Our Staff
Karen Diebert - Manager
Karen began her career in planning in 1980 when she joined the staff of the Peace River Regional Planning Commission based in Grande Prairie. In 1983, the Mackenzie Regional Planning Commission was formed and Karen assisted in setting up the new organization and took on the lead role of Subdivision Technician. She has continued in this role through the transition from regional planning commission to the services agency. Her experience and knowledge of the subdivision process both from a practical and legislative basis has proven to be a valuable asset to the Agency.
In terms of the administration of the Agency, Karen took over these duties when the Agency downsized in 2000. Over the past years with changes in staffing, this position has progressed to that of overall Manager. Her main goal as Manager is to ensure the delivery of planning services to the Agency’s members while maintaining the financial viability and long term future of the Mackenzie Municipal Services Agency.
Howard Pinnock, MURP, RPP, MCIP - Director of Planning
Howard joined the MMSA in January 2011. He brings a wealth of experience in the planning field having worked with national, provincial and local governments in Zambia, Jamaica and British Columbia. Over the last five years, Howard has been working as a planner in the private sector in Kamloops B.C. while learning about the “business” side of planning.
Howard obtained his Bachelor’s degree in Urban and Regional Planning from Ryerson University and his Master’s from Virginia Tech. As Director of Planning, Howard will be leading and directing the Planning team to fulfill the mission and mandate of the MMSA members and clients.
Ron Rauckman, CPT - Senior Graphics Technologist
Ron grew up on a large farm in Saskatchewan. After attending the University of Saskatchewan, he began his career as a planning technician working in Edmonton and Regina. He joined the MMSA when it was the Mackenzie Regional Planning Commission in 1988 as the Senior Graphics Technologist.
Ron has enjoyed working in the Peace Country and has seen many changes, both in the region and the technical advancements at MMSA - the evolution from manual drafting to computers and now the integration of the geographical information systems into mapping and design. MMSA has the capacity to continue to be an integral part of the economic development of the Peace Region.
Elise Willison, RPP, MCIP - Municipal Planner
Elise arrived at the MMSA in January 2009 from the Niagara Region in Ontario. Elise brings a broad range of experience in the municipal and private sectors. In the Niagara Region, Elise worked on development review from a regional and provincial perspective. For the Town of Niagara on the Lake, she was involved in comprehensive zoning bylaw review (similar to our Land Use Bylaws).
Elise graduated from Ryerson University in Toronto with a Bachelor of Applied Arts Degree in Urban and Regional Planning . She also has a Cartographic Technician Diploma.
Kemi Apanisile, B.URPl - Municipal Planner
Kemi arrived September 2010 as a Junior Municipal Planner. Before joining the MMSA Kemi attended Ryerson University where he studied Urban and Regional Planning focusing on land-use planning, statistics, real estate development and environmental planning. In Toronto, Kemi also volunteered with Habitat for Humanity by sitting on the Site Selection Committee.
Kemi was promoted to Municipal Planner in March 2011.
Jesse Auspitz, MPl - Junior Municipal Planner
Jesse graduated from the University of Waterloo with a Bachelor of Environmental Studies and then completed a graduate degree at Ryerson University in Urban Development. He acted on behalf of Ryerson as the Planning Student Representative to the Ontario Professional Planners Institute.
Originally from Thornhill, Ontario, Jesse arrived at the MMSA in June 2011. He was attracted to the opportunity to work as a Planner in a rural and culturally unique part of Canada.
Matthew Konowalchuk, B.Env.D. - Junior Municipal Planner
Matthew arrived from Winnipeg, Manitoba in June 2011. He attended Dalhousie University in Halifax where he studied Urban Planning and received his undergraduate degree in Architecture from the University of Manitoba. Matthew brings a wide range of planning experience including Municipal Planning in rural Nova Scotia and skills and knowledge in Urban Environmental and Design.
Matthew opted to work with the MMSA and broaden planning experience in rural and urban settings.
Ali Taghavi - Senior GIS Technologist
Ali arrived from Ontario in October 2010. Working in the GIS field for over 10 years, he brings expertise in database management and programming along with GIS. Ali received his GIS education at Ryerson University . He also has a Bachelor Degree in Mathematics. At the MMSA, Ali is working to expand the GIS services along with his GIS skills aligned with urban planning.
Originally from Iran, Ali finds the landscapes of the beautiful Peace Country remind him of the rolling hills at Masouleh in the north of Iran.
Audra Lindsey - GIS Technologist
Arriving in July 2010, Audra joined team MMSA after completing her GIS Certificate at Niagara College. She also holds Bachelor degrees in Outdoor Recreation and Arts (Geography).
Audra was attracted to the MMSA position for the opportunities to use the GIS skills she has learned and to pursue her favourite recreational activities of curling, hiking, mountain biking and photography.
Brenda Taylor - Administrative Assistant
Brenda joined the MMSA team in January 2007. Brenda brings a background of office administration and project management. As Administrative Assistant, Brenda assists all staff with projects and tasks to deliver quality services to the member municipalities and our clients.
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The MMSA office is located in the Village of Berwyn, in northwest Alberta.