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Marie Blackburn is the Founder and Executive Director of the Veterans Association Food Bank (VAFB), a role shaped by her deep compassion, steadfast leadership, and unwavering commitment to supporting Canada’s Veterans. Guided by the belief that every Veteran deserves dignity, stability, and community, Marie established the VAFB to address the growing need for food security, advocacy, and support services across Alberta.
With a strong background in organizational leadership and community building, Marie has transformed VAFB into a trusted, mission‑driven nonprofit dedicated to uplifting Veterans and their families. Her vision continues to drive the development of essential programs, from food assistance and wellness initiatives to peer connection and outreach services.
Marie’s hands‑on approach, advocacy for meaningful change, and dedication to honouring the service of Canadian veterans have made her a respected leader both within the organization and in the wider community.
Her work reflects a simple but powerful purpose: ensuring that those who served are never left behind..
Chris Lefaivre serves as the Chairman of the Veterans Association Food Bank (VAFB), providing strong leadership, strategic vision, and a steadfast commitment to supporting Canada’s veteran community. With extensive experience in governance and community service, Chris leads the Board in guiding the organization’s mission, strengthening operations, and ensuring long‑term sustainability.
Passionate about honouring those who have served, Chris works closely with VAFB’s leadership team to expand programs, enhance outreach, and build meaningful support networks for Veterans and their families. His dedication to accountability, compassion, and service helps drive the organization’s continued growth and impact across Alberta.
Under Chris’s leadership, the Veterans Association Food Bank remains focused on one core purpose: ensuring that no veteran faces hardship alone.
Cynthia Ashe serves as the Vice Chairman of the Veterans Association Food Bank (VAFB), bringing strong leadership, strategic insight, and a deep commitment to improving the lives of Canada’s veterans. With a passion for community service and a talent for organizational guidance, Cynthia plays a key role in strengthening VAFB’s mission and ensuring Veterans and their families receive the support they deserve.
In her role, Cynthia helps guide board governance, long‑term planning, and program development, working closely with VAFB leadership to expand services and foster sustainable growth. Her dedication reflects a profound respect for those who have served and a determination to honour their contributions through impactful, community‑driven support.
Cynthia’s thoughtful leadership and unwavering compassion continue to help shape the Veterans Association Food Bank into a trusted resource for veterans across Alberta..
Steve Gilliss serves as the Treasurer of the Veterans Association Food Bank (VAFB), bringing dedication, integrity, and a deep commitment to supporting Canada’s Veteran community. With a strong background in financial stewardship and a passion for service, Steve ensures that VAFB’s resources are managed responsibly, transparently, and with the greatest possible impact for veterans and their families.
Steve’s involvement with the organization is driven by his belief that no Veteran should face food insecurity or navigate hardship alone. His work helps strengthen VAFB’s programs, expand outreach, and build a sustainable foundation for long‑term support across Alberta.
In addition to overseeing financial operations, Steve plays an active role in community engagement and fundraising initiatives aimed at honouring Veterans’ service and improving their quality of life.
Dedicated, reliable, and community‑focused, Steve Gilliss is proud to contribute to the mission of dignity, respect, and support that lies at the heart of the Veterans Association Food Bank.
George Carbert serves as a Director of the Veterans Association Food Bank (VAFB), bringing dedicated leadership, strategic insight, and a strong commitment to supporting Canada’s veteran community. With a deep respect for military service and a passion for giving back, George plays a vital role in advancing the organization’s mission across Alberta.
In addition to supporting board governance and long‑term planning, George leads many of VAFB’s community events and public outreach efforts. His work helps strengthen connections with local partners, raise awareness about Veterans’ needs, and build meaningful engagement throughout the community.
George’s thoughtful approach, reliability, and enthusiasm for service help ensure that VAFB continues to grow as a trusted and impactful resource for Veterans and their families.
Driven by a genuine desire to make a difference, George Carbert remains committed to upholding the values of dignity, respect, and support at the heart of the Veterans Association Food Bank.
David Kidd serves as a Director of the Veterans Association Food Bank (VAFB), offering dedicated leadership, deep compassion, and an unwavering commitment to supporting Canada’s Veterans. Known for his hands‑on approach, David spends a significant amount of his time working directly on the front lines, assisting Veterans in crisis and ensuring they receive immediate, meaningful support.
David’s role extends far beyond board responsibilities. He is often one of the first points of contact for Veterans facing urgent challenges, providing guidance, resources, and a steady presence during difficult moments. His genuine care, calm leadership, and consistent advocacy make him an invaluable member of the VAFB team.
Through both strategic oversight and frontline involvement, David helps strengthen VAFB’s mission: ensuring every Veteran is treated with dignity and has access to the support, stability, and community they deserve.
Mark Meincke serves as a Director of the Veterans Association Food Bank (VAFB), bringing a dynamic voice and a strong advocacy background to the organization. As a long‑standing supporter of Canada’s Veterans, Mark is widely recognized for his work in promoting mental‑health awareness, community education, and Veteran‑focused storytelling.
With deep roots in public outreach and Veteran advocacy, Mark contributes a unique perspective to VAFB’s Board of Directors. He plays an active role in shaping strategic initiatives, building community partnerships, and elevating conversations around the challenges Veterans face. Mark is particularly passionate about ensuring that every Veteran’s story is heard, respected, and reflected in the programs VAFB provides.
Known for his energy, integrity, and commitment to meaningful change, Mark Meincke works tirelessly to help strengthen the support network available to Veterans and their families.
Ashley Read brings a fresh, people‑focused perspective to her role as a Director of the Veterans Association Food Bank (VAFB). Known for her proactive mindset and steady, solutions‑driven approach, Ashley plays a key role in helping the organization evolve to better meet the needs of Canada’s Veterans.
Ashley is deeply committed to strengthening the day‑to‑day experience of Veterans who rely on VAFB’s programs. She works closely with staff, volunteers, and community partners to improve internal processes, enhance support services, and create a welcoming, dependable environment for every Veteran who walks through the door.
Her leadership style is grounded in empathy, clear communication, and a strong belief in community responsibility. Ashley’s ability to connect with people and inspire teamwork helps drive meaningful progress across multiple areas of the organization.
Dedicated, resourceful, and community‑minded, Ashley Read continues to be a driving force behind VAFB’s commitment to ensuring Veterans and their families receive the respect, stability, and support they deserve.
Wayne Federation serves as a Director of the Veterans Association Food Bank (VAFB), bringing a rich combination of lived military experience, creative insight, and a deep commitment to supporting Canada’s Veterans. His leadership is shaped not only by his professional strengths, but also by his years of service in the Canadian Armed Forces, where he developed the resilience, integrity, and sense of duty that continue to guide his work today.
A dedicated advocate for Veteran well‑being, Wayne plays an active role in shaping VAFB’s outreach and support efforts. He approaches each challenge with a forward‑thinking mindset, ensuring programs remain responsive, accessible, and rooted in respect for the Veterans they serve.
Thoughtful, engaging, and mission‑driven, Wayne Federation brings both heart and clarity to the VAFB leadership team, helping ensure that every Veteran is met with dignity, understanding, and meaningful support..
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