MEET OUR TEAM

James Robertson is a highly accomplished and experienced leader in community development. Currently serving as the President of Taza Development Corp., a partnership between Tsuut'ina Nation and Canderel.

Prior to his role at Taza Development Corp., James served as the inaugural President & CEO of the University of Calgary Properties Group, formerly known as West Campus Development Trust. During his 11-year tenure, he led the development of the University District master plan, transforming 200 acres of vacant land into a nine million-square-foot mixed-use community.

With his background as the City of Calgary Director of the Office of Land Servicing and Housing and President of the Calgary Housing Company, James oversaw a comprehensive portfolio exceeding $400 million, significantly contributing to the growth and transformation of Calgary's urban fabric. His expertise extends beyond the public sector, as he also worked with IBI Group, an internationally renowned planning, architecture, and design firm, and served as a board member of the Building Land Development Association – Calgary Region.

James’s unwavering commitment to creating complete and prosperous communities has been recognized through his leadership in receiving the highest certification for sustainability excellence by the Canada Green Building Council. His illustrious career exemplifies his dedication and passion for creating vibrant, sustainable, and prosperous neighborhoods. With his extensive experience in both the private and public sectors, James is positioned as a formidable force in the field of community development, capable of transforming communities and delivering long-term social and economic prosperity.

Bryce Starlight is a highly accomplished individual who has devoted his career to improving Indigenous communities and promoting cultural awareness. He currently holds the position of Vice President, Development at Taza Development Corp.

With a diverse background working with Indigenous communities, Bryce has acquired extensive experience in political and technical working groups related to First Nations land management, water policy, and resource management. Prior to his current role, he spent over five years in the private sector, collaborating closely with Indigenous nations to develop pipeline and transmission line applications in Alberta and British Columbia.

Bryce has demonstrated his commitment to empowering Indigenous communities and fostering collaboration between industry and Indigenous communities throughout his career. He has played a crucial role in managing engagement on industry projects, facilitating working committees, and presenting to First Nation leadership.

As Vice President of Development, Bryce plays a crucial role in ensuring that there is an incorporation of traditional knowledge, values, and practices, which will not only preserve Tsuut'ina culture but also promote its understanding among stakeholders. By working closely with Tsuut'ina Nation and Canderel, he ensures effective collaboration, alignment and efficient decision-making processes to move the project forward.

Maureen is a seasoned professional with a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Calgary, and over two decades of experience in marketing, communications, and real estate development projects. As the Vice President, Community Experience at Taza Development Corp., she has been instrumental in driving the vision and strategy behind placemaking and community building in the forthcoming Taza Villages.

Her passion for creating thriving and inclusive communities has been evident throughout her career, which has encompassed executive roles in residential development, tourism, event management, and not-for-profit sectors for companies such as Brookfield Residential, Telus Spark Science Centre, Sheraton Hotels, Distinctive Edge Event Management and Calgary Sports & Entertainment Corporation.

With a comprehensive understanding of the social, economic, and environmental dynamics of community development, Maureen has successfully led the design and execution of numerous initiatives that enhance community engagement, connectivity, and overall viability for development projects. Before joining the team at Taza Development Corp., she served as the Vice-President of Marketing and Communications for the University of Calgary Properties Group, guiding the community-centric strategy for placemaking in both the University District and University Innovation Quarter.

She is deeply committed to mentoring young marketing and real estate professionals. An ardent advocate for forward-thinking and innovative approaches to community-driven development, Maureen continues to shape vibrant and dynamic projects that leave a legacy for the City of Calgary.

As Vice President, Finance and Administration, Kyle Sheard leads all finance and business administration functions at Taza Development Corp. With over a decade of experience in property development and corporate finance, Kyle brings valuable expertise to his role in overseeing capital planning, investment management, corporate strategy, resourcing, and reporting. Originally from South Africa, he holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management with a major in Real Estate and Development and a Master's degree in commerce with a specialization from the same institution.

Under his leadership, Kyle has designed and implemented finance and management processes to optimize pro forma underwriting, manage liquidity and coordinate partnership reporting. He oversees creating and submitting all investment proposals and business cases for real estate and infrastructure projects. He has significantly increased Partnership returns by reinvesting land proceeds into vertical development projects. It has secured and managed over $200M in project financing and credit facilities to deliver critical projects and provide operational liquidity.

Before his role with Taza Development Corp., Kyle worked in a Treasury position with Suncor Energy and as a Development Manager with Springfield Land Corporation and Mirvac Queensland, both in Brisbane, Australia.

Chris is an experienced and skilled professional in the construction industry, with a career spanning over 20 years. He has held numerous positions in various sectors, including institutional, commercial, and publicly funded projects. Currently serving as the Vice-President, Design & Construction at Taza Development Corp., Chris brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to his role.

