The Benchmark Team
The core team at Benchmark Projects has the experience, education and enthusiasm to provide trusted and sustainable solutions for the management, operations or development of sport and recreation facilities.
Our company principals, profiled below, collectively have more than fifty years of senior management experience in the planning and delivery of public, not-for-profit and private sector services. Working as facilitators, consultants and mentors, we transform public and not-for-profit employee groups into organizations that can compete successfully with private sector efficiency. In addition to our principals, we maintain a resource network of other trainers and specialists to meet specific client needs.
Tim Ward
Principal
Tim has been providing sustainable contracted operational services in the public and not-for-profit sectors since 1979. He brings extensive experience in urban and rural partnerships as past Director of Recreation Parks and Culture and Assistant Director, Facilities with the County of Strathcona (Sherwood Park) and past Director of Community Services for the Town of Okotoks.
Tim brings a Masters Certificate in Project Management from York University, Recreation Facility Maintenance Diploma with Building Operator Certificate, Class 5 Power Engineer and a Diploma in Recreation Administration from Mount Royal University.
Carol Kinley, BPE, MBA PM
General Manager
As General Manager of Benchmark, Carol oversees project coordination, operation, maintenance and life cycle management of over a dozen recreation and sport facilities in the Calgary area.
Prior to joining Benchmark, she was the Facility Operations Manager at the Talisman Centre in Calgary. Carol has led several projects to success, most notably the successful $45-million roof replacement and upgrades at the Talisman Centre. Along with extensive experience working with a Board of Governors, she also has in-depth knowledge of facility space allocation and functional programming with diverse sport groups.
Her varied experience allows her to interface between clients and contractors with a solid understanding of the two professions. Her strong problem solving techniques and teamwork abilities have proven to be a great asset. She addresses construction issues in a proactive and timely manner, provides solutions and contributes to the overall success of the project.
Carol holds a Bachelor of Education degree and Bachelor of Physical Education from the University of Calgary and a Master’s degree in Project Management from Athabasca University.
Sylvia Hunter, MEDes
Planning Associate
Sylvia's brings to Benchmark Projects Ltd experience from twenty-five plus years as a dedicated municipal services professional skilled at building strong working relationships with internal and external partners and stakeholders to overcome obstacles and achieve goals. Over the course of her career she has honed skills and knowledge in community, recreation and parks planning. As a BPL Associate, Sylvia's expertise is used to create tools to facilitate strategic planning and execution.
Sylvia holds a Master's Degree from the University of Calgary, Faculty of Environmental Design with a focus on Community Development Planning.
Janice Robertson, MCS, APR
Communication Management Specialist
As a communications consultant to a number of private, public and non-profit organizations, Janice is uniquely qualified to work with stakeholders to develop public relations strategies and communication plans associated with transition and operational planning.
Her experience was built over 12 years as Chair and instructor of the Public Relations program at Mount Royal College and as an instructor within the Public Relations certificate program at University of Calgary. Prior to her post-secondary experience, she provided public relations management to such organizations as Alberta Children’s Hospital and Boys and Girls Clubs of Calgary.
Janice has also built extensive Board experience in the non-profit sector and currently serves as president of the Canadian Public Relations Society – Calgary Member Society.
Janice holds a Masters degree in Communications Studies from the University of Calgary and is accredited in public relations through the Canadian Public Relations Society of which she is also a Life Member.