Saskatchewan Logistics Briefing

Pina Melchionna is currently the President and CEO of CITT – Canada’s Logistics Association – an organization dedicated to the advancement of the logistics profession in Canada through networking, learning and training, thought leadership and beyond. Prior to her role at CITT, Pina worked for several national banks and financial institutions, after starting her career as a lawyer. Pina has a Bachelor of Arts degree from York University, a Juris Doctorate Law Degree from Osgoode Hall Law School and a specialized Master of Business Administration in Financial Services from Dalhousie University. She completed the ICD-Rotman Directors Education Program and earned the ICD.D designation in 2015 and the Competent Board Global ESG (CBG.D.) and Climate Designations in 2022. Pina is a member in good standing of the Ontario Bar Association.

Daniel Hersche, CPA, is the President and CEO of the Global Transportation Hub Authority (GTH), Saskatchewan’s premier inland port and logistics hub. Daniel has guided the GTH through a period of financial transformation, achieving sustained surpluses and positioning the organization for long-term sustainability and growth. Under his leadership, the GTH has attracted more than $1.4 billion in private-sector investment, enabling major projects such as Cargill’s Canola Crush Facility and SaskPower’s Regina Operations and Maintenance Complex. Aligned with Saskatchewan’s Growth Plan, Daniel champions initiatives that strengthen trade connectivity and support value-added processing, ensuring the GTH remains a critical gateway linking Saskatchewan’s resources to global markets. He earned his Bachelor of Business Administration (Accounting) from the University of Regina and received the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal for his contributions to the province’s economy.

Kim Gartner was first elected MLA for Kindersley-Biggar in 2024. In December 2025, he was appointed Minister of Highways. He had a 35-year career in municipal administration, supporting local, regional, and provincial initiatives. He served as chief administrative officer for the town of Macklin for 30 years. Kim is a Past President of the Urban Administrators Association of Saskatchewan and has also served as School Trustee for the Living Sky School Division. In addition to his professional life, Kim has been an active volunteer with numerous community organizations and has served as event coordinator for the World Bunnock Championship. Kim was born and raised on a family farm a short distance east of Macklin. He and his wife Colleen have four children and four granddaughters.

David Marit was elected MLA for Wood River on April 4, 2016. Born and raised in the area, he has very strong ties to his community. David was an active producer all his life until 2019 and is still a current landowner. He began serving on RM Council in 1993 and in 1999 was elected to the SARM Board as Director for Division 2. He would go on to serve as SARM Vice President, and eventually President until winning the nomination for the Saskatchewan Party. David currently serves as the Minister of Agriculture, Minister responsible for Saskatchewan Crop Insurance Corporation and Minister responsible for Saskatchewan Water Security Agency. He has previously served as Minister of Minister of Highways, Minister of SaskBuilds and Procurement, and Minister responsible for the Global Transportation Hub Authority. He and his wife Lois have a son, and their late daughter blessed the family with two granddaughters and one grandson.

Graeme is a Senior Economist at FCC. His focus areas include macroeconomic analysis and insights and monitoring and analyzing Canada’s food and beverage industries. Having grown up on a dairy farm in southern Saskatchewan, he occasionally comments on the health of the dairy industry in Canada.

Daniel Hersche, CPA, is the President and CEO of the Global Transportation Hub Authority (GTH), Saskatchewan’s premier inland port and logistics hub. Daniel has guided the GTH through a period of financial transformation, achieving sustained surpluses and positioning the organization for long-term sustainability and growth. Under his leadership, the GTH has attracted more than $1.4 billion in private-sector investment, enabling major projects such as Cargill’s Canola Crush Facility and SaskPower’s Regina Operations and Maintenance Complex. Aligned with Saskatchewan’s Growth Plan, Daniel champions initiatives that strengthen trade connectivity and support value-added processing, ensuring the GTH remains a critical gateway linking Saskatchewan’s resources to global markets. He earned his Bachelor of Business Administration (Accounting) from the University of Regina and received the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal for his contributions to the province’s economy.

Stephen Maybury graduated from the University of Toronto with a Bachelor of Applied Science degree and a Master of Engineering degree in Civil Engineering. He also has a Master of Business Administration degree in International Aviation from Concordia University. Stephen is a registered Professional Engineer, Accredited Airport Executive and a Certified International Trade Professional. Since 2001, he has worked in leadership roles with various airports across Canada including the Greater Toronto Airports Authority, Charlottetown Airport Authority, and Southport Aerospace Centre Inc. In 2012, Stephen was appointed President and Chief Executive Officer of the Saskatoon Airport Authority to strategically build corporate success and deliver Canada’s most valued airport experience.

