Executive Biographies

Below are the biographies of candidates for the 2024/25 Executive Committee. The election of the Executive Committee will take place at the special meeting of the membership on May 14, 2024. For more information about this meeting, visit: https://reddeerringette.com/article/94092. 

Abe Halvorsen - Vice President of Operations

Hi, My name is Abe Halvorsen,

Holding the position of Vice President for the 2023/24 ringette season, I am happy to be putting my name forward again for the 2024/25 season.

I have been a member of Red Deer Ringette for 6 years and volunteered as a coach for 5 years. If elected, I hope to continue to bring new ideas, with a focus on transparency, inclusion and fairness.

My ultimate focus will always be what is best for our players and association.  

If given the opportunity, I look forward to continuing my role as Vice President, being part of a team allowing our kids to have fun and succeed in a sport they love!

Arianna Ruppert - Treasurer

Born and raised in Central Alberta, I am married and have two children, in Grades 8 and 10. My family's journey has been a myriad of activities and shared experiences, throughout which I have embraced every opportunity for growth and connection. 

Professionally, I am a highschool Science teacher. Throughout my career, I have taught subjects ranging from Chemistry and Biology to Physics and Math, along with offering diverse options such as Leadership and Computer Technology. I have engaged in various professional development activities and am currently acting as my school’s BrightSpace lead teacher and Teacher Voice representative. 

Beyond the classroom, community involvement is very important to me. I have been an Executive member with RDR as Treasurer since 2016, where I have had numerous tasks such as organizing team treasurers, reconciling accounts, along with providing feedback to the association. In the nine years that my daughter has been in ringette I have taken on a team role, usually as treasurer. I am also on the Executive with the Marlins Swim Club, and in my third year in the position as Volunteer Coordinator 

In every role I undertake, whether as a teacher, parent, or community leader, I am excited to be involved and make connections with others.

Ashley Guenther - Registrar

My name is Ashley Guenther and I have been involved with Red Deer Ringette for the past 13 years. I have served in various capacities within the Association such as Head Coach, Assistant Coach, Sponsorship Coordinator, Rust Buster’s coach, Organizer of 3 on 3 Rush the Ring and since 2020 has served as the Registrar for the association. In addition to being involved in Red Deer Ringette I have also coached other sports such as Soccer and Handball and managed fastball teams. I started playing ringette at the age of 10 and continue to play as an adult. I am passionate about the sport and hope to continue to help and grow it within Red Deer.

Lisa Nord - Secretary

My name is Lisa Nord. I currently sit on the Executive Committee as Secretary and I hope to continue in this position for the 2024/25 season. 

Ringette became a part of my life when my oldest daughter joined a classmate for a Bring a Friend night. Eight years later, I now have 3 daughters who play ringette at the U16, U14 and U12 levels. 

I have volunteered with Red Deer Ringette in many capacities over the years. I have been the Friends on Ice Tournament Coordinator for the last 2 years and the association’s Webmaster for the last 3 years. I also spent a few years as the Marketing & Social Media coordinator and the Gift Card Coordinator. Every season, I take on the manager role for one of my teams.  

I hope to continue in the role as secretary, so I can contribute to growing the sport in our community, enhancing player development, and fostering a welcoming and inclusive environment where every player feels valued and respected, both on and off the ice.

Neil McLeod - President 

My name is Neil McLeod and I have been nominated for President of the Red Deer Deer Ringette Association.

I am a successful business owner, community advocate, and a member of the Red Deer Ringette Association. My daughter has played Ringette for over 6 years of which 5 of those years I have been a coach. I am an advocate for the sport of Ringette, especially in Red Deer. I believe the sport of Ringette helps provide young athletes with their confidence, social interaction, teamwork, and leadership. This is an amazing sport of which I want to see the sport thrive and grow again for anyone looking to play ringette in central Alberta.