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