MACLAB DEVELOPMENT GROUP - Key Persons
Alizeh joined Maclab Development Group as Property Accountant in 2023. Her responsibilities include full cycle accounting for the commercial retail portfolio, cashflow reporting and taxation compliance. As a property accountant, Alizeh understands the importance of accurate financial reporting and is committed to ensuring that the financial reports are timely, reliable, and compliant with relevant regulations.
She is part qualified Chartered Certified Accountant who is currently working towards obtaining her CPA designation. She has completed her ACCA (UK) certification, gaining expertise in financial reporting, taxation, and management accounting.
In addition to her professional pursuits, Alizeh has a passion for playing badminton and traveling. She enjoys staying active and maintaining a healthy, fun lifestyle.
Bill Blais is the President and CEO of Maclab Development Group, an Edmonton based real estate company. His 26 year career has always focused on real estate development, including mixed use multi family development, land development, office conversion, and hotel development. Recently, at Maclab Development Group, the focus includes the following:
Job Titles:
- Chairman of the Board of Directors
Bruce Bentley is Chair of the Board of Directors of Maclab Development Group. Prior to his appointment as board chair in January 2017 he was President and Chief Executive Officer of Maclab Enterprises. He has an extensive knowledge base related to real estate operations and financial management; a background obtained in both public and private company environments.
Bruce has a strong belief in community involvement and currently chairs the board of directors of the Edmonton 2001 Athletics Legacy Foundation and is the Treasurer of the Board of Governors of the Citadel Theatre. He has been actively involved with the Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity, the University of Alberta, the Fort Edmonton Management Company, the Edmonton Elks Football Club, the Canadian Football League and the Edmonton Chamber of Commerce. He sat on the Edmonton Committee to End Homelessness and the Edmonton Homeless Commission.
Bruce is a graduate of the University of Alberta's School of Business and has pursued life-long learning including executive education at Stanford University and through the Institute of Corporate Directors.
Bruce and his wife Carol enjoy travelling the world and playing golf whenever possible. They have two adult sons, Cale, a chartered professional accountant, who lives with his wife Orsi in Switzerland, and Jase, a commercial airline pilot based in Edmonton.
Job Titles:
- Commercial Property Administrator
Darlington joined Maclab in July 2022 as Controller in the Finance department after starting off his career with Deloitte, and then working as a Controller in the construction industry in the Northwest Territories. He grew up in Zimbabwe and moved to Canada in 2012 to pursue post-secondary studies. He currently holds a Bachelor of Commerce Degree from the Memorial University of Newfoundland and a CPA designation. Darlington is currently pursuing an MBA online with the University of Fredericton with an anticipated graduation of summer 2023.
He will oversee the financial reporting, tax compliance, internal controls, and coordination of the day-to-day activities of the Finance team. In his spare time, Darlington enjoys all the sports - in particular, playing soccer and basketball or watching the NBA and the English Premier League.
Job Titles:
- a Corporate Accountant
- Corporate Accountant
Derek joined Maclab Development Group as a Corporate Accountant in 2021. He assists in providing management with accurate and timely accounting information. His role involves preparing financial reporting, management reporting and tax returns.
Derek has a Bachelor of Commerce - Major in Accounting from MacEwan University.
Outside of work, he enjoys running, gaming, and reading.
Job Titles:
- Project Accountant
- Project Accountant With
Farzana Sultana started her career as a detail-oriented project Accountant with Maclab Development Group in 2023 with over 10 years of work experience in different industry including 6 years plus direct experience in full cycle financial accounting. She is responsible for preparing financial statements and tax returns for different projects within the Organization. Farzana believes in moving beyond the numbers and developing relationships with operations is the key to drive corporate performance.
She completed master's degree as a highest level of education from a reputed University. Her academic involvement in research activities makes her unique for extensive data analysis. Throughout her academic life she had been awarded several times with Dean's honour roll within the program of Business Administration in Accounting and own National Science Information and Communication Technology (NSICT) Fellowship award issued by Ministry of Science and Technology while studying M.Sc. She was enrolled in CPA PEP program in CPA Western School of Business and has keen interest to achieve the designation.
She loves traveling, tasting good foods, watching movies and most of all having fun! Life is too short to waste!
Job Titles:
- Real Estate and Investments Analyst
As our Real Estate and Investments Analyst, Gurmen is responsible for updating and maintaining cash flow models. He analyzes changes in cash flow, coordinates loan draws for development projects, and assists management in updating our budget.
In 2021, Gurmen completed his Bachelor of Commerce, majoring in Finance, at the University of Alberta. He joined our team in 2022 and is currently working towards his CFA designation.
In his free time, Gurmen enjoys playing soccer and golf, watching sports, and spending time with family and friends.
