Governance

Chair:
Danielle Deveau, Lecturer, Department of English Language and Literature, University of Waterloo

Past Chair & Vice Chair Internal:
Bryce Kraeker, Partner, Gowling WLG

Vice President Finance and Secretary/Treasurer:
Alexandra Hardy, Partner, BDO
 

Directors:
Irena Kramer, Associate at Gowling WLG
Robin Lindner, Brand Experience and Design - Freelance 
Logan MacDonald, Assistant Professor, Department of Fine Arts, University of Waterloo
Rebecca O'Reilly, Vice President, Professional Services at Igloo
Hans Roach, Ward 3 Councillor, City of Waterloo (appointed)
David Schnider, Ward 2 Councillor, City of Kitchener (appointed)
Kris Schumacher, Community Volunteer
Aaron Shull, Chief Operating Officer, CIGI
Stephanie Stretch, Non-Profit leader, City Councillor
 

Chair
Danielle Jeanine Deveau is currently the Chair of KWAG's Board of Directors. She is a Lecturer at the University of Waterloo in the Department of English Language and Literature. She holds a PhD in Communication from Simon Fraser University. Her research and teaching focus primarily on academic and technical communication, media theory, research methods, and user experience design. She has also published extensively in the areas of humour studies, creative industries, cultural mapping, and urban development. She served on the City of Kitchener's Art and and Culture Advisory Committee from 2013-17 (Chair from 2015-16) and is a research consultant in the areas of cultural grants, economic development, creative economies, and cultural scenes. 
 

Past-Chair / Vice Chair 
Bryce Kraeker is currently the Past Chair and Vice Chair Internal of KWAG's Board of Directors. He is the Managing Partner of the Waterloo Region office of Gowling WLG, an international law firm. His practice is focused primarily on transactional and securities regulatory matters, assisting Canadian and international clients in both capital raising and M&A transactions. Bryce has a keen interest in contemporary art, architecture, music and theatre. He joined KWAG's board to contribute his legal expertise towards the ongoing development of a thriving local arts culture. Bryce is continually amazed at the high caliber of exhibitions presented by the gallery and is delighted by artists’ stories, including those shared by David Harper, Kent Monkman, Edward Burtynsky, Sarah Cale, An Te Liu and curator Wanda Nanibush, among others. In his spare time Bryce is an avid cyclist.
 

Vice President Finance and Secretary/Treasurer
Alexandra Hardy is a Chartered Accountant and Partner with BDO in Waterloo. With over 18 years of experience in the area of accounting and auditing, operational analysis and financial management, she is a professional advisor to many owner-managers in various industrial sectors including technology, professional services and distribution. Alex has been very active at the University of Waterloo in a variety of capacities: as an Adjunct Professor of Auditing for the 2008-2009 school year; a judge for an annual accounting competition at the School of Accounting and Finance; and an Honouree of the School of Accountancy Fellowship Program.  She is also a volunteer lecturer at the Conrad School and leads BDO's business relationship with the Laurier entrepreneurial program. She was recently awarded the CPA Ontario (previously named ICAO) Award of Distinction, which recognizes members who have made an early impact through leadership and achievement in their professional, community and/or personal lives.  She was also the recipient of the Christine E. Sinclair Community Leadership Award, which recognizes exceptional leadership in community volunteerism. 
 

Irena Kramer is an associate in Gowling WLG's Waterloo Region office. She works primarily on corporate, contractual, transactional, and financing matters. Irena provides knowledge, insight, and support to clients, so that they feel confident reaching their business goals. When she isn't working, Irena is giving back to her community and adding to the thriving culture in Kitchener-Waterloo. She is grateful for the opportunity to support and champion local and national art initiatives and artists. In her role on the Board of Directors, Irena brings her problem-solving skills together with her passion for the arts and sharing the experiences KWAG offers with her friends and family in the Kitchener-Waterloo community. 

Robin Lindner is a creative thinker and freelance designer who loves a good challenge. Currently she is building a brand and digital marketing company called Robin + Elaine (with her super-rad partner, Elaine) that focuses on helping local companies grow their businesses and get more involved with the community. Her career started in the textile industry working as a product designer for companies like The Bay, Walmart and Costco. After that she spent a few years learning about the world of educational publishing and working in the tech sector at Communitech as a brand manager. Robin is a huge fan of art organizations like KWAG that encourage fearless creativity and experimentation. 

Logan MacDonald is a Canadian-based artist, curator, and educator and activist who focuses on queer, disability and Indigenous perspectives. He is of European and Mi’kmaq ancestry, who identifies with both his settler and Indigenous roots. Born in Summerside, Prince Edward Island, his Mi’kmaq ancestry is connected to Elmastukwek, Ktaqamkuk. His artwork has exhibited across North America, notably with exhibitions at L.A.C.E. (Los Angeles) John Connelly Presents (New York), AceArtInc. (Winnipeg), The Rooms (St. John's), Articule (Montréal), and the Künstlerhaus Bethanien (Berlin). He is author of a forthcoming chapter on Indigenous Art Histories of Newfoundland that is being published by The Rooms, for the Future Possible exhibition/art history catalogue. He is a graduate from Concordia University with a BFA in Interdisciplinary Studies and an MFA in Studio Arts from York University. He is currently Vice-Chair of the Aboriginal Curatorial Collective, and is an Assistant Professor in Studio Arts at the University of Waterloo.

