BOARD OF DIRECTORS 2022-2023
 

Christian Kennedy, Chair

Christian Kennedy has lived in the Dakota catchment area since 2006.  He started playing in the Dakota Adult Hockey League right after moving into the neighbourhood.  Christian has also taken time out of his busy schedule to coach his son and daughter’s hockey teams over the last number of years, as well as coaching baseball for two seasons. 

Christian was Chair of the United Way Winnipeg Golf Tournament from 2018 until 2022, and spent a total of seven years as a committee member.  He also held the position of Trustee for the University of Manitoba Alumni Fund from 2005 until 2008.  

Christian graduated from the University of Manitoba in 2004 with a Bachelor of Commerce (Honours) degree majoring in both Finance and Marketing.  He is presently an Investment Advisor & Financial Planner with Mahoney-Kennedy Wealth Management at BMO Private Wealth.   He also holds three professional designations as a Certified Financial Planner (CFP®), Trust and Estate Practitioner (TEP), and Chartered Investment Manager (CIM®).

Cory Shangreaux, Vice Chair

Cory Shangreaux has lived in River Park South since 2006. Cory is married and has two boys ages 16 and 18 who have taken part in soccer, baseball and hockey programs based out of Dakota Community Centre. Cory is an active member of the Dakota Fieldhouse and enjoys the use of the running track on a regular basis. Cory previously coached minor hockey with the St Vital Minor Hockey Association for many years and is an active volunteer.

Cory is employed as Corporate Counsel with Richardson International and has a law degree from The University of Manitoba Faculty of Law. Prior to joining Richardson International, Cory worked as in-house counsel with employers such as Manitoba Hydro, SkipTheDishes, IG Wealth Management, Tribal Councils Investment Group and Pitblado LLP.

Cory also serves as chair of the executive committee for the Canadian Corporate Counsel Association’s Manitoba section (The CCCA is an independent section of the Canadian Bar Association and is Canada’s home to in-house counsel.) 

Darren Neufeld, Treasurer

Darren Neufeld and his wife Mandy have enjoyed living in the Dakota catchment since 1992.

He and his family have been enjoying the club’s sports programs and facilities since 1996. He earned his CPA (CMA) designation in Manitoba and has been a member since 1993. He graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Winnipeg. He is currently the Controller at one of Canada’s largest and oldest transportation companies, TransX Ltd. In March 2019, CN concluded its acquisition of TransX Ltd. Previously, he has held other senior financial roles including a minority shareholder of a Manitoba trucking company.

Darren’s volunteer work at Dakota has consisted of coaching various teams in mini-soccer, hockey and ringette. Other volunteer work has included treasurer duties for the Manitoba Optimist Jr Golf Tournament, an event that provided additional funding to the University of Manitoba Golf Team. Darren has served on the centre's Board since 2016 as our treasurer.

Sandy Nemeth

Sandy’s interest in serving on the Dakota CC board stems from a firm belief in community centres as valuable hubs of both recreation and sport excellence. She has watched DCC expand and evolve to meet the many and varied needs of the growing community it belongs to and is appreciative of the work and dedication of the centre staff and volunteers in making this happen.

Since 2010, Sandy has been a trustee on the Louis Riel School Board, currently in the role of board Chair and she also serves as a regional Director on the Manitoba School Boards Association. She is employed by the University of Manitoba and has been a resident of River Park South for over 25 years.  

Karlee Batchelor

Karlee Batchelor and her family have lived in River Park South since 2014 and her two young boys continue to keep her busy, having participated in soccer, baseball, curling, swimming, karate and golf.

She holds a Certified Engineering Technologist (C.E.T.) designation and is also a LEED Accredited Professional. She is currently Senior Estimator for Graham Construction & Engineering, and also a member of the Young Construction Leaders of Manitoba.

An ongoing passion project of Karlee’s has been her involvement with the Manitoba Kidney Foundation; she has actively volunteered and fundraised for the foundation for the past nine years.

Anthony Maros

Anthony has lived in the Dakota catchment area since 2008. Anthony has two children that are active in the community centre between the preschool programs to indoor and outdoor soccer.

Anthony has been active in community work over the past 15 years. He has chaired a golf tournament in support of the Children’s Hospital Foundation of Manitoba from 2018 to present day. He has served on various football boards while coaching community, provincial, and junior teams in the province.

Anthony graduated from the University of Manitoba in 2006 with a Bachelor of Arts in Economics. He is presently a Private Banker with BMO Private Wealth. He also holds a Financial Modeling and Valuation Analyst designation and was the Investment Industry Association of Canada’s Top Under 40 list in 2020.

Anthony indicates giving back to his community is important. Whether through direct coaching or holding board positions it is important to be involved. Knowing your neighbors is important to having a successful community.

Matthew Awang

Matt Awang and his family have lived in the Dakota catchment area since 2013. Matt is constantly involved in the Dakota Adult Rec Hockey League while his daughter participates in the R4U programs and regular BVRA ringette tournaments that take place at the community centre. Matt and family also enjoy participating in public skating and special events like the Christmas Market.

Matt graduated Red River College in 2008 with a Structural Engineering Technology Diploma. He also graduated Lakehead University in 2011 with a Civil Engineering Bachelors Degree. Matt has 12 years of experience within the engineering consulting and construction industry as a Professional Civil/Structural Engineer and Project Manager.

Matt has volunteered with various organizations over the past decade including Engineering Geoscientists Manitoba, Young Construction Leaders of Manitoba, École St. Germain Daycare and Habitat for Humanity to name just a few. Matt would like to serve on the board because of his passion for community sports, activities and positive community involvement initiatives. Matt would also like the opportunity to meet and work with new people within the community and help contribute to the overall improvement of the community, the centre and its services.