Meet the Board

Ron Ghitter received his law degree at the University of Alberta and began practicing law in Calgary in 1960. Mr. Ghitter, was first elected to the Provincial Legislature in 1971, representing the riding of Calgary Buffalo. In 1972, he sponsored Alberta’s first Human Rights legislation. He was re-elected to the Provincial Legislature in 1975, before retiring from Provincial politics in 1979. He was a Founding Director of the International Centre for Human Rights and Democratic Development, appointed by the Federal Government. In 1990, he became a recipient of the Alberta Human Rights Award, awarded by the Alberta Human Rights Commission. Mr. Ghitter was later appointed to the Senate of Canada in March of 1993, before retiring from the senate in March 2000.

Mr. Ghitter is a frequent lecturer on Human Rights issues in Canada. Mr. Ghitter was awarded the highest honour bestowed to a Canadian, Member of the Order of Canada for his work in human rights and various social issues in 2018. As a champion of the Human Rights movement in Canada, Ron has helped to enrich the lives of Canadians through his work on various social issues, particularly in youth development and the promotion of healthy living. In 2022, Ron co-founded the Dignity Foundation (Alberta), a non-profit organization established to encourage the support research and educational activities that promote respect for human diversity and human rights in Alberta. He was also a founding Director of the International Centre for Human Rights and Democratic Development. Most recently, he was awarded the Top 7 over 70 Award in 2023 for his work with Human Rights and Tennis Development after the age of 70.

Mr. Ghitter developed a passion for tennis as a junior, ranked as a Provincial Alberta Junior Tennis Champion for three years. As a university player, he was a playing Coach and Captain of the University of Alberta’s Tennis Team for 5 years. After graduation, he coached tennis in both Edmonton and Calgary. Mr. Ghitter served on the Board of Tennis Canada, and he played an instrumental role in spearheading the process to develop the OSTEN & VICTOR Alberta Tennis Centre, where he served as Chairman until his retirement in 2023. He founded the Friends of Ron Ghitter Fund in 2019, which provides financial assistance to Calgary youth tennis players and those from the under resourced community. Mr. Ghitterwas also named a recipient of Tennis Canada’s Distinguished Service Award in 2016 and was inducted into Tennis Canada’s Hall of Fame (Builder Category) in 2022.

Mr. Ghitter is married to Myrna Ghitter and they have three children and two grandchildren.

Allan Fowler, a lifelong enthusiast of tennis, seamlessly combines a fervent love for the sport with a distinguished career marked by astute financial leadership. His professional journey is a testament to his versatile skill set, with roles ranging from director and President to CEO, Vice President, CFO, and private equity investor, spanning diverse industries. Beyond his financial prowess, Allan has actively contributed to the establishment of multiple corporate entities, showcasing his entrepreneurial spirit.

A strategic thinker, Allan has played pivotal roles in numerous corporate acquisitions and investments, demonstrating his ability to navigate complex business landscapes with finesse. His wealth of experience not only underscores his proficiency in financial matters but also highlights his dynamic and multifaceted career. Allan Fowler stands as a seasoned professional whose passion for tennis and entrepreneurial acumen converge to create a unique and impactful presence on and off the court.

Wendy Ng is a seasoned financial professional, bringing more than two decades of diverse corporate experience. She is a chartered professional accountant (CPA, CA) and a chartered business valuator (CBV).

Beyond her stellar financial career, Wendy actively contributes to the Calgary community. She has lent her expertise to several volunteer initiatives and previously served as Treasurer on the Board of Calgary Legal Guidance, an organization dedicated to providing access to justice for disadvantaged Calgarians.

Away from the boardroom, Wendy is not only a strategic thinker but also an avid recreational tennis player. You can find her enthusiastically participating in Calgary’s inter-club league and local tournaments, showcasing her passion for both the game and community engagement. Wendy Ng epitomizes the perfect blend of financial acumen, community commitment, and a love for the game of tennis.

Steve Kirk is an investment professional currently celebrating his 27th year with BMO Nesbitt Burns. Married and the proud father of three children, Steven’s journey in the financial sector is marked by dedication and expertise. His career started with obtaining the Chartered Accountant designation in 1991 at Deloitte, where he gained valuable experience in both public and private practice.