Job Titles:
- Manager of Construction
- Vertical Development Manager
An Honor's graduate of NAIT's B.C.E.T. program in 1980, and winner of the ASET Technologist of the Year award in 2013, Jamey brings over 43 years of construction experience spanning across Canada. In the past six years, Jamey has played a key role in the successful delivery of The Glenora, Grande Prairie Hospital, Stanton Territorial Hospital, Building BG at ICE District and South Valley line LRT.
Currently, Jamey is Manager of Construction for Maclab Development Group on two major high-rise residential projects in Edmonton. The Garneau project is a twin tower student residence and market tower valued at $260M, and the Parks is a market rental tower valued at $175M. It is his leadership, approachable demeanor, and ability to make sound decisions based on his team's collaboration that distinguishes Jamey. Very much respected, he also returns that respect - often becoming a mentor to those who collaborate with him on a project. As an ASET member, he is dedicated to advocating for his profession, and providing the next generation of construction professionals with opportunities to ensure they are technically prepared. Jamey's passion is playing an active role in driving consistency in operational excellence and practices in all projects he is involved with.
Job Titles:
- Director of Marketing and Communications
Janelle is responsible for providing direction, guidance, and leadership for marketing and communication initiatives within our organization. She manages day to day marketing activities and is responsible for developing key marketing strategies, executing market research and development, and overall project planning and execution. Janelle manages our corporate marketing platforms, leads communication planning, and acts as an ambassador for our company. She collaborates closely with key stakeholders, business networks, and our team to ensure alignment with our business and brand strategy.
She strives to create long term relationships with industry partners and is a dedicated team member. Janelle graduated from MacEwan University and is currently studying at the University of Alberta. Outside of work she enjoys golfing, traveling, reading and spending quality time with her family.
Jas joined Maclab Development Group in September 2022 as a Project Coordinator of our vertical development portfolio. He is involved in the day-to-day operations of our commercial and vertical projects. Prior to joining Maclab Development Group, Jas had an extensive experience in the commercial HVAC mechanical field.
Outside of work, Jas enjoys anything car related, keeping up with the Oilers, and spending time with family.
Jeff is the Senior Project Manager of our vertical development portfolio and brings over 19 years of construction and development experience to our team. Prior to joining Maclab Development Group, Jeff worked in both commercial and residential sectors contributing to several notable projects in Edmonton and surrounding markets.
Jeff attended the University of Alberta where he earned a Bachelor's degree with a major in Sociology and a minor in Psychology. After graduating from the U of A, he returned to school at Santa Barbara City College where he earned an Associate's Degree in both real estate and finance before returning to Edmonton and beginning his career in the development and construction field. Jeff prides himself on having a comprehensive and holistic approach to project management, along with being process driven, detail oriented and working collaboratively within any sized team.
Currently, Jeff is working on the Garneau project, which is a twin tower student residence and market tower valued at $260M, and the Parks, which is a market rental tower valued at $175 Million. Jeff is also working on the zoning and site development of the Mill Woods phase 1 site redevelopment.
Job Titles:
- Accounts Payable Administrator
Kanchan has joined Maclab as an Accounts Payable Administrator in October 2023. She is a committed person with over 7+ years of experience into Accounts Receivable and Accounts Payable. She has accomplished multiple recognitions throughout her career. Her main at responsibility at Maclab includes receiving, verifying, and processing invoices, maintain vendor accounts, processing payments and posting payable activity.
Kanchan has a Bachelor of Commerce degree with major in accounting and finance from India. She is looking forward to pursuing her designation. Kanchan believes in teamwork, very passionate to learn new things and work in a challenging environment.
Job Titles:
- Treasury & Project Accountant
Kathryn believes that "You never stop learning because life never stops teaching."
She joined Maclab Development Group in 2014. Her role involves cash flow management, short term money market and processing accounts payable and receivables. She provides support for the whole finance team with special projects and year end accounting.
She studied at NAIT and holds a diploma in Business Administration-Accounting.
Outside of work, she loves cooking, traveling and spending quality time with her family.
Job Titles:
- Chairman
- Executive Assistant
- Executive Assistant to Chair of the Board of Directors
Kimberly Ayers is the Executive Assistant to the Chair of Maclab Properties Group and Maclab Development Group. She brings extensive experience in a broad range of roles including executive and board support, communications, policy, and labour relations.
Kimberly holds a Bachelor of Education degree with a minor in Education Psychology from the University of Alberta. She is actively involved in community volunteering while supporting her children's sports activities and education. Kimberly is also an executive member of ASBA Zone 2/3.
She has a love for all things outdoors and enjoys spending time with her family and friends.
Job Titles:
- Senior Development Associate
Lauren is responsible for ensuring the execution of key development deliverables. Her 8-year career in real estate includes project management, brokerage and leasing, financial audit and analysis, property management and real estate development. Lauren collaborates with the development team to ensure that projects are aligned with their respective business plans and that key milestones are achieved in a timely manner. Her role includes creating development plans, assessing financial feasibility, and ensuring that operational goals of our assets are achieved. In addition, Lauren evaluates the financial performance of existing properties and reviews potential acquisition opportunities.
