Meet the Board
About the Board
The SaskMusic Board makes policy for and develops the strategic direction of SaskMusic. Board members are volunteers, serving on committees and often times helping present our various events and activities.
We welcome and encourage board members from all over Saskatchewan. We seek diversity and invite interest from candidates representing many different roles and musical attitudes. A call for nominations is distributed to our voting membership annually in May/June in advance of our Annual General Meeting, at which time board elections are held.
Terms are two years in length, with Directors serving a maximum of three consecutive terms. The Executive is appointed from within the Board, by the Board, following each AGM. More information on board duties can be found on our AGM page.
Xuan Deng (Regina)
Appointed April 2024
First term elected: June 2024-June 2026
Xuan Deng is a dedicated finance professional and passionate music enthusiast, originally from China and now a long-time resident of Regina. She graduated with a degree in accounting from the University of Regina and is a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA). Currently, Xuan serves as the Manager of Finance at a prominent non-profit organization, where she oversees financial operations and ensures the organization's fiscal health. Her role involves strategic financial planning, budget management, and financial reporting, all of which she handles with precision and dedication. Having lived in Regina for over a decade, Xuan has become an integral part of the community. Beyond her professional achievements, she has a deep passion for music. With ten years of experience playing the piano, music remains a significant and fulfilling part of her life.
Marian Donnelly (Regina)
First term: June 2021-June 2023
Second term: June 2023-June 2025
Third term: June 2025-June 2027
Marian has worked in the creative industries since 1975. Between 1976 and 1996, Marian worked as an artist manager, concert and festival producer, music publisher and tour manager in Winnipeg, Toronto and Vancouver. In 1996, she returned to Regina to work as Executive Director of SaskMusic. In 2002, she worked as Cultural Industries Consultant to the Province of Saskatchewan, and was then hired as General Manager of Globe Theatre from 2003-2005. In 2006, Marian returned to school and earned her MBA. As a consultant, she facilitated and developed strategic plans for organizations across Canada, including the Atlantic Presenters Assoc. and the Canadian Gospel Music Assoc. She wrote a municipal cultural plan for the City of Yorkton and was an associate consultant on the development of a cultural plan for Saskatoon. She also renovated a heritage building in Regina’s downtown, which opened in 2011 as the Creative City Centre, home to artist studios, a visual art gallery and small performance venue. The CCC presented 150-200 shows per year at this vibrant but intimate venue. The CCC is now transitioning to a new home, which will open in Fall 2025.
Walter Jeworski (Regina)
First term: June 2023-June 2025
Second term: June 2025-June 2027
Walter Jeworski is an accomplished Producer, Recording & Mixing Engineer based in downtown Regina, Saskatchewan. With over a decade of experience in the music industry, Walter has established himself as a versatile and sought-after audio professional whose work spans multiple genres and has reached audiences worldwide.
Walter serves as Senior Sound Engineer at Blue Door Studios and functions as the chief engineer and mixer for Trifecta Sound Co. Record Label. His commitment to supporting the broader music community is demonstrated through his involvement on this Board of Directors.
Walter's extensive discography includes credits on over 475 commercial releases. His versatility and technical expertise have earned him recognition as being in the top 2% of mixing engineers worldwide according to Muso.AI, the largest online music credits database. His collective work has been streamed over 100 million times across all platforms.
Jackie Kroczynski (North Battleford)
First term: June 2023-June 2025
Second term: June 2025-June 2027
Jackie is a multi-talented artist originally hailing from Saskatoon, known for her lifelong passion for music and storytelling. She holds a Bachelor of Music in Music Education and a Bachelor of Arts (Visual Art) and has showcased her musical talents as both a performer and conductor across Western Canada and Europe. Jackie is always writing music and performing, and is excited about the release of her new music this Fall.
