Get to know your Town Council
Laura Svab, Mayor
Description coming soon!
Ryan Brown, Councillor
Born in Calgary, Ryan spent two decades living and working across Canada and abroad before making Central Alberta his home more than 20 years ago. Alongside his wife and two children, he has built a life rooted in community, opportunity, and gratitude for the region that has given so much to his family.
Ryan’s career spans multiple industries including oil and gas, agriculture, mining, food and beverage, telecommunications, and construction. This broad experience has provided him with a practical understanding of how local economies thrive—through innovation, collaboration, and sound decision-making.
As a business leader in the fertilizer manufacturing and transportation sectors, Ryan manages teams, logistics, and capital projects across Western Canada. He holds a degree in Economics and brings a pragmatic, results-driven approach to every challenge. His focus is on sustainable growth, fiscal responsibility, and strengthening partnerships between business, residents, and local government.
Ryan believes that town council is one vital cog in the greater wheel of community spirit that propels Blackfalds forward. He is committed to ensuring that the same quality of life his family enjoys today remains attainable for all—newcomers and long-time residents alike.
Guided by values of accountability, collaboration, and forward-thinking leadership, Ryan aims to help shape a future where Blackfalds continues to grow as a vibrant, inclusive, and resilient community.
Phone: 403.479.9610 | Email Ryan (coming soon)
Brenda Dennis, Councillor
Brenda is the 4th generation of her family to live in the Blackfalds area. She has volunteered for various organizations including Girl Guides, Blackfalds Minor Hockey, DIDS, Citizens on Patrol, Ag Society, fire department, Blackfalds Days and other groups. She served as Town Councillor for two terms from 1992 - 1998 and served on various boards during her tenure, including the Public Library board, Lacombe Foundation and the Lacombe Solid Waste and Development Appeal Board.
"I am looking forward to having the opportunity and listen to our residents to benefit and enhance Blackfalds. Look at the big picture of facilities, roadways and intersection planning, so fixing one thing doesn’t domino into a bigger problem down the road (literally)."
Phone: 403.340.9189| Email Brenda
Shane Hanson, Councillor
Shane Hanson has been a proud resident of Blackfalds since 2000. In 2001, he married his wife Andrea, a lifelong resident, and together they have built a life rooted in community, from renovating an older home to constructing a new one here in town.
A Red Seal Endorsed Certified Master Electrician and Safety Codes Officer, Shane began his career as a tradesperson in 2001 and quickly advanced to project management after earning his Journeyman designation in 2005. Over the years, he has played an integral role in construction projects valued in the hundreds of millions of dollars. As a Board Member of the Alberta Electrical Alliance and Chair with Skills Canada Alberta, Shane has been a strong advocate for the skilled trades and workforce development in Alberta.
Shane’s community involvement includes early volunteer work with the Blackfalds Minor Hockey Association and, more recently, his dedication to the Blackfalds Food Bank Society as a Board and Fundraising Subcommittee member. He and Andrea are avid sports enthusiasts who enjoy the outdoors, especially ice fishing with friends in the Blackfalds community.
A longtime advocate for local issues, Shane has actively participated in Council meetings, open houses, and public hearings, speaking to matters that impact residents. He looks forward to the challenges and rewards of serving on Town Council and is committed to building a better Blackfalds for all.
Phone: 587.876.7134| Email Shane (coming soon)
Aaron J Hoyte, Councillor
Aaron's love public service has been ingrained in him from a family culture of serving others. Coming from a family of teachers on one side, and factory work and military service on the other, Aaron grew up appreciating the culture of duty, honour and family values.
Aaron took up para-medicine in late 2018 wanting to be where the action is, and wanting to help people in emergencies. After getting married to his wife Christina, they lived in New Zealand where he mentored young men who were transitioning from high school to adulthood, and after moving back to Canada, and wanting to start a family, they landed in Blackfalds.
After being welcomed to the community with open arms, he started his own first aid training company and looking for opportunities to serve the town that he and his family now call home. Aaron is extremely passionate about making measured decisions, and is looking forward to bringing a passion for leadership, duty, and responsibility not only to council, but to the young people of Blackfalds.
Aaron looks forward to continue building Blackfalds into a town where kids can be kids safely, adults can work and live freely, and the older generations can live independently and with dignity.
Phone: 587.693.4784 | Email Aaron (coming soon)
Jim Sands, Councillor
Jim grew up in the Central Alberta area and worked many years in the Construction Industry before starting his own Architectural and special coatings company. Owning his own business allowed him the time to study Power Engineering and work in that capacity for a few years before settling into Commercial Property Management which increased his eye for detail.
In 2011, Jim moved to Blackfalds where he married his wife Lanette who was already a longtime resident of the beautiful community. They have one daughter and two sons who are all married now with families of their own and have 7 beautiful grandchildren.
Being elected to Council in 2021 has allowed Jim to work closely and collectively with other council members to take care in managing taxpayers dollars. During his last term on Council, Jim joined the Municipal Planning Commission and the Family and Community Support Services Board, as well as numerous other committees.
Jim believes, particularly during these times, that Council needs to be extremely fiscally responsible for the betterment of residents, small businesses and non-profit groups. He is looking forward to helping plan for the future of Blackfalds while taking care in spending taxpayers' money.
"I look forward to hearing from my constituents and I want them to know that I can always be reached when needed."
Phone: 403.396.6535 | Email Jim
Cory Twerdoclib, Councillor
Originally from Saskatchewan, Cory grew up farming, where he learned skills and lessons that have served him well over the years, such as critical thinking, responsibility, problem solving, mechanical prowess, and the "hard work" ethic that is mandatory when you farm.
Cory's parents also owned an excavating business that helped support the farm through the 80's, so he learned to operate many different pieces of heavy equipment, which was a benefit when he moved to Alberta in 2001 and began working in the oil industry. Cory worked in Inventory control and inspections until 2007. He owned a business, with a partner, buying and selling oilfield tubing, dissolving that in 2006.
In 2007, he started his own company again as his enterprising spirit was calling, and at the time wanted to be home more often, as he and his wife had a young daughter. Cory chose the food service industry, as he had a passion for cooking and creating. Fast forward to 2025, and their food service/catering business has operated the concessions at the Eagle Builders Centre for the last 15 years and at the Abbey Centre for the last 6 years.
Cory also volunteers with the Economic Development, and Tourism Committee and is currently the vice-chair of the Economic Development and Tourism board.
Cory and his family have lived and been a part of Blackfalds for 23 years, and they fell in love with this community from the moment they moved here, deciding to make this their home.
Email Cory (coming soon)