With an extensive background in preconstruction and construction processes, Chris comprehensively understands all aspects of development design. His ability to lead projects from conception to completion and through warranty periods with different contractual arrangements is a testament to his capabilities within the field. His skill set allows him to identify critical activities and risks and effectively mitigate and report on them for the benefit of all project stakeholders.

As a Calgary Construction Association (CCA) member, Chris chaired the General Contractors Association in 2011 and was elected as chair of the CCA in 2017. As part of the executive team for five years, he was involved in various committees and played a significant role in interacting with owners, architects, consultants, and the City of Calgary.

Chris has held the role of Manager of Project Development at Ledcor Construction, Senior Project Manager at Stuart Olson Construction and Project Director at the Calgary Municipal Land Corporation. In these roles, he has managed development design and permitting, cost estimate development, value management, and budget control.

As the Director, Design at Taza Development Corp., Judith MacDougall brings with her a wealth of experience and expertise garnered from over 25 years in the architectural industry. With a Master of Architecture from Dalhousie University, Judith has established herself as a leader in sustainable design and complex building development with a focus on impactful, human-centered experiences.

Throughout her career, Judith has played a critical role in numerous community-based, institutional, and commercial mixed-use projects, igniting her team to create inclusive spaces that maximize development potential and social engagement. Notably, she has worked closely with various Indigenous communities, including the Siksika Nation and the Kainai Nation, to develop funding applications and conceptual designs that incorporate traditional ways of knowing and feedback from community members.

Judith's expertise also extends to placemaking, community development, and master planning, as evidenced by her work in various projects including the District at Beltline in Calgary, Red Crow Community College on the Kainai Nation in southern Alberta and the Lakeshore Road Masterplan in Kelowna, BC.

Judith has previously held key positions at architectural firms such as Bing Thom Architects, Kasian, Omicron, and McKinley Burkart. Her leadership and strategic vision have contributed to significant growth and success in these organizations, earning several accolades such as the APEGA award for Environment and Sustainability for the U of C Child Development Centre, the Prairie Wood Design award for Red Crow Community College and the Mayor’s Urban Design Awards - Urban Architecture for the District.

Cecilia Hyslop is the Director of Accounting at Taza Development Corp., where she leads a team that is dedicated to streamlining processes and improving efficiencies. With over 20 years of accounting experience, her expertise lies in streamlining processes, enhancing efficiencies, and demonstrating a remarkable track record in financial reporting.

Cecilia has worked in various industries in Romania and Canada, gaining extensive knowledge in financial reporting, budgeting, forecasting, and developing departmental policies and procedures.

Since relocating to Canada, Cecilia has focused her career in the real estate sector, where she obtained her CPA, CGA designation in 2015 from CPA Alberta.

Randy Dodginghorse is the Director, Tsuut’ina Relations, further strengthening the partnership between the Tsuut’ina Nation and Canderel. He is a proud member of the Tsuut’ina Nation, with a deep-rooted connection to his Indigenous culture and community. Born and raised in the Tsuut’ina Nation, Randy has spent much of his life immersed in the traditions, language, and history of his people. After pursuing a Bachelor's Degree from the University of Calgary, he furthered his education by obtaining a Masters in Business from Colorado Tech University in 2011, displaying a commitment to lifelong learning and personal development.

Randy worked in various First Nation organizations, gaining valuable experience in diverse portfolios after relocating to Vancouver, BC for over half a decade in 2010. Since his return to Tsuut’ina in 2016, Randy has been dedicated to working with the Treaty 7 Leadership and the Tsuut’ina community in the field of Education. He has worked with the Tsuut’ina Education Department as a facilitator and cultural teacher and helped develop a land-based cultural program for the Tsuut’ina elementary, middle and high school curriculum under the guidance of the Elders and traditionalists in the community.

With his extensive background and dedication, Randy is committed to the well-being of the Tsuut’ina people and navigating the complexities of economic development to ensure mutual benefit for all parties involved.

Linda Laratta is an integral part of Taza Development Corp., where she serves as Legal Counsel and the Vice President of Legal and Contract Administration. With over 30 years of experience, Linda provides vital legal counsel on corporate, commercial real estate, construction, and land development matters. Her expertise spans various areas, including land acquisition and disposition, ownership, and transaction structuring, as well as contract and commercial lease negotiations.

Linda is a dedicated professional who has been a longstanding member of the Law Society of Alberta. She holds a Bachelor of Laws from the University of Alberta, a testament to her strong academic foundation. Before joining Taza Development Corp. in 2019, Linda honed her skills at several law firms and was a legal advisor to several prominent real estate groups. Her role at Taza Development Corp. allows her to combine her legal expertise with her desire to create a meaningful legacy, making her an invaluable member of the company's team.