Services department provides support to teachers in their curricular needs (including embedding technology into teaching).  Jason is responsible for the Learning Services Learning Support teams, Off Campus Education Programs, and provincial and board initiatives. Key Roles As Associate Superintendent of Learning Services, Jason leads a dynamic Learning Services team responsible for providing support, direction and supervision in the areas of literacy, numeracy, assessment and reporting, Indigenous education, French Immersion, career planning, off-campus education, new teacher orientation and teaching mentorship programs.  Jason serves as liaison superintendent for schools in Cremona, Carstairs, Olds, and Spruceview.   Jason has been working with Chinook's Edge School Division since 2001 in both high school and elementary settings. Jason began his career as a high school mathematics teacher at Sundre High School.  He has been a vice-principal and principal at Sundre High School , and principal at Ecole John Wilson Elementary in Innisfail.  Jason received his Business Diploma and Business Degree through Lethbridge College and Athabasca University.  He completed his Education Degree at the University of Lethbridge and Master's Degree in Leadership from the University of Alberta.  Jason and his wife are raising three children in the beautiful town of Olds, Alberta.  He enjoys outdoor activities, running, cycling, daily trips to the gym, and spending time with his family.

As Associate Superintendent, People Services, Mike is responsible for all areas of human resources, employment, personnel, and staff wellness across the division.  He also serves as liaison superintendent for schools in Elnora, Reed Ranch, and Sundre. Mike has fourteen years of school-based leadership experience, most recently as Division Principal of People Services.  Prior to this, Mike served as Principal of H.J Cody High School in Sylvan Lake.  He has a M.Ed (Curriculum and Instruction) from the University of Phoenix, a B.Ed (Math & Science) from the University of Alberta, as well as a Chartered Professional Human Resources (CPHR) diploma from Red Deer Polytechnic. Mike is excited to be part of a highly effective team where "Students Come First!"

Marcie is responsible for a comprehensive range of programs and services provided by the Student Services team, which address the diverse learning needs of our students in Chinook’s Edge. Marcie joined Chinook’s Edge in 2014, and has served as a Coordinator for both Student Services and Learning Services. Marcie took up the helm as Associate Superintendent of Student Services on March 1, 2018. With nearly 15 years of teaching and leadership experience, Marcie has shared her expertise with school divisions across the province both as a staff member in three different divisions and as a consultant to many more. She has served as an English teacher, department head, learning specialist, instructional coach and administrator for programs for at-risk youth. Marcie holds a Bachelor degree in Education and Arts (English) from the University of Alberta. As well, she has attained a Masters degree in Educational Leadership, and a Doctorate of Education in K-12 Leadership, both from the University of Calgary. Traveling, swimming and spending time with family and friends is a priority for Marcie. She is also a Royal Conservatory pianist and loves to play sonatas to unwind!

Shawn is the Associate Superintendent responsible for all areas of Corporate Services which includes: Transportation, Facilities and Financial Services. Shawn has been an Associate Superintendent with Chinook's Edge since 2006. He has held many roles over the years including Associate Superintendent of System Services and Associate Superintendent of People Services. During his time in education, Shawn has worked for four different school boards in the Northwest Territories, Nova Scotia and Alberta. Shawn has a BSc and a BEd from Acadia University and a MEd from the University of Calgary. In addition, Shawn is CHRP (Certified Human Resources Professional) certified. 

Nadeem Altaf serves as the Chinook's Edge Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer. He has more than 25 years of experience as a financial professional. Nadeem has an M.B.A. and Bachelor of Commerce and is a Chartered Professional Accountant. Before joining Chinook's Edge Nadeem worked for Buffalo Trails Public Schools. Nadeem is a highly collaborative professional and is excited to be a part of a vibrant team in Chinook's Edge, supporting the mission of maximizing student learning in a safe and caring environment.