Meet our Board of Directors

Recreation Manitoba is a volunteer-based organization, comprised of individuals who work in parks, recreation and related fields.

Emily George

President of Recreation Manitoba

Emily George has over 15 years of working with non-profit organizations, focused on recreation and events. As a volunteer board member, chair, and staff administrator, she has seen the ins and outs of organizations that are focused on events, recreation, and sports programming. She has worked with non-profit organizations and municipalities, to enhance their organizational documentation and has been part of the host committees for two Canada Games Host Societies, Grey Cup Festival, and taught as a sessional instructor at the University of Manitoba. With her Master's degree from the University of Victoria, she focused on leisure behaviour and participation and with that knowledge seeks to design meaningful and memorable experiences. Recreation is an integral part of her daily life while pursuing a variety of physical activities and traveling to spend time with friends and family across the country. Emily has been a long-time member of the annual conference committee and appreciates working alongside the other board members to advocate and promote recreation in Manitoba.

Courtney Bangert-Murray

Vice president of Recreation Manitoba

A life-long resident of the Eastman region, Courtney has worked in the recreation sector for over 12 years. These roles have included working with children through respite, teaching swimming lessons, managing aquatic facilities, coaching many sports and volunteering in her community. After graduating with a Bachelor of Kinesiology, Courtney became passionate about using recreation as a driving force to help strengthen community connections and improve the lives of individuals to help live fulfilling, purposeful and healthy lives. 

Courtney is the Recreation Coordinator for the City of Selkirk. She is a certified fitness leader with the Manitoba Fitness Council, leading classes weekly. In her leisure time, she enjoys swimming, listening to music, dancing, hiking, camping, cycling and traveling!

Justine Friesen

Justine has worked for the City of Brandon since June of 2015, first as the Youth Centre Coordinator and now as a Recreation Programmer. She has been involved with the annual Recreation Manitoba conference since 2015 and has been a Board Member for the organization since 2020. Knowledge gained through prior positions with the City of Winnipeg Recreation Department, working at a golf course, ballpark, multiple daycares and a placement with the Manitoba Provincial Department of Recreation and Regional Services has prepared her for a career in Recreation. In addition to her work and volunteer experience, she possesses a degree in Recreation Management and Community Development with a minor in Psychology from the University of Manitoba. Justine is passionate about working with her community and providing opportunities to increase overall well-being!

Chris Edwards 

Chris has provided therapeutic recreation opportunities for the past 15 years in the health care setting, and currently working on the Long-Term Ventilator program at Riverview Health Centre.   Chris brings an enthusiasm and spirit to promoting the benefits of recreation and leisure to our daily lives.  Alongside being a year-round cyclist, Chris also enjoys softball and hockey in his personal time as well as traveling overseas. 

Brenna Philp

Recreation Manager, RM of St. Clements

Chris Chong

Customer Service & Membership Supervisor, Dakota Community Centre

Tara Cowan

RM of Pipestone/Pipestone Albert Recreation Commission, Chair of Recreation Manitoba Governance and Nominating Committee

Heather Reimer

Manager of Recreation, City of Brandon

Interested in being a Board Member? Connect with us!