Our Board
If you’re wondering if Provident is for you, we hope that by getting to know the philosophy behind our board and the quality of its board members, that you will be confident that you can align your resources with ours. You may be wondering if you should set up a donor advised fund with us or if you should include Provident as a beneficiary in your will, insurance policies, RRSP's and RRIF's and other estate plans. So, how is Provident different than your typical community foundation?
We believe that what makes us a preferred foundation for the long-term, is the character, mission, and stability of Provident's Board of Directors. In addition to the almost 100 years of collective experience in the charitable sector represented on the current board, the following officially listed Director duties ensure the continuity and strength of Provident's board for years to come:
- Duty to know the purposes and processes of Provident
- Duty to be reasonable, prudent and judicious
- Duty to carry out the charitable purposes of Provident
- Duty to avoid conflict of interest situations
- Duty to provide proper accounting and accountability for Provident property
- Duty to manage Provident assets
- Obligation to sign the statement of faith and uphold the Christian values of the Provident Foundation’s legal objects.
Provident's Board members have a great responsibility. Donations to Provident must ultimately be distributed according to our legally-approved charitable objects and the desires of the donors we serve - to connect your money with the charitable work that reflects your values.
Michael Deboski (B. Comm. CLU) Mike has worked in the financial services field for over 30 years. He is the founder of Deboski & Co, a financial advisory firm in matters pertaining to business succession and wealth transition. Over the years he has served on various church boards and committees as well as denomination boards. In addition to church related leadership roles, Mike has done everything from serving tables with inner city organizations to chairing the international board of a major relief and development organization.
Brent Epp (J.D., B.Comm.) – Brent is the president and chairperson of Provident. A lawyer in Calgary, Brent provides well-rounded experience in the area of charity law, wills and estates and tax to ensure that the work of Provident is completed in an efficient and effective way. Before becoming a lawyer, Brent worked internationally as a relief-worker and project leader in numerous war-zones over a five-year period. He has served as chair of his church board and has also been on numerous other boards of charitable organizations over the past 15 years.
Jonathan Greb (CA) - Jonathan is currently the director of tax at a medium-sized oil and gas company in Calgary, Alberta. A chartered accountant with a focus on tax, Jonathan has years of experience dealing with complex financial matters in both the for-profit and not-for-profit sector. He is currently also a board member and the treasurer of a large church in Calgary, where he has served on the board for the past four years.
Laurie Spady (B.A., MBA)- Laurie obtained both her Bachelor of Arts and Master of Business Administration Degrees from the University of Alberta. She is an experienced instructor in multiple business areas, including Strategic Analysis and Business Communication. She has owned small businesses operating in the energy, agricultural and recreational sectors, and has broad working and instructing experience across North America. Laurie has taught all levels of business and accounting courses, including High School, Community College and University instructing. Currently she instructs at Bow Valley College and Mount Royal University in Calgary. Laurie is also a board member and chair of an international NGO involved in medical service delivery in Southeast Asia.