Team Det’on Cho
Our team is the heart of our operations and our success! We have a talented group of team members who achieve great things together.
Our company culture is essential to recruiting and retaining a fantastic team.
Our core beliefs define who we are and how we work:
We believe work is important, and so is the ability to live your best life
We believe profit is the inevitable result of doing the right things
We believe skills can be trained, and attitude is everything
We believe good teamwork makes us successful
We believe our people should have the opportunity to grow
Get to know us more below.
Executive Team
Mark Lewis
President & CEO
Mark joined Det’on Cho in 2019 as Chief Financial Officer, became Chief Operating Officer in 2022, and was appointed President and CEO in 2023.
His focus has been on driving operational excellence, strengthening internal systems, and leading strategic investments to grow and diversify the company’s business interests.
Over 15 years in the North, Mark gained extensive leadership experience in finance and accounting with a local airline, a diamond mine, and a regional accounting firm. He has also audited non-profit, government, and private organizations. Mark serves as Treasurer of the NWT and Nunavut Construction Association.
He lives in Yellowknife with his family and enjoys cycling, golfing, running, and exploring the outdoors.
Clayton
Thompson
Vice President of Operations
Clayton is a long-time Northerner with more than 18 years of leadership experience across the North, including eight years with the Det’on Cho Group of Companies.
He specializes in hospitality and remote camp management, with a strong focus on fostering safe, customer-centered team cultures.
Clayton supports operations and safety initiatives for Bouwa Whee Catering, Keskorie Boarding Home, Northbest Distributors, and Det’on Cho Capital. Outside of work, Clayton enjoys spending time outdoors, running the trails around Yellowknife, and being on the water. His dedication to teamwork, safety, and community reflects his deep connection to the North and its people.
Rebecca Connelly
Vice President, Strategy & Engagement
Rebecca is Vice President of Strategic Engagement at Det’on Cho Management LP. Since joining in 2022, she has led efforts to optimize operations, strengthen community engagement, and build a comprehensive communications strategy.
Rebecca’s background includes leadership in large-hub airport management, finance, and real estate development. She builds strong relationships with industry, government, non-profits, and academia. Rebecca serves on the Yellowknife Chamber of Commerce board and the Yellowknife Airport Economic Advisory Committee.
Originally from Florida, she holds business degrees from Georgetown University and Embry-Riddle and enjoys winter sports, cooking, and traveling.
Noma Mangena
Vice President of People
Noma Mangena is Vice President of People at Det’on Cho Management LP, joining in January 2024.
Passionate about diversity and inclusion, employment equity, and empowering others, she mentors individuals to recognize their strengths and reach their goals. As a new immigrant, Noma began working in retail and security before earning a Business Administration and Human Resources diploma from Centennial College.
A conversation about Canada’s oil sands inspired her move to Fort McMurray, where she launched her HR career. She later held HR leadership roles in health, oil, and Indigenous sectors. Noma also holds a degree from Athabasca University and an MBA.
Curtis Dunford
Vice President, Construction & Projects
Curtis joined Det’on Cho in 2024 as Vice President, Construction and Projects. He oversees operations for Det’on Cho Construction and Kavanaugh Waste Removal Services and coordinates projects with joint-venture partners.
With nearly 30 years of experience in mining and heavy construction, starting at Lupin Gold Mine, Curtis brings extensive leadership and Northern expertise to projects from conception to completion. He is committed to Det’on Cho’s strong safety culture and expanding its technical capacity to support Northern industry. Curtis holds an engineering degree from the University of Alberta and lives in Yellowknife, where he co-owns two small businesses.
Amy Burt
Vice President of Finance
Amy is a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) with a Bachelor of Commerce degree from Dalhousie University.
She brings extensive experience in financial reporting, project accounting, and daily financial operations, having led teams across various industries. Originally from Prince Edward Island, Amy has called the Northwest Territories home for several years. Her career includes roles in both government and public accounting sectors.
Beyond her professional work, Amy is active in the community and serves as Treasurer for the NWT Soccer Association. She is committed to supporting financial excellence and contributing to the growth of organizations in the North.
Det’on Cho Management Team Members
Ashley Tatsiechele
HR Coordinator, Recruitment
Brandon Etsemba Sangris
Finance Administrator
Caroline Sanderson
Office Coordinator
Ivania Carballo-Hinchey
Marketing & Communications Manager
Jan Ten-Wolde
Project Manager
Kem Tacastacas
Data Entry Clerk
Lesley Ann Evans
Human Resources Manager
Lusine
Balasanyan
Payroll & Benefits Administrator
Nora Taylor
Human Resources Business Partner
Preston Sabourin
Maintenance Helper
Vernon Evans
Maintenance Helper
Valerie Fillion
Financial Analyst
Vincent Kollannoor
Senior Finance Administrator
Michelle Demeule-Sproule
Finance Manager
Devon Vogel
Office Coordinator
Rosanna Sangris
Data Entry Clerk
Candice Crookedhand
Marketing and Communications Assistant
Mark Howell
Director, Health and Safety
Alex Beaudin
Marketing and Communications Advisor
Julie Jeffery
Staff Accountant