“RDAR congratulates all Directors and welcomes David Hoekstra to the Board. David is a well-known figure within Alberta’s agricultural and greenhouse community and is superbly qualified to serve on RDAR's Board,” states Dr. Mark Redmond, RDAR’s CEO, “I also wish to thank the Members who nominated candidates, stood for election, and voted.”
David Hoekstra is the Vice President of Big Marble Farms and has held numerous Board positions within the community and with not-for-profit companies and charities. He serves as the Director of Medicine Hat College and the Finance Committee Chair of the Fruit and Vegetable Growers of Canada. David is passionate about growing food, growing the sector, and raising the bar for Alberta producers.
The 2024-2025 Board of Directors, as elected by 31 Member organizations, comprises ten (10) members:
Dr. Stanford Blade, RDAR Board Nominated (2021), Edmonton
Brian Brewin, Alberta Potato Growers Association Nominated (2023), Taber
JP Brouwer, Alberta Milk Nominated (2021), Ponoka
Dr. David Chalack, RDAR Board Nominated (2022), Calgary
D’Arcy Hilgartner, Alberta Pulse Nominated (2021), Camrose
David Hoekstra, Alberta Greenhouse Growers Nominated (2023), Medicine Hat
Steve Kenyon, ARECA Nominated (2023), Busby
Jason Lenz, Alberta Grains Nominated (2022), Bentley
Dr. Fred Lozeman, Alberta Beef Producers Nominated (2021), Claresholm
Josie Van Lent, Alberta Canola Commission Nominated (2022), Vermilion
Dr. David Chalack was re-elected Chair, and D’Arcy Hilgartner was elected Vice-Chair.
While welcoming the members of the 2024 – 2025 Board, the Chair also recognized the departure of Melissa Downing, who had served on the Board with leadership, integrity, and dedication since RDAR’s foundation in 2020.
“Melissa led with wisdom, thoughtfulness, and a keen understanding of agricultural issues in Alberta. I’m honoured to have served with her for the four years she served as Director,” says Dr. David Chalack, Chair. “I also welcome D’Arcy Hilgartner to the role of Vice Chair and newcomer David Hoekstra, who I have no doubt will contribute to the work of the Board in maintaining the well-governed environment in which RDAR will continue to thrive.”
About RDAR
RDAR's mandate is to target strategic investments in producer-led, results-driven agriculture research to power the profitability, productivity, competitiveness, and sustainability of Agriculture in Alberta. A not-for-profit corporation, RDAR's funding comes from the Government of Alberta and the Government of Canada through the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership. www.rdar.ca
About the RDAR Board
RDAR’s Board of Directors comes from diverse agricultural, academic, business and research backgrounds. Each of the 10 Directors represents all producers and agricultural organizations that makeup Alberta’s agriculture and research industry. Learn more about RDAR’s Board Members here.
RDAR Media Inquiries:
Janada Hawthorne
Communications Lead
Results Driven Agriculture Research
780-903-2734
janada.hawthorne@rdar.ca