Neyaskweyahk Group of Companies Inc. today announced that Sam Minde, Chief Executive Officer and a President of the Neyaskweyahk Group of Companies Inc. Directors (“the Board”) since December 2014, has requested to the Board to activate the CEO Succession Plan.
Minde will continue to serve as CEO until March 31st, 2020 as the succession plan had identified Maureen Ward VP of Operations as successor. Minde will be retained as a Business Development contractor for 3 months providing support to the new CEO to ensure a smooth transition.
NGCI Board of Directors,
I hereby resign my position as President and CEO of the NGCI Group of Companies Inc., effective March 31st, 2020. It has been an honor to lead NGCI these past 5 years and to serve the people of Ermineskin Cree Nation and Maskwacis, in job creation, capacity development, capturing economic leakage and revitalizing our business core. I am proud of what we have accomplished.
I am excited for where the company is heading in the next 1, 3 and 10 years I believe we have made the lives of people much better in our Nation and I am convinced that NGCI will continue to bring innovative ideas and opportunities for growth and development.
It has been my privilege to work with Maureen and Melody as VP of Operations and Finance Controller. I am grateful for all of the long hours and hard work of all NGCI’s employees have put in to boost the company’s image as a leading First Nation Corporation in our area. These are not accomplishments a CEO makes alone. These are achievements that require a committed team of gifted individuals who come together to work relentlessly for a common goal. Making the lives better for the people we love.
I appreciate the opportunity to contract support for the incoming CEO (VP Operations Maureen Ward) as starting April 1st, 2020 to June 30th, 2020. The time will allow me to transition unfinished business development projects to Maureen in an informative process.
I am grateful to learn from Trent as our Chairman taught me many lessons over the years. I am thankful for the support of the NGCI Board during my tenure. I will continue to support and root for the company for many many years to come. I thank you all again for the opportunity to serve as your CEO these last 5 years.
With gratitude and warm regards,
Sam Minde,
President and CEO
About Sam Minde
Minde has served as the NGCI CEO and President since December 2014. He spearheaded the separation of business and politics while serving as Ermineskin Cree Nation Councillor from 2011-2014 which resulted in the establishment for the NGCI.
Since joining NGCI in 2014, Minde has led the Company’s Business Development initiatives measured in terms of job creation, capacity development, capturing economic leakage and revitalizing our business core. In 2014, Minde took leadership of 4 companies and grew the company to 12 companies by 2020. In 2016 he led the acquisition of Bear Paw Trading Post which initiated NGCI’s off reserve business development strategy.
Under Minde’s leadership, NGCI has built a strong brand as a leading First Nation Business Corporation. He has shared the story at Banff Centers Best Practices in Economic Development and at Council for the Advancement of Native Development Officers (CANDO) for the past 4 years.
About NGCI
The Neyaskweyahk Group of Companies Inc. was established by the Ermineskin Chief & Council on April 20, 2013. A Band Council Resolution was passed to recruit a Board of Directors to govern and direct a President and CEO to manage NGCI. NGCI Board of Directors work diligently with the President & CEO for business development, including startups, joint ventures and acquisitions for the benefit of Ermineskin Cree Nation. 100% shares of this company are owned by Ermineskin Cree Nation
