Home » Who We Are » Board of Directors

Meet the thought leaders guiding MMDF and helping to power Manitoba forward. Our leadership team at MMDF is committed to a future where all Manitobans have an opportunity for success and growth.

Profile picture

Chuck Davidson

(Chair), President & CEO of the Manitoba Chambers of Commerce

Since 2013, Chuck Davidson has been the President & CEO of the Manitoba Chambers of Commerce (MCC), the largest business organization in the province, representing 68 local Chamber of Commerce and nearly 10,000 organizations throughout Manitoba. Under his leadership, MCC has seen a renewed focus on policy and advocacy as the Voice of Business in Manitoba and has been recognized as an accredited Chamber of Commerce with distinction.

Prior to joining MCC, Chuck spent close to a decade at the Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce as Vice-President, Policy & Communications. A graduate of Red River College’s Creative Communications program, Chuck launched his career as an announcer and reporter with 680-CJOB, before moving into communications and policy development roles where he has worked for the past two decades.

Chuck is a tireless community booster and a passionate champion of economic development in Manitoba. He was appointed as co-chair of the newly established Rural Manitoba Economic Development Corporation. In addition, he chairs the 20 million-dollar Manitoba Mineral Development Fund; is a Board member of the Community Economic Development Fund and serves as co-chair of Travel Manitoba’s Provincial Tourism strategy. He is currently President of the Chamber of Commerce Group Insurance Plan and past chair of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce Accreditation Council as well as a former president of the South Winnipeg Community Centre.

Chuck grew up in Flin Flon and Snow Lake and now resides in Winnipeg with his wife and two sons.

Profile picture

Kevin Ploegman

Partner, Fort Group, Manitoba Chambers of Commerce Board Member

Kevin was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba and grew up in North Kildonan. He earned his Bachelor of Physical Education Degree from the University of Manitoba in 1999 and his Bachelor of Commerce (Honours) Degree from the University of Manitoba in 2002. In October 2004, Kevin became a member of the Chartered Professional Accountants of Canada by receiving his Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA, CA) designation.

Kevin became a partner at Fort Group in 2015. He has 20 years of combined experience in both public accounting and industry, where he serviced private companies and not-for-profit organizations of all sizes. In 2011, Kevin completed the CICA In-Depth Tax Course to compliment his assurance and business advisory skills. Kevin has developed an exceptional toolkit to service all of the needs of small and medium sized owner-managed entities and not-for-profit organizations, and strives to provide the best service possible to all of his clients.

Profile picture

Darin Downey

President & CEO of Gardewine Group, Manitoba Chambers of Commerce Board Member

Profile picture

Colleen Smook

Mayor of the City of Thompson, Association of Manitoba Municipalities (Cities Caucus Chair)

Profile picture

Richard Trudeau

Director, HR, External & Indigenous Affairs HudBay Minerals – Mining Association of Manitoba (Vice-President)