The following professionals operate as independent advisors who partner with CBI on key client engagements. Each brings decades of leadership experience, deep sector expertise, and a proven ability to execute. Together, they form a flexible, multidisciplinary team capable of supporting clients across Canada and globally.
Concierge Services, Enterprise Support
Catherine Brownlee is the President and CEO of CBI Business Solutions and a globally recognized connector of people, organizations, and opportunities.
With over 30 years of experience in executive search, marketing, and business development across multiple sectors, Catherine has built a network of more than 95,000 international contacts. She is known for her ability to align the right talent with the right organizations, creating strategic and lasting connections.
Under her leadership, CBI’s team brings more than 75 years of combined experience. Catherine works closely with clients and partners to deliver thoughtful, results-driven solutions tailored to each unique engagement.
She has been recognized for her leadership with a Women of Influence Award and a Paul Harris Award through the Rotary Club. Catherine is also a co-author of three best-selling books: Want to Work in Oil and Gas?, Cat’s Tips to Get the Job of Your Dreams, and How to Sell in Any Economy, which reached #1 on Amazon in multiple categories on its first day of release.
Outside of her professional work, Catherine is actively involved in the community through the Rotary Club of Calgary – Stampede Park. Her interests include business, politics, technology and AI, human rights, and supporting children and underserved communities.
CEO, Strategic Operator
Shondell Sabad, CFA, is a senior leader at CBI Business Solutions with more than two decades of executive experience in finance, operations, sustainability, and enterprise growth.
A Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) and seasoned CEO and CFO, Shondell brings deep expertise in financial governance, operational execution, and value creation strategy. His work spans capital raising, ESG readiness, IFRS S1 and S2 and CSDS, risk management, and enterprise optimization for mid-market organizations.
He currently serves as President and CEO of a Canadian clean fuel company developing Indigenous-partnered, TRL9-validated biofuels projects. His experience also includes initiatives across clean energy, mining, oil and gas, and emerging technologies, with a consistent focus on sustainability and long-term economic development.
At CBI, Shondell works closely with leadership to deliver strategic insight and high-impact talent solutions. His analytical approach and collaborative style help clients navigate complex challenges and achieve meaningful, results-driven outcomes.
Organizational Culture Strategist
Cathie Saroka is a seasoned CEO and leadership advisor with more than three decades of experience. As former CEO of Goldray Glass, she transformed the organization into one of North America’s leading architectural glass manufacturers.
As a fractional CEO and consultant, Cathie provides clarity, leadership alignment, strategic planning, and cultural transformation support. She is known for her practical and direct approach that strengthens teams and accelerates performance.
Paul Marcuk is an award-winning operations leader with more than 25 years of experience in business operations, event management, and team leadership. He is known for his ability to solve complex problems quickly and deliver meaningful, measurable results.
As Operations Manager at CBI Business Solutions, Paul oversees organizational operations and leads the planning and execution of executive-level events that bring together business leaders, industry stakeholders, and government officials.
His career includes leadership roles with Alberta Enterprise Group and nearly two decades with Laser Quest, where he progressed to General Manager and National Trainer, developing teams and strengthening performance.
Outside of work, Paul enjoys fishing, practicing karate, and supporting initiatives at his children’s school.
With more than 30 years in public policy, government leadership, and political strategy, Kelley Charlebois brings deep expertise navigating Alberta’s public, private, and nonprofit sectors. A former Chief of Staff across four provincial ministries and past Executive Director of the PC Party of Alberta, Kelley helps clients design and implement successful government engagement, regulatory navigation, and stakeholder strategies.
Corporate Facilitator, Speaker
Stan Peake brings more than two decades of experience guiding executives, leadership teams, and organizations toward high-performance results. He specializes in executive coaching, business coaching, leadership development, corporate facilitation, and team workshops.
Stan is known for his ability to translate strategy into actionable outcomes, strengthen leadership capacity, and foster collaboration across complex organizations. He also delivers keynote presentations and professional development sessions that inspire teams and drive measurable impact.
Organizational Development Advisor
Transition Management Expert
With more than 30 years of HR leadership and consulting experience, Jan Nighswander has led organizational transformations across the energy, health, regulatory, retail, engineering, and education sectors. She has built HR functions from the ground up, guided companies through deregulation and restructuring, and supported leaders in strategy execution, engagement, and team development.
Roxanne Kirton is an experienced administration and operations leader with more than 25 years across nonprofit, corporate, and commercial environments. She brings strong capabilities in team leadership, project coordination, stakeholder engagement, and community relations.
Roxanne has held senior roles including Marketing Director, Shopping Centre Manager, Business Development Manager, and Sponsorship Manager. She has overseen multimillion-dollar budgets, operational teams, volunteer programs, and major events.
She is known for her practical, people-focused approach that strengthens operations, enhances organizational efficiency, and supports leaders in delivering measurable outcomes.
Matthew O’Connor spent nearly a decade in newsrooms developing a strong foundation in storytelling, critical thinking, and clear communication. Today, he helps organizations apply those same principles to navigate complex issues and communicate with clarity and impact.
His career spans senior communications roles with Fortune 500 companies including PETRONAS and Imperial Oil (ExxonMobil), as well as Ernst & Young, the Red Cross, the Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers, and the Canadian Energy Pipeline Association. He has also worked closely with the Tsuut’ina Nation and Tsuut’ina Nation Police Service, leading communications efforts both domestically and internationally.
Matthew’s approach is grounded in strategic research, audience insight, and strong relationship building. Known for his authenticity and compassion, he supports organizations, governments, and leaders in developing effective communication strategies that resonate and deliver results.
Dr. Tammy Nemeth provides ESG² consulting, helping organizations understand and address challenges at the intersection of energy, security, and geopolitics. Her work supports leaders navigating increasingly complex global environments where environmental, social, and governance considerations are closely tied to geopolitical risk and energy systems.
With a focus on practical insight and strategic clarity, Tammy helps organizations strengthen decision-making, manage risk, and align their operations with evolving ESG and global security dynamics.