Rebecca O’Reilly is the Vice President of Customer Experience at Igloo Software, leading the Professional Services, Customer Success and Technical Support teams. She previously worked as a management consultant across North America, the UK, and Europe, leading User Experience, Visual Design and Business Analysis for Enterprise Digital Transformation programmes before joining Igloo. Born and raised in Kitchener, she holds an Honours Bachelor of Arts (History and Fine Arts) from the University of Waterloo, Master’s of Arts (History) from the University of Guelph and Bachelor of Education from Western University. Rebecca spent time in London, UK for 6 years as an art and history teacher, before moving into management consulting and digital design. Rebecca has a strong interest in art history and contemporary art. She moved back to Kitchener in 2014 with her husband, where they live with their two children and dogs.

Hans Roach is a City Councillor in Waterloo and is deeply dedicated to community service and inclusivity. With a background in Medical Technology, Hans brings decades of experience to his public service role, where he champions diversity and representation. His commitment to fostering inclusivity aligns well with the gallery's vision. As Board member of the Kitchener-Waterloo Art Gallery, Hans contributes to enriching the cultural landscape of the region.

Dave Schnider is a lifelong Kitchener resident who currently serves as Ward 2 Councillor and serves on many committees including the Arts & Culture Advisory Committee. He was a local radio personality for over 35 years. Dave is a Conestoga College Alumnus of Distinction and member of their Broadcast Hall of Fame. He is the PA Announcer for the Kitchener Rangers, a position he has held for 25 years. Dave has an appreciation for the arts and is passionate about the importance of the arts and creative industries as part of a strong Economic Development Strategy and adding vibrancy to our Region.

Kris Schumacher (M.Sc.) As a food consultant Kris has worked in product development, written cookbooks and taught food science at the University of Guelph. Since moving back to the  Kitchener-Waterloo area in 1985, she has been an active community volunteer. Her contributions have included establishing Nutrition for Learning, a network of community based nutrition programs for school children in Waterloo Region, acting as Chair of the Kitchener-Waterloo UNICEF Schools committee since 1997, and sitting as a member of the Waterloo Safe and Healthy Communities Advisory Committee. Kris and her family have a passion for the arts and she is excited to bring her enthusiasm about our vibrant, creative community to her role on the Board of  KWAG. "The truly wonderful thing about KWAG is that every few months when you walk through the doors, you are presented with a new experience, as the exhibits change. No matter what your age or interest, there is always something to delight you at the Gallery."

Aaron Shull is CIGI’s chief operating officer and general counsel, effective March 2015. Prior to that he was CIGI’s counsel and corporate secretary and was also a research fellow beginning in 2013. He continues to act as corporate secretary. As General Counsel, he responds to legal inquiries from Senior Management that relate to corporate, contractual, employment, occupational health and safety, intellectual property, dispute resolution, and compliance related matters. As Chief of Staff, he operates as an effective liaison and conduit across all departments, providing guidance and advice on all matters of strategic and operational importance. Aaron graduated from the University of Waterloo, placing first in his class as a departmental scholar, with a B.A. (honours) in history and political science. His keen interest in international affairs and political history led him to pursue a Master of Arts in international affairs at Carleton University’s Norman Paterson School of International Affairs, where he graduated with distinction. He concurrently pursued his LL.B. from the University of Ottawa, where he graduated cum laude with first class honours. Aaron attained his LL.M. from Columbia Law School, where he graduated as a Harlan Fiske Stone scholar. Aaron currently lives in the Waterloo Region, where he spends time with his family.

Stephanie Stretch (nee Seibert) has strong ties to Kitchener, where she was born, raised, and currently resides with her family. She is invested in the people, places and culture of the City. Stephanie holds a Bachelor of Arts in history from the University of Guelph and has over two decades of professional experience working in the not-for-profit sector serving youth, families, and traditionally marginalized peoples. Most recently Stephanie was working in Private Wealth Management with TD Bank in the Financial sector and has been appointed to Ward 10 City Councilor with the City Of Kitchener. Stephanie continues to serve on the KWAG board as a private citizen, as she has been on the board since 2022.  Stephanie is continually in awe at the high caliber of exhibitions presented by the gallery and the art living in KWAG’s collection. Stephanie also serves on the Kitchener Downtown Business Improvement Association, Downtown Action & Advisory Committee and the Climate Change & Environment Committee.

Laird Robertson - Bio coming soon