Ben Speed is the Commercial Manager – Western Canada for Air Canada Cargo. Responsible for maintaining existing customer relationships and driving new business opportunities for the region. Ben has 25 years of airfreight experience spread across both freight forwarding companies and global air carriers. He started his career working for Exel Global Logistics as an entry level warehouse agent in the late 90’s before transitioning into an account manager role with British Airways World Cargo based in YYZ. During this time he also received his Professional Freight Forwarders accreditation. In 2008 he accepted a new positions with Air France/KLM to manage their sales and accounts for Vancouver, Calgary and Edmonton and has remained in western Canada since then, moving from Vancouver to Calgary in 2017 (so we could afford a house 😊). He joined Air Canada Cargo in 2019 as a Strategic Account Manager before most recently accepting the position of Commercial Manager – Western Canada in 2024 looking after Manitoba to BC. When not working Ben can be found spending time with his wife, 3 year old daughter and French Bulldog skiing or camping in the Rockies, and being disappointed with his hockey team every April.

Tristan’s practice focuses on agricultural and agribusiness disputes, intellectual property claims (particularly in the life sciences area) and insurance related claims and defence work (including claims under the Automobile Accident Insurance Act). He has assisted clients in a range of disputes over life science technology rights, including plant breeders’ rights and patent enforcement proceedings. Tristan has also appeared before the Saskatchewan Surface Rights Arbitration Board, the Manitoba Surface Rights Board and the Saskatchewan Court of Appeal on matters related to pipelines. Tristan has a variety of litigation experience that includes conducting trials, chambers applications and appellate hearings. He has acted in complex multi-party disputes on both the subrogated and defence side. Tristan has also successfully appeared on behalf of clients before the Saskatchewan Court of Appeal, Saskatchewan Court of King’s Bench, the Saskatchewan Provincial Court, the Insurance Council of Saskatchewan, as well as various administrative and arbitral boards and tribunals. Tristan regularly acts for insurers, and has a deep understanding of the insurance industry. He has pursued subrogated claims and defended various types of claims, including disability, personal injury, malpractice lawsuits, property damage and fire claims. Tristan also has a wealth of knowledge and understanding in the agricultural industry, including in the seed industry. He regularly acts for life science and plant breeders’ rights companies in the successful enforcement of intellectual property rights.

Saskatoon-raised Michael Brennan is currently President and CEO of Great Western Brewing Company. After graduating from the University of Saskatchewan, Michael started his career in Saskatoon in the field of Accounting. Michael moved early in his career overseas and worked both with international accounting firms, and then joined Bacardi Limited, based in Bermuda. Michael progressed his career with Bacardi in a variety of senior management roles including Group Treasurer, Group Controller Vice President of Risk Management, and also as a member of the Global Executive Team. Michael and his family worked in both Bermuda and Geneva, Switzerland in his years abroad. After 17 years overseas Michael and his family returned to Saskatoon and shortly there after joined Vendasta Technologies as its Chief Financial Officer. Despite the draw of the tech sector, beer called him back to his consumer product industry roots with Michael joining the Board of Great Western Brewery in 2016. In May of 2018 Michael Joined Great Western as its President and CEO. Since joining as CEO, he has navigated the last seven years with court battles with the Alberta government, changing retail landscapes in the liquor industry, and a global pandemic, all while planning for the revitalization of a plant originally built in 1927. In addition to leading Great Western Brewery, Michael sits on the Board of Directors for the Saskatchewan Blue Cross, and Blue Cross Life of Canada.

Taylor joined Good Spirit Kombucha while finishing her kinesiology degree at the University of Regina, combining her interests in wellness and entrepreneurship into what began as a small side project among friends. Today, she leads a small team at the brewery and has helped grow Good Spirit into a recognized Saskatchewan beverage brand while balancing business and motherhood alongside her husband and two young boys.

Mark Heise is the Saskatchewan-born, Co-Founder, President and CEO of Rebellion Brewing. Entirely self-taught, his experience spans brewing, business operations, marketing, government relations, leadership, and community engagement; all shaped by a punk rock DIY ethic. He has built a loud brand with disciplined execution, grounded in independence, honest leadership, and community that actually shows up. His work has been recognized globally with multiple awards for brewing and business excellence, and has been featured in a plethora of media ranging from local coverage to international publications and popular television shows - proof that doing things your own way can still be successful.