Jackie received Sask. Country Music Award nominations in 2024 for Alt-Country Album of the Year and Keyboard Player of the Year. Jackie performs regularly with her husband Tom Kroczynski, and was nominated for Music Professional of the Year at the 2023 Saskatchewan Music Awards. Jackie has served on the board for Saskatchewan Music Educators Association and has been a Councillor for the Saskatchewan Teachers Federation. She has been a teacher writer for the SK. Band 10,20,30 curriculum and wrote the Arts Ed 20 Virtual Course for Living Sky School Division. Currently based in North Battleford, Jackie’s creativity has allowed her to travel many places, including a showcase at Your Roots Are Showing in Ireland with her husband Tom. Kroczynski.
Katie M. Newman (Saskatoon)
Appointed April 2024
First term elected: June 2024-2026
Katie is a lawyer practicing in Saskatoon with a profound passion for music. Prior to becoming a lawyer, Katie obtained a B. Mus in Cello Performance from McGill University and was an active performer in both Regina and Montreal. Born and raised in Regina, Katie began playing with the Regina Symphony Orchestra in 2008 and went on to play with many different ensembles such as the National Youth Orchestra of Canada and Orchestre de l’Agora. She has also toured with several musical theatre productions, and has performed with and recorded for a number of pop and indie artists. Today, Katie balances her legal career with her love for music, driven by a commitment to nurturing Saskatchewan’s arts community.
Katie Sahlu (Regina)
First term: June 2022-June 2024
Second term: June 2024-June 2026
Katie is a Canadian Hot 100 songwriter with an honours diploma in Entertainment Business Management from Metalworks Institute of Sound and Music Production. She had worked with various recording labels and agencies while based in Toronto. She has served as a JUNO Awards judge and has been a FACTOR Juror for a number of years. With a focus on urban music, she enjoys dedicating time to consult with artists to help with grants, marketing, songwriting/beat selection, etc. and has recently relocated back to her home province of Saskatchewan.
Arjun Shankar (Regina)
Appointed April 2024
First term elected: June 2024-June 2026
Arjun is a multi-instrumentalist, composer, producer and session player. Having grown up surrounded by world music and East Indian rhythms and ragas, Arjun got into jazz and funk bands in his youth where he played on the road and in studios for the better part of 15 years. These days, Arjun’s primary instrument is the electric bass and he’s always looking for dedicated musicians to collaborate with. By day, Arjun is a Senior Crown Prosecutor with the Saskatchewan Ministry of Justice and Attorney General, and has been a lawyer for about 14 years. Arjun lives in Regina with his (not so little) cat Brennan, and is super excited to be a part of SaskMusic.
Matt Stinn (Saskatoon)
First term: June 2025-June 2027
Matt Stinn is an award winning audio engineer, producer, multi-instrumentalist, writer, touring musician, and music educator based in Saskatoon, Canada. Matt has toured both nationally and internationally with acts like GreenWing, Autopilot, Friends of Foes and Sleepwreck as well as having played regional dates with artists such as Vikki Minor, Ray The Nihilist, Katelyn Lehner, The Night Jays, Paul Kuzbik, Anna Haverstock and more.
When not performing live, Matt turns his attention towards his studio, Rainy Day Recording Co. where he records, produces and mixes artists from across western Canada. As a proficient guitarist, bassist, drummer, pianist and vocalist, Matt has be involved in an extensive discography that ranges from hip hop to hard rock and includes writing credits for his own personal projects as well as writing and playing credits on his client’s productions.
In addition to production and performing, Matt has been a music educator at The Saskatoon Academy of Music since 2010 and has taught well over 200 students in the last decade.
Christopher Tessmer (Regina)
First term: June 2024-June 2026
Chris (he/him) has been involved in Saskatchewan Music for over 20 years and has a passion for the industry and community. Over his career, he has owned and operated a successful concert promotion company, managed and tour-managed artists, operated a record label with national distribution, managed large-scale productions, interviewed acts of all shapes (local to international) for multiple media publications, and much more. Presently, he owns and operates The Analog Group, a talent-booking and event production management company that regularly works with clients like Casino Regina/SaskGaming, SGI, Molson Coors, Saskatchewan Roughriders, and numerous others. Chris is passionate about the big picture, but also willing to dig into the minutiae, to ensure the best possible outcomes. He also has multiple years of board experience working with a multi-million dollar non-profit, pushing to safeguard the best interests of the organization and its membership. His experience working acts large and small, and collaborating with multinational organizations and local groups gives him a wide breadth of insight and knowledge that will be greatly beneficial to SaskMusic and its membership.
