Meet the Canadian Angus team!
Myles Immerkar
Myles Immerkar oversees the operations of the Canadian Angus Association. He works with the elected Board of Directors to implement their vision in addition to growing and promoting the Angus breed. He has held a variety of roles in his professional career, including animal nutrition sales representative, regional manager, beef cow-calf and feedlot nutrition specialist and general manager. Myles spent 16 years working as Manager, Global Beef Programs, Semex Alliance based in Guelph, ON. He was instrumental in industry development projects in the developing markets, launching new brands and beef strategies in developed markets and partnerships with a wide range of industry leading and progressive ranchers on their programs.
Proudly creating member value since January 1, 2019.
Belinda Wagner
Working with the Junior board of directors, Belinda coordinates the activities of Canadian Junior Angus including their two annual events, the GOAL leadership conference and Showdown, the national junior Angus show. Belinda has worked with the junior program since 2000 and strongly believes we build our future by enabling our Juniors. In 2013 Belinda also took on the role of Executive Director with the Canadian Angus Foundation where she assists the Foundation board in implementing their programming as well as fundraising.
Proudly creating member value since February, 2000.
Alan Yuen
Alan manages Angus Central operations and human resources and oversees the day-to-day finances and accounting. Alan works diligently to ensure that Angus Central operates smoothly—not only in terms of ensuring that there is power, water and heat, but also in terms of adequate staff resources. He regularly reviews contracts and investigates cost savings to keep administrative costs down and ensure that the Association receives the best value possible. Alan has worked in the beef industry for more than two decades.
Proudly creating member value since February 15, 2011.
Tina Zakowsky
Tina has provided communications support to the Canadian Angus Association since 2006. She is the managing editor for Angus Life, compiles the Angus Advisor newsletter and oversees other member communications. Tina is also the staff liaison to the board of directors, providing logistical and administrative support as well as managing the director elections. In her spare time Tina volunteers for the Canadian Beef Industry Conference and Calgary Stampede International Agriculture and Agri-Food Committee.
Proudly creating member value since October 2, 2006.
Christy Lavallee
Christy is the Design and Marketing Coordinator for the Association. Christy grew up on a purebred cattle ranch in Southwest Saskatchewan where she helped her family with various shows and sales, actively participated in her local 4-H beef club and contributed to her family’s daily farm operations. She has been employed as a designer in various Calgary area print publications as well as running a successful family photography business. Christy is excited to get back to her agriculture roots and looks forward to working closely with members to promote their herds.
Proudly creating member value since July 15, 2021.
Kajal Devani
Kajal leads the Association’s research projects and manages the performance program through which genetic evaluations for Canadian Angus breeding stock are performed. As the Association's geneticist she monitors genetic conditions and counsels Association members on the application of genetic tools to balance and optimize healthy herds and economic gain. Kajal has a master’s degree in quantitative animal genetics from the University of Alberta and a PhD in the same from the University of Calgary. Raised on a mixed farm in Kenya, Kajal is passionate about genetics and their ability to enhance production for two primary ends: successful farmers and ranchers and a memorable dining experience for the beef consumer. Kajal knows that our business, even at its most scientific, is a people business; and is committed to creating value at every level for every member.
Proudly creating member value since January 30, 2009.
Mandi Tilleman
Mandi has gained her unique set of skills through hands on experience in a number of different industries and is very excited to return to what she is more passionate about, agriculture. She is an outgoing, hardworking team player who is eager to help members and fellow coworkers. She enjoys learning, and looks for new ways and processes to ensure efficiency. Mandi has a love for her community, volunteering with her local Agriculture Society, 4-H Club and numerous other youth clubs/organizations.
Proudly creating member value since June 19, 2017.
Joanelle Fuellbrandt
Joanelle is the first point of contact for those calling and visiting Angus Central. She assists the Member Service team with DNA requests, transfers, membership renewals, member information updates, release and e-storage of certificates and disposal of animals.
Proudly creating member value since March 3, 2008.
Julia Engel
Julia draws upon more than 30 years' experience in the farming and cattle industry to provide member assistance and support. She joined the Registry department in 2014 to assist members with their registry requirements.
Proudly creating member value since March 17, 2014.
Shayelyn Scott
Shayelyn comes from a commercial background in the beef industry and has gained experience over the years through 4-H and growing a herd of her own. She takes pride in being a young female in agriculture and looks forward to contributing more towards the future of the Angus breed and the beef industry as a whole.
Proudly creating member value since March 15, 2023.
Melanie Klassen
Melanie hales from a gold mining family in the Yukon Territory and although farming was not part of her livelihood, the cattle industry became natural to her when she met her husband. Her acquired business knowledge and passion for the breed, the industry and the people is what makes her excited to be a part of the CAA team.
Proudly creating member value since March 1, 2023.
Bob Toner
Bob has been involved in the Angus breed his entire life. He was involved in 4-H as a member and leader as well as an exhibitor at some of the first Junior Angus shows in Bashaw, AB. Along with his wife Shonda, they raised a family of three children who were all very active in sports, 4-H and Canadian Junior Angus activities. Over the years Bob was a purebred breeder as well as working in the purebred sales business. Bob has sat on a variety of boards in the cattle industry and was very involved in his local community. He looks forward to continuing his involvement in the breed and helping to ensure its future.
Proudly creating member value since May 16, 2016.
Sarah MacDonald
Sarah originally hails from a commercial Angus-influenced cow/calf operation in British Columbia and has been in the Prairie provinces pursuing her Bachelor of Science in Agribusiness since 2019. She was an avid beef 4-H member and now volunteers with the program. Sarah’s involvement in the Angus industry grew during her terms as President of the BC Junior Angus Association and Canadian Junior Angus Director for BC and Secretary. Her passion for the cattle industry and advancement of the Angus breed has her excited to join the CAA team this summer!
Ellie Stauffer
Ellie Stauffer is a Canadian Angus summer intern. She grew up on a purebred Black Angus ranch in Southern Alberta and is still actively raising her own herd of Angus cattle. She is currently a student at the University of Saskatchewan majoring in Agribusiness, and is very excited to spend her summer working for the Association. Eager to learn and to be involved in a different perspective of the Angus industry, Ellie hopes to help promote the opportunities of the breed and make connections with more members along the way.