The Board
In 2023, Friends of Strathcona County Library Society welcomed a new and innovative board. This fresh leadership marks a significant shift in how our organization operates. The continuation of this board structure includes not only the traditional Officer roles but also Coordinator positions. These Coordinators will undertake specific responsibilities, ensuring a more hands-on and effective approach to advancing our mission.
Meet
The Board
We are incredibly fortunate to have such a dedicated team to help us revitalize and rebuild our organization after the challenges of the pandemic. Exciting times lie ahead as we reconnect with our volunteer community and shape the future of Friends. We are eager to boost youth involvement in the organization and look forward to introducing new initiatives.
Nikole Bordato
President
Longtime resident Nikole joined the board in and stepped into the role of President to ensure our continued operation. With over 15 years of experience leading projects and teams across various industries, she brings a strong background in project management, operations, and community-focused leadership. Nikole is passionate about the power of libraries to inspire curiosity and connection, and she’s committed to helping the library thrive for years to come.
Wendy Saunders
Past-President
After completing her time as President, Wendy has moved on to supporting Friends as the Past-President. Wendy’s vision as President was for Friends to be a dynamic, positive community organization that supports the library while providing a meaningful volunteer experience for all library lovers. She was key in establishing a working board to accomplish this.
Cathy Weston
Vice-President
Cathy has brought a wealth of project management, analytical, and technical skills from her career in the financial industry to Friends. Cathy is the driving force behind the popular Book Swap and Social event, blending her passion for literacy and community connection with creative planning and attention to detail. She continues to be a key contributor in strengthening our organization and its impact.
Rikki Lamb
Treasurer
Outside of her work with Friends of SCL, Rikki enjoys exploring local trails with her dog, facilitating yoga classes, and spending time with her family. She is grateful to be part of an organization that shares her values, and is excited to collaborate with others who are committed to making a meaningful difference in the community.
Laura MacLelland
Secretary
Laura brings a diverse background in library services, law, and student advising to Friends. Since stepping into the role of Secretary, she has streamlined our internal operations and brought new energy to our outreach efforts. She is the creative force behind our monthly newsletter, featuring book recommendations from Friends followers and highlights of libraries visited around the world. If you’re interested in contributing to the newsletter, you can reach her at laura@friendsscl.ca.
Louise Ludwig
Events Coordinator
Louise has a long-standing connection with both the library and Friends, bringing a deep understanding of our history and operations. Her extensive experience coordinating casino fundraisers, galas, trade fairs, and other community events continues to be a major asset as we plan our events calendar. Louise plays a key role in helping Friends deliver successful, well-run events year after year.
Teresa Bosse
Events Coordinator
Teresa moved to Sherwood Park in 2022 to be closer to her three grandchildren—and hasn’t looked back. With a background nutrition, a MSc, and a career spanning the University of Alberta, Athabasca University, and Pfizer, she brings a wealth of knowledge and energy to everything she does. Teresa’s positivity and enthusiasm shine through in her volunteer work with CapitalCare, OLPH Catholic Church, and Friends. A passionate reader and member of two book clubs, she’s a strong supporter for early literacy and libraries. When she’s not volunteering, you’ll find her enjoying local trails, gardening, or traveling
Brittany Richter
Marketing & Communications Coordinator
Brittany brings a background in design, communications, and marketing to Friends. Since joining the board, she has redesigned our website and played a key role in improving our communications and digital presence. A lifelong library lover, Brittany fondly remembers visiting the old Sherwood Park Mall location as a child. Now she regularly visits the library with her own children and appreciates the wide range of programs it offers. Her creativity and expertise have been instrumental in establishing a consistent and professional visual identity.
Maureen Walker
Engagement Coordinator
Maureen was born and raised in Edmonton, and relocated to Sherwood Park 18 years ago. She attends the library at least every couple of weeks as an avid fiction reader. She has recently retired from a career at the University of Alberta where she worked in administration for 32 years. In the past, Maureen has served on the board of Planned Parenthood and was a member of CFUW (Canadian Federation of University Women).
Carrie Coburn
Engagement Coordinator
A Sherwood Park resident since 1994, Carrie brings over 36 years of public service experience, including a career in the RCMP and management with Alberta’s Ministry of Justice. With strong organizational, leadership, and problem-solving skills, she has been involved in fundraising, program development, and community initiatives. As a parent of three who grew up in Sherwood Park, Carrie has been actively involved with library and county programs and volunteered on various initiatives with minor sports teams. She looks forward to contributing her time and skills to give back to the community through Friends.
Sheila Smyth
Director-at-Large
Sheila immigrated to Canada in March 1980 with her husband, Alan, and two daughters. Proudly becoming Canadian citizens in 1989, they settled in Sherwood Park, where the community warmly welcomed them. Sheila has a long history of giving back through involvement on various committees and boards. In addition to her Friends role, Sheila is President of the Festival Place Cultural Arts Foundation, which hosts two major annual fundraisers: Classic in the Park and Winterfest (formerly the Festival of Trees). She brings extensive event planning experience and looks forward to making a positive impact in the community.
Susan Mihalievitch
Director-at-Large
With over 25 years of experience in the non-profit sector, Susan has dedicated much of her career to supporting volunteers and strengthening community organizations. She served the community through Volunteer Strathcona before bringing her talents to Friends. Down-to-earth and deeply connected within the community, Susan’s expertise has been invaluable. Her commitment to giving back continues to make a meaningful impact on Friends and the library we love.
Open Positions
To better manage our workload and support succession planning, we have introduced dual Coordinator roles. This approach allows team members to share responsibilities and provides valuable mentoring opportunities for future volunteers. Currently, we have openings for a second Marketing & Communications Coordinator, a Web Developer & Social Media Coordinators to join our team.
We ask that board members be available to attend board meetings. The board meets on the 2nd Monday of each month except for December, July and August. Meetings may be rescheduled to the 3rd Monday if they coincide with holidays.