2026-2027 CPAA Board of Directors
Chair – 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 and is recognized as a Registered Professional Planner (RPP, MCIP) both 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. She later transitioned to Beairsto & Associates Engineering Ltd., where she now serves as Manager of Planning & Development Services and has helped grow and expand the firm’s planning department. Mrs. Lapp has extensive experience in both the public and private sectors, with expertise spanning cities, towns, villages, rural municipalities, and regional planning initiatives.
Mrs. Lapp joined the board to further develop her leadership, strategic thinking, governance, and financial oversight skills. She values the opportunity to collaborate with other professionals, expand her network, and build meaningful relationships across industries. She is passionate about the organization’s mission and is committed to contributing to its continued success.
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) – Kaylene Brown
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.
Board Director, CPAA – Molly Fyten
Molly Fyten brings over 20 years of municipal government experience. Known for her approachable leadership and strategic vision, Molly excels in guiding organizations and communities through growth while maintaining a commitment to transparent, collaborative decision-making.
Her professional credentials include a Bachelor of Science, a Certificate in Municipal Management and Leadership (CMML), and the Certified Local Government Manager (CLGM) designation. Additionally, she has earned an “Award of Excellence” from the International Association of Business Communicators for her work in public engagement. Beyond her professional expertise, Molly is an active community volunteer with a deep passion for civic engagement. As CAO, she is dedicated to supporting Council priorities through prudent financial management, open communication, and the effective delivery of municipal services to helping communities thrive.
Director – Renae DeMolitor
Renae DeMolitor brings a strong work ethic and practical, people-focused approach to municipal planning, with a background in Environmental Design specializing in Architecture, from the University of Manitoba. She is a member of the International Association for Public Participation (IAP2) and is a Registered Professional Planner (RPP, MCIP) recognized both provincially and nationally.
With over 20 years of planning experience across urban and rural settings, her experience spans a broad range of planning initiatives, including contributions to major infrastructure projects such as Calgary’s Red Line and Green Line LRT.
She is passionate about helping people navigate planning systems and delivering practical, efficient solutions that reduce barriers and support strong community outcomes. She takes pride in finding creative solutions to planning challenges and is known for her calm, collaborative leadership style, commitment to clear, implementable policy, and an interest in continuously improving planning processes.
Renae is actively involved in her community through volunteer work and is committed to making a positive impact through both her professional and community involvement.
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, P.Ag., RPP, MCIP
Shawn Hipkiss is an experienced planning, regulatory, land, and environmental professional with more than 15 years of leadership experience across the municipal, utility, and oil and gas sectors. He currently serves as Director, Environmental (Transmission Operations) with Valard Construction, where he manages permitting, planning, land acquisitions, regulatory, and environmental activities related to large industrial projects.
Shawn holds degrees in Land Use and Environmental Science, Physical Geography (Planning), and Economics from the University of Saskatchewan. He is a Registered Professional Planner (CIP/APPI), Professional Agrologist, licensed Alberta Land Agent, Alberta Commissioner of Oaths, and holds IAP2 certification in public engagement.
Throughout his career, Shawn has held senior leadership roles with Valard Construction, the County of Wetaskiwin, the City of Beaumont, and ATCO Electric. He is recognized for his collaborative leadership style, technical expertise, and extensive experience in land use planning, regulatory compliance, land acquisition, environmental management, stakeholder engagement, and tribunal proceedings across Alberta.
Director – Charlyn Moore
Charlyn Moore is a strategic leader with experience spanning municipal governance, real estate, and community development.
From 2017 to 2025, she served as an elected Councillor for Lac La Biche County, contributing to regional decision-making on budgeting, economic development, healthcare recruitment, and long-term infrastructure and planning priorities. Through this work, she collaborated with municipal, provincial, and national partners on issues affecting local governments and community sustainability.
She has also built a 19-year career in real estate, advising clients and investors on residential and commercial opportunities while navigating complex market conditions with strong negotiation, market insight, and relationship-building skills.
Through her work in real estate and with Goldstone Consulting, she supports organizations and communities in strengthening leadership, building capacity, and developing strategies that help communities and businesses grow and thrive.
Her work is grounded in collaboration, practical problem solving, and a commitment to building stronger communities.
Director – Cameron Cardinal
Director – Nicole Cronkhite
Nicole is a Planner and Project Manager with V3 Companies, driven by a passion for shaping communities that are inclusive, resilient, and made to thrive. She leads projects across Alberta that move ideas from policy into reality, with a focus on land use, housing delivery, and meaningful community engagement.
With over 15 years of experience across planning, interior design, and the construction industry, Nicole brings a systems-based perspective grounded in how communities actually function, grow, and get built.
She holds a Master of Science in Urban and Regional Planning from the University of Alberta, along with a Bachelor of Technology and Diploma in Interior Design Technology from NAIT. She is also trained in public participation through the International Association for Public Participation (IAP2).
Nicole also serves on the Board of Directors for GEF Seniors Housing, supporting approximately 4,000 seniors, and has previously served on the boards of MADE (Media Architecture Design Edmonton) and WABIY (We All Believe in You). She also contributes to advancing equity and inclusion in planning practice through her involvement with the Alberta Professional Planners Institute (APPI).
Past 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.