Meet our Board of Directors

Recreation Manitoba is a volunteer-based organization, comprised of individuals who work in parks, recreation and related fields. Volunteer with us and help build vibrant, active communities across the province.

Chris Brown l  President of Recreation Manitoba  l Administrative Coordinator of Recreation Operations, City of Winnipeg

Chris Brown began his career in recreation 35 years ago as a day camp leader with the YMCA-YWCA of Winnipeg. Since then, he has managed programs and facilities in the not-for-profit and private for-profit fitness sectors. A graduate of the University of Manitoba's Bachelor of Physical Education program, Chris is currently Administrative Coordinator of Recreation Operations with the City of Winnipeg.

Brenna Philp l  Vice President of Recreation Manitoba  l  Director of Recreation & Leisure Services and RM of Gimli 

Brenna has been a part of the recreation world since childhood.  She has gone from grass roots sport to competitive sport, to coaching and a career in the field, and now a proud volunteer for her children’s activities.  Knowing the powerful impact that recreation has on everyone makes volunteering and giving back that much easier. Brenna has been involved with Recreation Manitoba since 2018 and joined the Board in 2022.  She is currently the Director of Recreation & Leisure Services and RM of Gimli. Brenna has her Bachelor of Kinesiology and continues to take courses and training when opportunities arise, and enjoys sitting on various boards and committees throughout the Interlake region.  She continues to enjoy curling and playing slo-pitch throughout the year along with coaching youth baseball and watching her boys in hockey. 

Cassandra Groen  l  Director of Recreation Services, Town of Neepawa

Cassandra has a degree in Recreation Management and Community Development from the University of Manitoba and a Certificate of Organizational Leadership from Harvard University. Her first experience in the field was while at University of Manitoba, working with Bison Sports to host the Canada West Championships and the U Sports Championships in 2022. During Cassandra's time being a coach and high-level athlete, she was listed into Canada's Most Influential Women for Sports and Physical Activity. A few years after that she was part of Hockey Manitoba's first ever all female bench staff for Canada Winter Games in 2023. Cassandra played a leading role in the build of the Minnedosa Rink in 2023, along with many other park and campground improvements. 

Cassandra is very passionate about using recreation to create a sense of belonging and sense of purpose to everyone. When not working you can find her kayaking, reading, coaching, traveling, or at a spin class.