Some of the projects Lauren is involved in includes:
Loris Bolzon Senior Building Operator Loris joined Maclab Development Group as Senior Building Operator in May 2021. He is responsible for the maintenance of the buildings under the commercial portfolio including all aspects of HVAC systems. He also works closely with contractors and responds to tenant maintenance requests. His focus is providing responsive and excellent service to tenants. Loris attended NAIT, completed his Building Operator certificate, and now has over 30 years experience in building maintenance. In his spare time he likes to workout and listening to 70s Rock and Roll.
Job Titles:
- Managing Director
- Principal
Marc is the Principal and Managing Director of Maclab Development Group. His principal areas of expertise are in property development, investment, and board governance.
Following an early career as a management consultant, Marc joined Maclab in 1991. Since then he led the company's return to the development businesses and the diversification into counter-cyclical investments.
With deep connections to Alberta, he is passionate about building the community; he is a proud supporter of the Youth Orchestra of Northern Alberta, the Loran Scholarships, the Citadel Theatre, the University of Alberta, the Women's Emergency Accommodation Centre and several other Albertan and Canadian institutions.
Marc was awarded the Alberta Centennial Medal in 2005 and the Queen's Diamond Jubilee Medal in 2012. He holds a B.A. from Williams College in Massachusetts and an MBA from INSEAD in France.
He is married to Stacy Schiff, a biographer and historian. They have three children.
Marilyn joined Maclab Development Group as a Senior Accountant in 2021. Her role involves reviewing monthly and year end accounting data in compiling of financial statements and tax returns. She works with the corporate finance team to support the function of accurate and timely financial reporting and ensuring accounting best practices.
Marilyn has a Bachelor of Commerce - After Degree from the University of Alberta and received her CPA designation in 2018.
Outside of work, she enjoys traveling, hiking, and spending time with family and friends.
Job Titles:
- Chief Financial Officer
- Vice President, Finance
Michael Kwan is our Vice President, Finance, bringing extensive private company consulting experience to Maclab Development Group. He leads the company's finance team, managing financial planning and analysis, corporate finance, financial reporting and taxation. Michael works with Maclab Development Group's partners to build lasting relationships across business, finance and industry.
Prior to joining Maclab Development Group, Michael was a Senior Manager at Deloitte, a leading professional services firm worldwide, where he led income tax projects for private companies, including developing estate plans, managing corporate restructuring and general corporate tax consulting.
Born and raised in Edmonton, Michael has a Bachelor of Commerce degree from the University of Alberta and received his Chartered Accountant designation in 2012. He is a huge hockey fan, and when he can find the time, he is either on the ice or in the stands at Rogers Place.
Job Titles:
- Residential Development Manager
As our Residential Development Manager, Paul brings his passion to developing communities through work ethic, leadership and creativity. Born and raised in Edmonton, Paul has been actively involved in the land development industry for over 20 years; overseeing all aspects of a new community development from construction to sales, while working closely with our planners, engineers, builders, contractors and residents. He is committed to building communities that last for generations.
As a husband and father of three beautiful girls, Paul strives to develop neighbourhoods that provides its residents with a sense of belonging, security, and safety. To give back, Paul volunteers his time to coach community sports and sits on the City of Leduc's UDI committee.
Job Titles:
- Commercial Property Manager
- the Commercial Property Manager
Rachel Van Egmond is the Commercial Property Manager for our commercial asset portfolio. Her leadership and attention to detail provide the basis for a strong team environment and healthy tenant relationships. Rachel brings 12 years of experience in real estate and property management and her approach to the portfolio is built on the fundamentals for growth, improvement, and excellence.
Collaborative management of our commercial properties in line with the ownership agreement, the day-to-day operational functions, financial aspects of the properties as well as relating directly with tenants, including complaints and service requests, remain the primary goal and focus within her team.
In her spare time, Rachel can be found on a river with a fishing rod or travelling to new places where she loves to find niche restaurants and experience local cuisine.
Job Titles:
- Executive Assistant
- Executive Assistant to Managing Director & President
Toni is the Executive Assistant to our President & CEO and Managing Director, and she keeps the office running like a well-oiled machine as the Office Manager. Throughout her career, she has worked in a variety of customer service, and administration roles, bringing with her a considerable amount of knowledge and experience. She is passionate about building relationships and is always willing to lend a helping hand.
When not at work, she enjoys traveling, playing golf, riding her motorbike (GSXR 600), fostering dogs with GEARS (Greater Edmonton Area Rescue Society), and spending time with friends and family! Her proudest accomplishment to date is being the general contractor of leveling her house to the foundation and rebuilding it, 10-months from start to finish, while working full-time.