2025-2026 CPAA Board of Directors

Chair – Geoff Tiffin

Geoff Tiffin started his municipal career in 2008 after graduating from the University of Guelph with an Honours Bachelor of Science and Engineering and moving to Alberta. Since then he has worked for the County of Newell in various departments, primarily as Manager of Engineering Services, managing major capital projects such as transportation, water, sewer, and storm infrastructure, rural addressing, municipal census, and a $54 million rural water distribution system. In 2019, Geoff took over management of the Planning, Development and Engineering Services department. The department is currently undergoing a re-structuring and process overhaul to improve on the efficiency of the services they provide.  Geoff has three young children and lives on a small acreage outside Brooks.

Vice Chair (North) – Robert Nygaard

Robert is an active member of his community in Faust. He has served at the Faust Fire District as Deputy Fire Chief for the last 15 years, and has represented his hamlet of Faust as a member of Council for two consecutive four-year terms. The last six of those years, Robert was chairman of the Municipal Planning Commission (MPC). In 2021, he was elected Reeve and has enjoyed the challenges of working with a whole new Council. Robert’s experience as Councillor and chair of MPC has been invaluable in his role as Reeve. He understands the importance of working together as a team with Council, Administration, the ratepayers, and any stakeholders in order to accomplish their goals.

Vice Chair (South) – Kristen Harder

Kristen is a Planner and Project Manager with V3 Companies with over eight years of experience in policy development and municipal approvals.

Kristen completed a bachelor Degree in Urban Studies from the University of Calgary and began her professional career as a Development Officer for the City of Lacombe before moving to Toronto to complete a master degree in Urban and Regional Planning from Toronto Metropolitan University. With V3 and in her previous role as an Associate for Dillon Consulting Limited, Kristen has refined her leadership skills and enjoyed mentoring new staff while working on a wide variety of interesting and complex projects Canada-wide and internationally, in the Caribbean.

Kristen enjoys opportunities to work with communities using a solutions-oriented mindset, with a particular passion for finding efficiencies in the municipal development approvals process. In fair weather outside of work hours, Kristen is likely camping, travelling, playing softball, biking, dancing at music festivals, or drinking a cold beer on a hot patio with friends. During our long Canadian winters, Kristen is most often found with her nose in a book.

Treasurer – Dnyanesh Deshpande, RPP, MCIP

Dnyanesh Deshpande is a founding Principal of Green Space Alliance. He has 20 years of public and private sector experience in Canadian and international projects involving policy planning, urban design, rural planning, and multi-stakeholder consultation. His diverse experience and passion for planning afford him a unique understanding of all aspects of development, from architecture to urban design to land use policy planning.

Dnyanesh has worked on several large-scale urban revitalization and rural planning projects in Alberta including several Municipal Development Plans, Intermunicipal Development Plans, Land Use Bylaws, and neighborhoods renewal projects,  He holds a Master of Urban Planning from McGill University, and a Post Graduate Diploma in Urban Design as well as a Bachelor of Architecture degree from institutions in India. Dnyanesh is currently servicing the CPAA Board as Treasurer and member of the Conference planning Committee.

Director – Baily Lapp

Raised on a farm near Humboldt, Saskatchewan, Mrs. Lapp credits her strong work ethic to her rural upbringing. She holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Regional and Urban Planning from the University of Saskatchewan. Mrs. Lapp is recognized as a Registered Professional Planner (RPP, MCIP) provincially in Alberta and nationally. After completing her studies, she moved to Alberta and spent eight years as a senior planner with the County of Grande Prairie No. 1. Seeking new challenges, she transitioned to Beairsto & Associates Engineering Ltd., where she has expanded the Planning Department and risen to the role of Manager of Planning & Development Services over the past three years. Mrs. Lapp has extensive experience in both public and private sectors. Her expertise spans diverse communities, including cities, towns, villages, and rural areas.

Mrs. Lapp joined the board to enhance her skills in leadership, strategic thinking, governance, and financial oversight. She values the opportunity to connect with other professionals, expand her network, and build relationships with influential individuals in various industries. Additionally, she is passionate about the organization’s mission and eager to contribute to its success.

