Our Team

Keith has been Executive Director of the NSBA since 2010. Prior to that, he was a self-employed journalist and communications professional. Among his more notable contracts was with Saskatchewan Business Magazine, where he served as Editor for 12 years. A graduate of the U of S (BA, English) and the Athol Murray College of Notre Dame, Keith grew up on the family farm in the Colonsay/Viscount area. Keith and his wife Lenore have three children and three grandchildren.

Keith’s primary role is to fulfill the vision and objectives set forth by the NSBA’s Board of Directors. As the leader of the NSBA, Keith builds and maintains relationships with key business, community and political leaders, which in turn allows him to work with them on behalf of the membership, on any number of issues or topics. He is also the designated media spokesperson for the organization.

Melony is responsible for managing all accounting/financial processes. Melony is responsible for managing the NSBA’s membership accounts through the MemberZone software program and can help if you require assistance in registering for any events, looking up an invoice, or to process your payments.

Dee has a robust background in the multi-family residential sector, where she spent many years specializing in project management for capital construction initiatives. More recently, her focus has shifted to procurement and supply chain operations. Her journey through three Canadian provinces has led her to settle in Saskatchewan where she has made her forever home.

As the Office Coordinator at the NSBA, Dee assists with the day-to-day operations of the NSBA office and she plays an active role through the planning, organizing and implementation of NSBA events. As the first point of contact for many members, Dee also plays an important role in member services for the NSBA membership, ensuring their needs are being met and their concerns are being addressed.

Brayden Caron is a graduate from the Edwards School of Business (B. Comm Marketing 2022). Throughout his post-secondary studies, he was actively involved in the student community, taking on leadership roles with the Edwards Business Students Society, the Indigenous Business Students Society, and JDC West. Still early in his career, he has gained valuable marketing experience in both the real estate and property management industries. As the Marketing and Communications coordinator, he is responsible for creating and editing all e-mail advertising including member ads, the weekly NSBA News & Upcoming Events e-blast. He also manages the NSBA’s social media accounts and designs any graphics that are needed.

My name is Jill Derksen, and I was born and raised in Saskatoon. For the past 15 years, I’ve had a career as a journeyman hairstylist, where I developed a passion for building strong relationships. While I’ve loved working in the beauty industry, I’ve been eager for a new challenge and the opportunity to grow in a different field.

I’m thrilled to step into my role as the Member Services Coordinator at the NSBA, where I can continue fostering connections and supporting local businesses. I’m especially excited to educate and assist those interested in the NSBA, helping them discover the many ways our organization can support their growth and success.

Dr. Aneela Salman is a sustainability and innovation expert with over two decades of experience in public policy, ESG frameworks, and digital transformation. She holds a PhD in Public Policy from the University at Albany, NY (as a Fulbright Scholar) and a Master’s in Social Policy from the London School of Economics (as a Chevening Scholar). Having worked across diverse sectors and regions, she brings a global perspective to developing sustainability strategies, stakeholder engagement, and technology-driven solutions for businesses.
At NSBA, Dr. Salman spearheads projects that support businesses in adopting sustainable practices, navigating ESG compliance, and embracing digital transformation. Her expertise in carbon reduction strategies and sustainability education aligns with NSBA’s mission to drive economic growth while fostering responsible business practices.

Beyond work, Aneela is passionate about traveling and experiencing different cultures, which enriches her approach to innovation and sustainability. She also enjoys engaging in community initiatives and mentoring young professionals. She believes that sustainability is not just about policies and frameworks but also about building resilient communities and fostering meaningful connections.

Jess Staffen is an accomplished government relations and policy professional with extensive experience as a Senior Advisor in the Yukon Government Cabinet Offices. Jess’s strategic expertise extends to providing sound policy advice and managing stakeholder relations. Jess has effectively developed government relations strategies and built strong partnerships across multiple levels of government and organizations. As a certified Master Coach Developer through the Coaching Association of Canada, Jess is also active in the sport community and was awarded the Senate of Canada 150th Anniversary Medal which was given to Canadians actively involved in their communities who, through generosity, dedication, volunteerism and hard work, make their hometowns, communities, regions, provinces or territories a better place to live.

The On Purpose Events team comprises skilled project management professionals dedicated to ensuring the success of your events, festivals, meetings, and conferences. Whether your event is large or small, focused on fundraising, sales, marketing, or celebration, held indoors, outdoors, or out of town, we deliver exceptional results. Our team specializes in creating unique, professional, and engaging experiences tailored to your participants. From site selection to post-event analysis, On Purpose Events manages every detail with precision and excellence, ensuring your event stands out and exceeds expectations.