A proud alumnus of the University of Las Vegas, Steven earned his Bachelor of Commerce while showcasing his tennis prowess on an NCAA scholarship. Beyond the boardroom, Steven’s love for tennis has taken him to impressive heights. He proudly represented Canada in the Men’s over 35 world team competition and clinched the Alberta Open Men’s Singles title in 1982.

In addition to his achievements on the court, Steven has generously shared his passion by teaching tennis at various clubs in Calgary, including The Calgary Tennis Club, The Tennis Academy, and the Glenmore Racquet Club. His commitment to both his profession and the sport of tennis reflects a unique blend of expertise, athleticism, and a personable touch. Steven stands as a shining example of balancing a successful career, family values, and a lifelong love for tennis.

With a distinguished career in the oil and gas investment business, Mike Smith has dedicated his professional journey to sales and research activities. A proud alumnus of the University of Alberta, he earned his Bachelor of Commerce degree in 1980, complemented by a Chartered Financial Analyst designation from the University of Virginia in 1988.
He was a stockbroker for 18 years at Peters & Co., an independent energy focussed brokerage firm. He then co-founded Ross Smith Energy Group, a reservoir engineering research firm which has grown into a billion-dollar market capitalization company.

Beyond his contributions to the financial sector, Mike has been actively involved in the community. A past Director of the Calgary Golf and Country Club, he has also previously held Board positions with Hospice Calgary and the Mount Royal Community Association, showcasing his commitment to community service.

Mike’s interests extend beyond the boardroom and community involvement. An avid sports enthusiast, he finds joy in tennis, golf, cycling, and skiing. With a passion for capturing moments, Mike is also an enthusiast of photography and travel, combining his love for exploration with a keen eye for detail.

As a tennis player and fan for over 40 years, Mike’s love for the sport is a testament to his enduring commitment to both professional excellence and a well-rounded, active lifestyle. In the world of finance, community leadership, and sports, Mike Smith stands out as a true multifaceted professional.

Meet Jason Balakas, the culinary virtuoso and entrepreneur behind a collection of renowned restaurants in the Calgary area. While he’s masterfully orchestrating the culinary scene, Jason is also a passionate tennis player, bringing his love for the sport to the forefront.

Beyond the kitchen, Jason is an integral part of the Alberta Tennis Centre community, where his dedication to the game mirrors the precision and creativity he brings to his restaurants. With a racket in one hand and the pulse of the culinary world in the other, Jason Balakas embodies a dynamic fusion of mouth-watering excellence and a love for the game, making him a distinctive and cherished figure in both the culinary and tennis communities of Alberta.

Meet Derrick Rowe, the dynamic CEO of Bluedrop Training & Simulation Inc. and the Executive Chairman of the Board of BPLI Holdings Inc., overseeing its two operating divisions, Bluedrop Training & Simulation Inc. and Bluedrop ISM.

Derrick’s leadership style is a product of four decades of international corporate experience, marked by a keen focus on executive excellence. His expertise shines in navigating highly complex, regulatory, and challenging operating environments, making him a valuable asset to the Bluedrop team.

As the founder, Chairman, and former CEO of Stratos Global Corporation, Derrick played a pivotal role in transforming the company from a start-up into a successful public corporation. His leadership journey continued as Chairman of Fishery Products International (FPI) Limited, where he served as CEO from 2001 to 2005. In 2010, Derrick took on the role of Executive Chairman of Bluedrop Performance Learning, showcasing his commitment to innovation in the training and simulation industry.

Beyond his corporate ventures, Derrick is the President of Name 3 Capital Inc., a private investment firm he founded after his tenure at Stratos. His influence extends to the boardroom, where he presently chairs the board of directors of Atlantic Aqua Farms Limited, an Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan-owned company.

Derrick’s commitment to community extends to his past roles as Chair of Tennis Canada, Chair of the Council of Provinces (COP), President of Tennis Newfoundland and Labrador (TNL), and President of the Greenbelt Tennis Club. Off the corporate stage, Derrick’s passion for tennis is evident in his active involvement and leadership within the tennis community.

With a rich tapestry of leadership and a love for tennis that extends beyond the boardroom, Derrick Rowe stands as a visionary CEO, an accomplished leader, and a true enthusiast of the game.