Biography

A COMMITMENT TO EXCELLENCE

Areas of expertise involved talent building, coaching, brand management, troubleshooting, software systems (music scheduling and automation). Coordinating research to develop the brand, marketing to create brand awareness (TV, Outdoor and print), social media management and community initiatives. (CHAT 94.5 FM Food Drive/Sandfly Festival). General knowledge of Microsoft Office including Word and Excel, QuickBooks Payroll and basic reporting.

Family is first and foremost in pretty much all I do. Both of our boys were born while we were based in Edmonton but were raised in Medicine Hat. After graduating from U of A both boys have settled down to make a home in that wonderful city. A doctor and an electrical engineer, both make their mom and dad very proud.
Judo is my sport. I’ve coached in Medicine Hat since 1992. I am a current level 2 NCCP coach having sat on the Judo Alberta Board as the director of finance for one term. I was President and Lead Sensei of The Medicine Hat Judo Club from 1995-2017 at which point I took a back seat with day to day operations. I was honoured to receive a Civic Recognition Award in 2013 for Community Inclusion based on our collective efforts at the judo club.
An avid cyclist, I’ve been pleased to participate in the Great Cycle Challenge the last four years, raising money for kids’ cancer through the Sick Kids Foundation. Leading our community in fundraising but truly its greatest reward is to be able to ride for a cause like this one. An added blessing is to have my wife and sons also participate.
Food is a multilevel passion.  Started with the garden, I tend a fairly large crop every year. Mostly tomatoes and peppers, garlic, onions… Put them all together and you’ve got Hitchen’s Hot and Sloppy Salsa. It’s been enjoyed by friends and family across Canada, the US and parts of Europe. I produce a few hundred liters every year.
Working in radio for many years allowed me the very special honour of serving my community. Everything we did at the radio stations was a team effort and I was given the great satisfaction of leading a very talented team through many amazing events. A few standouts were the creation and execution of annual events like The Sandfly Music Festival, Annual Food Drive and a special Flood Relief Fundraiser with Corb Lund. Our Flood coverage was an outstanding collaboration of the city and local media. We participated in forging emergency response plans that addressed our immediate and shared concerns.