Director – Molly Fyten

Molly’s home base is near Lac La Biche, while commuting as required to several municipalities, including the M.D. of Lesser Slave River, where she spends most of her time as the Director of Strategic Projects and Initiatives. Ms. Fyten has several professional qualifications including:

• A Bachelor of Science (BSc) with a Specialization in Environmental Sciences
• Certified Local Government Manager (CLGM)
• Certificate in Municipal Management and Leadership Program

Ms. Fyten also has several other formal certificates associated with the fields of environment, leadership, and management. Ms. Fyten has been strongly connected with the municipal industry for 20 years and has continued to expand her portfolio through her company, 210 Solutions Inc., where she continues to tackle a wide range of challenging projects as hired by both the public and private sectors. On a more personal note, Molly has travelled to many international locations. She also enjoys outdoor activities – quadding, boating, hunting, fishing, gardening/preserving – and you may find her playing the bagpipes in her spare time as well. Much of her time is spent engaging in community work as she is involved with a variety of boards and various volunteer roles.

Molly describes her vast experience with municipalities, boards, existing networks, experience in the industry and overall community passion as the greatest assets she will bring to the CPAA Board. Ms. Fyten is looking forward to making new connections, learning and growing in the dynamic field of planning and is excited to be a CPAA Director and the new Chair of the Conference Committee!

Director – Bob Chrenek

Bob is a Councillor in the County of Grande Prairie No. 1 and he currently sits on a few boards including Municipal Planning Commission Vice Chair for the County of Grande Prairie, Community Futures, Agriculture Service Board (ASB) Chair for the County of Grande Prairie and Provincial ASB Alternate. He grew up on his family farm near Sexsmith Alberta, attending the University of Alberta in the Faculty of Agriculture and returned to the family farm where he currently resides with his wife, son and his family. He has been involved in different Oilfield industries and Agricultural industries in the last 30 years. His hobbies include woodworking, metal fabrication and outdoor activities such as camping and fishing.

Director – Sean Adams

As a Planning Specialist with the Rural Development Network’s, Sustainable Housing Initiative, Sean is passionate about working closely with rural communities to identify collaborative and sustainable solutions for housing diversity. Sean holds a Master of Science in Urban and Regional Planning from the University of Alberta and a Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Studies. Through his work in SHI’s Enabling Housing Choice Project, Sean has led several project partnerships with various municipalities to help them address diverse housing needs in their communities. Through these partnerships he was involved in extensive research, community engagement processes, and producing several recommendations reports to guide municipalities in navigating their diverse housing needs. As project manager on SHI’s Placemaking for Inclusion project, Sean also helped lead and design an initiative aimed at promoting social inclusion and interaction amongst tenants living in affordable housing in Alberta.

Director – Celina Newberry

Celina Newberry is an experienced and dedicated Planning Officer for the Town of Taber, where she has contributed to the community’s development and growth for over three years. In her role, Celina handles the day-to-day planning needs of a town of approximately 8,900 residents, gaining invaluable hands-on experience in urban planning and community development.

Raised in Southern Alberta, Celina has deep roots in the region and is passionate about contributing to its growth and sustainability. She graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Urban and Regional Studies from the University of Lethbridge, where she developed a solid foundation in planning theory, community development, and the challenges facing regional area.

Throughout her tenure with the Town of Taber, Celina has played a pivotal role in shaping the town’s planning strategies, ensuring they align with both current needs and future growth. Her work in community planning reflects her commitment to fostering well-managed development that balances the town’s unique character with its evolving needs.

Celina’s expertise in urban planning, combined with her hands-on experience in a dynamic municipal setting, allows her to be a strong advocate for sustainable, effective, and forward-thinking planning solutions for the people of Taber.

Director – Shawn Hipkiss, B.Sc., B.A., P.Ag.

Shawn Hipkiss is a seasoned regulatory, planning, land, economic, and environmental professional with over 15 years of leadership experience across municipal, utility, and oil and gas sectors. He currently serves as the Director of Planning and Development for the County of Wetaskiwin, where he oversees Current and Long-Range Planning as well as Safety Codes operations.