Evan Thompson (Saskatoon)
First term: June 2025-June 2027
Evan has been active in Saskatchewan’s music scene since 2013, with well over 500 live performances across five countries. As a veteran artist, promoter, tour manager, and stage manager, he brings firsthand experience and a broad understanding of what it takes to thrive in this industry. He's one half of the hip-hop duo HarveyDent, winners of the 2025 Saskatchewan Music Award for Hip-Hop Artist of the Year. The group is known for high-energy shows and a fan base that spans genres.
Beyond the stage, Evan is passionate about community building. He's mentored emerging artists, helping them navigate both the creative and business sides of music. Whether guiding someone toward new opportunities or helping them believe in their own voice, he's always believed in uplifting others. His vision is a Saskatchewan music scene where passionate artists are supported, inspired, and able to seize the spotlight they’ve earned.
Evan is also a father of five, raising a family on an acreage in the RM of Dundurn. His kids are active in sports and music, and he stays closely involved in their lives and communities. In addition to his creative background, Evan brings over 20 years of business leadership experience in roles such as Finance Manager, Sales Manager, and General Sales Manager. This blend of creative passion and proven business acumen makes him uniquely positioned to help shape a strong, sustainable future for Saskatchewan music.
Alex Urzada (Regina)
First term: June 2025-June 2027
Alexander James is a transgender Métis artist from Regina, whose mission is to create and support positive social impact through the power of music and the process of music-making. His work is deeply rooted in authenticity, resilience, and a passion for community. His musical journey began early - at just five years old - studying classical music and music theory through the Royal Conservatory of Music. It wasn’t long before Alexander began writing his own songs, singing, and picking up new instruments. Over time, he learned to play trombone, saxophone, harmonica, guitar, violin, and drums - essentially, any instrument he could get his hands on. For Alexander, music became a vital outlet for self-expression, creativity, and personal joy.
However, when Alexander began his transition, he faced unexpected challenges. His voice changed, and for a time, he lost his ability to make music in the way he always had. With his identity shifting and mental health battles emerging, he was forced to rediscover his voice - literally and figuratively - by re-learning how to sing. After four years of introspection and healing, Alexander returned to music in 2021 under the name "Alexander James," releasing his debut single “Let Go.” Since then, he has released four singles, performed live on CTV News, played numerous local shows, and produced music for other artists in his home studio. Now 28, Alexander is known for his generosity, evolving sound, and visibility in the transgender community. He is proud to be a voice for those who feel voiceless, inspiring others through his music and story.
Royal Wood (Saskatoon)
First term: June 2025-June 2027
Singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and producer Royal Wood has established himself as a true musical talent, with his last full-length studio album What Tomorrow Brings garnering an "up for consideration" at 2024’s GRAMMY Awards for BEST FOLK ALBUM. Since being named “Songwriter of the Year” by iTunes (2010), Wood has continued to evolve and hone his musical craft – maintaining an unmistakable identity while uncovering and reinventing his sound.
Wood has two albums that have debuted in the Top 30, multiple JUNO nominations, five-time Canadian Folk Music Award-nominee, and a #1 added song at Hot AC radio. His songs have been heard on high-profile sync placements like Grey’s Anatomy, and Private Practice. In 2023, Wood was the opener on a Canada-wide tour with Bonnie Raitt, being cherry-picked to support the legendary artist for the 2nd time. Many of his songs have been streamed millions of times, including his song “A Good Enough Day” which is now approaching 4 million streams alone on Spotify. This fall will see the release of DEAR JOHN. Royal's new album which was mixed by 5 time Grammy winner Ryan Freeland.
