Gord Bontje, Red Deer, Member

Two-year term. President and CEO, Laebon Developments Ltd. Former Chair, Red Deer Catholic Regional School Division.

Well known in central Alberta, Gord Bontje has extensive experience in both the public and private sector.

Born and raised near London Ontario, Mr. Bontje moved to Red Deer in 1975. Married with three children, Mr. Bontje is the president and CEO of Laebon Developments Ltd., a home builder and land developer that builds communities throughout central Alberta. His post-secondary training includes "Master Home Builder" designation from the Professional Home Builders Institute of Alberta.

Mr. Bontje recently completed 12 years of service to the Red Deer Catholic Regional School Division, the last six of which were serving as Board Chair. In addition to his work as school trustee, Mr. Bontje has participated on a number of industry boards, including: many positions within the Central Alberta Home Builders Association; the Canadian Home Builders Association - Alberta; the Alberta New Home Warranty Program and the Building Technical Council. Mr. Bontje recently completed three years of service as chair of the Alberta Housing Industry Technical Committee.

He currently serves on the provincial Board of Directors of the Urban Development Institute as the representative of the Red Deer chapter.

As well, since 1999, Mr. Bontje has supported A Better World Canada, a Lacombe-based humanitarian organization that serves people in the third world by building homes, schools and other needed infrastructure.