Since 2008, John has had the privilege of serving as President of the locally owned and operated Campbell & Haliburton Group of Companies, based in Regina, Saskatchewan. In this role, he leads a diversified organization spanning insurance, property management, construction, and residential home building, with a strong focus on long-term relationships, responsible growth, and meaningful community impact. CH Living Property Management oversees a property portfolio valued at approximately $116 million, including multi-family residential buildings, mixed-use properties, condominiums, office and retail space, and warehouse facilities. CH Built provides renovation, construction, roofing services, and tenancy and leasehold improvements, supporting both our internal portfolio and external clients.. Beyond business, John believes strongly in the responsibility organizations have to contribute positively to society. He has been honoured to receive recognition for philanthropic efforts supporting initiatives that assist individuals and families facing social and economic challenges. Honours include:, 2025 King Charles III Coronation Medal for Philanthropy, 2024 Saskatchewan Volunteer Medal, 2023 Queen Elizabeth II, Platinum Jubilee Medal for Philanthropy, 2021 National Philanthropy Day – Outstanding Community Partner Award

Dallas is the Chief Executive Officer and President of Ghost Transportation Services. Prior to joining Ghost Transportation Services in 2012, Dallas graduated from the University of Saskatchewan College of Commerce (now Edward’s School of Business) and had spent 22 years in the transportation industry in a variety of roles including Administration, Repair Shop Hand, Dispatcher and Equipment Operator all the way up to Senior Management. Dallas’ current activities outside the business include: Member of the CITT Saskatchewan Council, Member of the Saskatoon Transportation Club and member of Il Consiglio. Dallas was awarded the 2007 Saskatoon Transportation Club CITT Scholarship, the 2013 Mark’s Coach of the Year for MB/SK/Territories Region and the 2022 NSBA Member of the Year Award, the 2023 CITT Award of Excellence and the 2024 Saskatoon Transportation Club Award of Excellence. Dallas earned his CITT Certified Logistics Professional (CCLP) designation in 2009 and his Certified Transportation Broker (CTB) designation in 2016.

Prior to becoming Executive Director of the Saskatchewan Trucking Association, Ewart served as director of insurance services for Hal Insurance, a subsidiary company for the STA. Ewart attended Saskatchewan Polytechnic’s business administration program and holds a Canadian Accredited Insurance Broker designation. Prior to joining the STA Group of Companies, Ewart owned her own Insurance Brokerage in Regina, creating the first drive thru in Regina for license issuing and creating one of the first digital platforms for insurance delivery. She served on the board of the Insurance Brokers Association of Saskatchewan, the Regina Women’s Network and was president of the Regina Association of Insurance Women. Ewart was also the recent recipient of the 2015 Women of Influence for the insurance industry. Since taking the helm at the association in 2016, Susan has focused on bringing all the Saskatchewan Trucking Association business units under one roof with a focus on staff development and revenue generation. The first female Executive Director of the STA sees great value in bringing more women into leadership positions in the trucking industry.

Bennet advises clients on all manner of disputes and contract issues in the construction, infrastructure, and energy sectors. Bennet uses his hybrid skillset in procurement, contract development and litigation to advise an array of owners, contractors, subcontractors and suppliers through all stages of the construction project. Bennet’s project work focuses on complex, large-scale infrastructure, power generation and mining projects. Bennet has successfully represented clients in a variety of dispute resolution forums, including the Saskatchewan Court of King’s Bench, the Court of Appeal for Saskatchewan and private commercial arbitrations. His litigation experience has included delay and productivity claims, equipment deficiencies, insurance claims, professional negligence, builders’ lien claims, property damage and geotechnical issues. Bennet also advises clients in the rail and trucking industries and acts for carriers, shippers and government entities on matters such as common carrier liability, products liability, payment disputes, cargo loss claims and insurance coverage issues. Bennet has degrees in both the common law and civil law. He is Fluent in English and French and is a Board Member of l’association des juristes d’expression française de la Saskatchewan (AJEFS).

Scott Weston is Vice President, Business Development for DP World in Canada, where he leads strategic growth initiatives, partnership development, and market expansion across the company’s Canadian operations. With more than 25 years of experience spanning transportation, mining, renewable energy, forestry, land development, and environmental consulting, Scott has built a career at the intersection of infrastructure, sustainability, and business growth. As a member of DP World's Canadian senior leadership team, Scott is responsible for identifying and advancing new business opportunities, developing strategic partnerships, and helping position the organization for long-term success in an evolving global trade environment. He works closely with customers, industry partners, and communities to support sustainable growth and strengthen Canada’s supply chain and logistics ecosystem. Prior to joining DP World, Scott served as Vice President, Business Development and Strategy at Ausenco, where he led growth initiatives across Canada, expanded operations into new regions and sectors, and secured long-term partnerships with Indigenous communities throughout Western and Northern Canada. He also played a key role in integrating Hemmera Environmental Consultants into Ausenco’s global sustainability business, helping align operations and business development strategies across the Americas. Scott began his career as a geoscientist and environmental consultant, leading complex resource development and infrastructure projects across Canada before progressing into executive leadership roles. His expertise includes strategic planning, corporate development, Indigenous partnership development, ESG, business transformation, and organizational growth. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Physical Geography and Geology from the University of British Columbia and a Master of Science in Environment and Management from Royal Roads University.

