Heartland Health Regional Advisory Council

A life-long community advocate, Darcy Mykytyshyn has more than 25 years’ experience advancing governance, community development and strategic innovation. He holds the Institute of Corporate Directors designation and has served on many boards, including Servus Credit Union, Credit Union Central Alberta, Canadian Co-operative Association and the Red Deer and District Chamber of Commerce. 

During his career, Darcy has led projects focused on building new and innovative approaches to complex challenges across the health, education and economic sectors. A passionate community builder, he has chaired major fundraising campaigns, led Rotary initiatives and forged partnerships that deliver lasting impact. Darcy brings a collaborative, solutions-driven voice to the regional advisory council. 

Kevin Ferguson was a junior high school teacher in Ponoka for 30 years. Following retirement, he served a term as a Ponoka town councillor and then a term as mayor. Kevin has actively worked to resolve health issues within his community and in rural central Alberta. 

He participates on a local physician recruitment committee, which brought new doctors to Ponoka. In addition, Kevin formed a rural coalition with neighbouring municipalities and successfully lobbied for more comprehensive ambulance services. 

Ken Hansen is a retired site leader from Hanna Health Centre with 34 years of experience in various management roles with Alberta Health Services. He has a strong understanding of and passion for health care issues. In his current role as board chair of the Hanna Medical Corporation, he oversees the recruitment and retention of physicians for the area’s medical clinic. 

Ken is also a member of the David Thompson Health Advisory Council, the Provincial Seniors and Continuing Care Advisory Council, and the Alberta Surgical Initiative – Specialty Access Facilitated Access to Specialized Treatment team.

Gerald Ingeveld is a rancher, former municipal councillor and long-time health care volunteer in the Sundre area. He is a former Alberta Health Services Health Advisory Council member. Currently, Gerald is a member of the Sundre health profession attraction and retention committee and chair of the local hospital foundation committee. In addition, he is a public member on the board of the College of Hearing Aid Professionals of Alberta. 

Since relocating from Ontario to Alberta in 2016, Manon Karcich has been with the Red Deer Regional Health Foundation. Her leadership and expertise in fundraising have introduced sustainable giving practices and strategic plans that have significantly advanced the foundation’s work.

Manon chose to work in health care philanthropy because it allows her to blend analytical thinking with creativity while providing both a challenge and a meaningful impact. Her work directly affects the well-being of her community, something she is deeply passionate about. Manon’s leadership is driven by a commitment to social change and improving the lives of those in need. Outside of her professional life, Manon is the president of the Central Alberta Bicycle Club and competes provincially. She is also the proud mother of an energetic eight-year-old son.

Elaine Macdonald worked in municipal government as a chief administrative officer for 10 years before retiring in 2023. Prior to that, she was an office manager in medical offices in both Ontario and Alberta. Elaine also volunteered with several children’s organizations when her children were small. Since then, she has volunteered with community groups and for events. Elaine enjoys spending time with her adult children and beautiful grandchildren.   

Ronda Ryder has been an advanced care paramedic since 2010, serving both rural and urban communities. Passionate about community building, Ronda and her daughter volunteer for the town of Sylvan Lake to strengthen local connections. 

For three years, she served on the Alberta College of Paramedics council and contributed to its multiple committees. Ronda’s commitment to health care and governance underscores her ability to foster collaboration and drive meaningful change in the province. 

Heather Scarlett-Ferguson is a pharmacist who has practised in hospital and community pharmacies. She is the director of professional development for the Alberta Pharmacists’ Association and a sessional instructor in the faculty of nursing at MacEwan University. 

Heather has volunteered extensively in her community and both provincially and nationally. She has served as the chair of the Ponoka Jubilee Library board, the vice-chair and treasurer of the Ponoka and Rimbey Adult Learning Society, a reviewer for the Canadian Council on Continuing Education in Pharmacy and was on council for the Canadian Society of Hospital Pharmacists Alberta Branch. She is currently a member of the Campus Alberta Central Advisory Council.

Kelvin was born in Singapore and trained as a nurse in the military. Since moving to Canada in 2011, he has worked in primary health care as a nurse and currently works as a paramedic, often in a supervisory capacity, in both urban and rural settings.

Kelvin has also participated on several committees for the Alberta College of Paramedics and demonstrated a strong leadership role in health care training opportunities. He is passionate about providing efficient and effective health care and identifying challenges and opportunities for improvement. Kelvin has also volunteered extensively in local and global initiatives with his church.

Rita Thompson is a retired businesswoman from Olds. She also worked for the Canadian Mental Health Association and has served on the Alberta council for women’s issues, Alberta Hospital Edmonton and the University of Calgary’s senate. In addition, Rita has volunteered on many boards, including Olds and District Chamber of Commerce, Accredited Supports to the Community and the Alberta Association of Rehabilitation Centres. 

She is a passionate human rights activist and advocates tirelessly for older persons, Indigenous people and the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. Her work reflects a deep commitment to creating a more inclusive and equitable society.     

Richard Warnock has served on Sundre’s town council for eight years. He was a councillor during his first term and is now the mayor in his second term. Richard is extremely dedicated to his community and has a strong background in senior management and many board level roles. 

Richard has a strong commitment to the health care system, serving as chair on the Sundre wellness committee and the hospital steering committee. He is also a board member of Mountain View Seniors Housing.