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

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.

Mark Lewis

Clayton Thompson

Vice President, 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.

Mark Howell

Director, Health and Safety

As Director of Health and Safety at Det’on Cho, Mark Howell is dedicated to protecting people, communities, and the environment. With more than 25 years of experience across diverse industries in North America, he leads the development and implementation of safety programs that uphold the highest standards of regulatory compliance, operational excellence, and Indigenous values.

Mark works closely with leadership, partners, and employees throughout the Det’on Cho Group of Companies to strengthen a culture of safety built on accountability, continuous improvement, and respect for the land. He provides strategic oversight of health and safety systems, training initiatives, risk management, and incident investigations—ensuring that safety is at the heart of everything we do.

Vice President, 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.

Noma Mangena

Amy Burt

Vice President, 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.