Cheryl Starnes is a seasoned business professional with a strong track record in transportation logistics and supply chain operations. She is currently a Senior Rail Analyst on the Rail Contract Management team at Nutrien, a global leader in agricultural products and services headquartered in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. Cheryl holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of Regina, along with the CCLMP designation from the CITT. This solid educational foundation has supported a diverse and accomplished career spanning multiple areas of the agriculture and commodities sector. Over the course of her career, Cheryl has contributed to supply chain and commercial operations at several major organizations, including Canpotex Limited, Agra City Ltd., Cargill Grain and Oilseeds, and Agrium. Most recently at Nutrien, she plays a key role in evaluating and optimizing rail pricing strategies. Her career reflects a consistent focus on improving transportation operations through strong administrative and analytical expertise. Cheryl has also explored her creative side through work with Mind’s Eye Pictures (formerly Regina Motion Picture and Sound), adding a unique dimension to her professional experience. Known for her analytical mindset and attention to detail, Cheryl excels at translating complex rail rate structures into clear, actionable insights. She is highly proficient in multiple systems and brings a data-driven approach to decision-making that supports both operational efficiency and strategic planning. Her skill set includes strengths in strategic planning, program management, and change management, enabling her to successfully manage complex projects and support organizational objectives. With experience in both supervisory and analytical roles, Cheryl is recognized for her ability to optimize processes, collaborate effectively, and contribute to strong team outcomes. Cheryl is also deeply committed to community involvement. She actively volunteers her time and skills to support local initiatives, reflecting her dedication to making a positive impact beyond the workplace. Her collaborative spirit, reliability, and professionalism are evident in all aspects of her work. Currently serving as a CITT Board Member, Cheryl is pleased to be moderating today’s panel discussions. She brings professionalism, insight, and a commitment to excellence to everything she does.

Emily Nickel is the Business Development Manager and Product Development Program Coordinator at the Saskatchewan Food Industry Development Centre (SFIDC). In her role, she supports entrepreneurs, startups, and SMEs in bringing innovative food and ingredient concepts to market by providing guidance on product development pathways, commercialization strategies, funding opportunities, and connections to SFIDC's technical expertise. Throughout her career, Emily has focused on agri-food processing and manufacturing, with experience in product development, project management, and commercialization. Growing up in rural Saskatchewan, she developed a deep appreciation for the agri-food industry and is passionate about supporting innovation, collaboration, and growth within the sector.

Tyler leads Standard Rail Corporation's (SRC) commercial expansion and industry partnerships, while developing and executing the strategic framework for the SIDINGS platform. Tyler possesses a deep background in Western Canadian industrial supply chains and a proven track record of building large-scale regional operations from the ground up. Prior to this initiative, he spent over a decade in the Saskatchewan uranium and potash mining sectors before transitioning into establishing and scaling a number of construction and material supply businesses across Western Canada. In these roles, Tyler successfully developed complex supply chain solutions tailored for major mining and EPC corporations heavily reliant on rail logistics. Tyler also brings unique and specialized experience in Indigenous Relations developing successful partnerships and economic opportunity for nations across Canada. His expertise ensures that SRC and the SIDINGS platform continues to grow and evolve with a balanced perspective of industry, customers, government, and community.

Murad Al-Katib is President, CEO and Board member of AGT Food and Ingredients Inc. An international agri-food, strategic business and financial thinker and a passionate advocate of global agriculture and the opportunities and challenges facing the sector, Murad co-founded AGT Foods in 2001, building a Canadian start-up into a global billion-dollar plant-based protein company, supplying value-added pulses, staple foods and ingredients to customers around the globe. Murad has a wealth of experience in board roles, including appointments to the Industry Strategy Council of the Government of Canada in 2020; Chair of the Government of Canada National Agri-Food Strategy Roundtable; Chair of the Canadian Pulse and Special Crops Trade Association and the Independent Director of the First Mills, a listed company on the Riyadh Kingdom of Saudi Arabia stock exchange. Murad is also a graduate of the Rottman Institute of Corporate Directors course. Murad’s awards include the 2021 ABEX “Business Leader of the Year”, 2020 Globe and Mail “Innovator CEO of the Year”, the 2021 Canadian Western Agribition “CWA Top 50 in Canadian Agriculture”, the 2017 EY “World Entrepreneur of the Year”, PROFITGuide Magazine’s “30 Most Fabulous Entrepreneurs of the Past 30 Years” list, and the Western Producer “44 Innovators Who Shaped Prairie Agriculture”.