Shawn’s multidisciplinary background is rooted in a strong academic foundation, holding degrees in Land Use and Environmental Science, Physical Geography (Planning), and Economics from the University of Saskatchewan. He is a licensed Alberta Land Agent, an Alberta Commissioner of Oaths, a candidate member with the Canadian Institute of Planners (CIP) and the Alberta Professional Planners Institute (APPI), and a practicing Professional Agrologist.

His career spans key leadership roles including Manager of Development Services with the City of Beaumont, and senior planning and environmental management roles with Valard Construction and ATCO Electric. Known for his integrity, collaborative approach, and technical expertise, Shawn has developed and led diverse teams and departments focused on planning, permitting, consultation, land acquisition, and environmental compliance.

With a proven ability to navigate complex regulatory environments, Shawn brings a wealth of experience working with Subdivision and Development Appeal Boards, and Land and Property Rights Tribunals, throughout Alberta. He is highly skilled in consultation and engagement, holding an IAP2 certification, and has a track record of building strong relationships with stakeholders including private landowners, Indigenous and northern communities, regulatory agencies, and the public.

Throughout his career, Shawn has demonstrated a commitment to excellence in project management, regulatory compliance, and sustainable land use planning—helping to shape communities and infrastructure in a way that balances growth, environment, and stakeholder needs.

Director – Charlyn Moore

Charlyn Moore is a municipal councillor for Lac La Biche County and a licensed realtor with over 15 years of experience. She is a passionate advocate for sustainable, community-focused planning and brings a practical, people-centered perspective to her work. Her background includes economic development, medical staff recruitment, and grassroots community engagement.

She is proud to serve on boards such as CPAA as well as the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM), where she believes in contributing to national conversations on municipal issues. Together we will build capacity, strengthen communities, and support thoughtful planning that will serve both current and future generations.

Student Director – Deanna Andreschefski

Deanna is an undergraduate student at the University of Lethbridge pursuing her Bachelor of Arts in Urban and Regional Studies, with a focus in geography, anthropology, and political science. With a background in archaeology (BSc. ’22), she has worked in the energy sector and has a particular interest in cultural and environmental resource management.

Deanna has been an active member of the university community throughout her time at the U of L. She served as the 2019/20 Secretary and then 2020/21 President for the Archaeology Club. In 2024/25 she became the Secretary for the GEO Club, a member of the URS Committee, and the CPAA Student Director for the U of L. For each of these roles she has helped organize conference activities, group socials, fundraisers, and communication with the broader Lethbridge community. She has recently become a fellow of the Community Bridge Lab for the summer of 2025 to conduct research on recreation in the Old Man River headwaters of southwestern Alberta.

Student Director – Jain Poorva

Poorva is an experienced transport planner with a Bachelor’s degree in Urban Planning and a Master’s in Transport Planning. She’s contributed her expertise as a transport planner working with Atkins, India, and within a semi-government organization in India, while also gaining valuable consultancy experience in the UK, to develop and model transport solutions. She is currently a Ph.D. student at the University of Alberta’s School of Urban & Regional Planning, focusing on “Gender in Transit Interventions” with an interest in creating inclusive and accessible transport systems.

Nomination and Elections

CPAA and Board of Directors Information

CPAA is a Registered Charity and our Purposes are:

• To advance education by providing education sessions and conferences to residents of Alberta on community planning:
• To advance education by providing scholarships to students pursuing a post-secondary education in community planning and:
• To do such other things as are ancillary and incidental to achieving the above purposes.

CPAA is also a registered Society in Alberta.

Board Expectation

• There are approximately six (6) Board of Director Meeting through the year, all Board members are expected to attend and participate.
• The CPAA Strategic Retreat is usually held in Red Deer in June.

Board Expenses

A Travel Expenses Claim Form for attendance at Board Meetings and contains the current allowances for various categories of expenses. Mileage and receipted expenses are covered. Accommodations will also be covered based on travel time.