OUR TEAM
Meet the passionate team members who are leading business development opportunities, building meaningful industry partnerships, and supporting the economic success of Fort McMurray 468 First Nation.
Chief and Council and Board of Directors
Chief
Neil Cheecham
Councillor
Samantha Whalen
Councillor
Chris Beausoleil
Fort McMurray 468 First Nation Economic Development
Ryan Coish
President, Economic Development
Ryan Coish manages business development, equity opportunities and industry relations on behalf of Fort McMurray 468 First Nation (FMFN468), with a mandate to sustain or increase revenue for the Nation to support Member services, education programs, and infrastructure projects, and to create meaningful employment and apprenticeship opportunities for Nation Members.
With a background in business and commercial real estate, Ryan has worked in Indigenous business development in the Fort McMurray area for the past 10 years. Before being appointed Vice-President of FMFN468’s Economic Development Corporation, he managed business development and industry partnerships for the Fort McMurray First Nation Group of Companies for over four years.
Ryan is of Qalipu First Nation descent and a member of the No’kmaq Flat Bay Band in Newfoundland, fuelling his passion for creating positive change and long-term economic success for FMFN468 and its Members. He cites the growth and revenue generated for the Nation over the last few years as the most rewarding part of his job.
Jonathan Ross
Senior Business Development Manager
Jonathan Ross thrives on giving back to his community through his focus on maintaining and growing industry partnerships as a member of the Business Development Team for Fort McMurray 468 First Nation (FMFN468).
A licensed Journeyman Pipefitter, Steamfitter, and Gasfitter, Jonathan has had the opportunity to work at various oil and gas plants across the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo, gaining experience and contacts that support his work.
Born and raised in Fort McMurray, Jonathan is a proud FMFN468 Member, as is his mother and her parents before her. That history and connection drive Jonathan’s efforts to help build economic opportunities for the Nation and support improved living conditions, educational training, and jobs for Nation Members.
Jonathan pursues a wide variety of interests outside of work, including playing hockey and golf, volunteering at PGA events, home improvements, hunting, fishing, and travelling. He is an avid foodie who enjoys barbecuing, meal prep and hosting dinner parties.
Brett Stanley
Business Development Associate
Brett Stanley supports the growth of Fort McMurray #468 First Nation by building and strengthening relationships with industry partners while identifying new opportunities that contribute to the Nation's long-term goals. As a member of the Economic Development Team, he works collaboratively with partners to advance initiatives that create meaningful benefits through employment, business development, and community investment for Fort McMurray #468 First Nation and its Members.
Growing up in Fort McMurray, Brett developed a strong appreciation for the importance of collaboration between industry and Indigenous communities. He returned to the region after earning a Bachelor of Business Administration from St. Francis Xavier University, with a minor in Political Science. Prior to joining Fort McMurray #468 First Nation, he worked in Business Development and Indigenous Relations roles, where he gained experience in relationship management, stakeholder engagement, and fostering partnerships between industry and Indigenous communities. Brett finds the most rewarding part of his role is helping create long-term opportunities that contribute to the Nation's continued growth and prosperity.
Outside of work, Brett enjoys golfing, travelling, cooking, and following hockey and football. He also enjoys exploring new restaurants and spending time with family and friends.