Media Release
Saskatoon, SK: Winnipeg, MB – July 22, 2026: Genome Prairie formally announced today the appointment of two new members to its board of directors. The newest members are Dr. Wanda Charles from Winnipeg, Manitoba, and Mr. Brad Bly, who is based in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan.
The new appointments replace two members, Dr. Curtis Rempel and Ms. Kenda Mueller, whose board terms expired in June, 2026.
Dr. Wanda (Wuttunee) Charles is Professor Emerita at the University of Manitoba and is an internationally recognized scholar whose work has shaped Indigenous economic development and entrepreneurship in Canada for more than 40 years. Charles has published extensively and presented nationally and internationally. Her recent edited books include Engraved on Our Nations: Indigenous Economic Tenacity (2024) and Still Ruffling Feathers: Let us put our minds together and see what life we can make for our children (2025).
Mr. Brad Bly is a Professional Agrologist and a certified Economic Development Finance Professional (EDFP) with a diverse investment and business background. Mr. Bly currently serves as Director of SREDA (Saskatoon Regional Economic Development Authority) and leads strategies to attract innovative businesses to the Saskatoon region. Prior to his role with SREDA, Mr. Bly served as managing director at Ag-West Bio, and also worked in the Canada and United States banking industries in various senior lending and management positions, including advanced experience in commercial real-estate development and community relationship building.
Both Dr. Charles and Mr. Bly’s board appointments are three-year terms, with an option for renewal (extension) in 2029.
QUOTES
The appointment of Dr. Charles and Mr. Bly marks the end of an extensive and successful search process. I believe the education and professional background of both will further enhance and strengthen the knowledge and diversity of Genome Prairie’s board. I would also like to thank both Curtis and Kendra for their long-term service to Genome Prairie. Their contributions were greatly appreciated.
– Mike Cey, President & CEO, Genome Prairie
FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THIS MEDIA RELEASE PLEASE CONTACT
Tony Bassett
Director of Communications
Genome Prairie
text/voice: 306.881.0255
email: tbassett@genomeprairie.ca
