Saskatoon Team

Chair – John Costa
An IT geek at heart. John has been in the technology field since he first took apart the family vacuum. Having first cut his teeth on the punch card computers and the TRS-80 (look it up, it’s a damn old computer), he has moved on to management and has realized the real power is in people. With almost 20 years of technology experience, John has a passion for technology and an even greater passion for open concepts, and advocating for an open and free internet. When not working, John spends time with his wife and three kids.

Logistics Director – Michelle MacDonald
Michelle MacDonald is the Marketing & Communications Manager at zu. She was educated at the U of S where she learned an important life skill: mixing the perfect paralyzer. She’s traveled around the world and back, and loves learning about different cultures and promoting environmental sustainability.

Communications Director – Carlene Deutscher
Carlene Deutscher is a proud Saskatchewanian. A BComm grad from the UofS, Carlene is back at home as an ESB Undergraduate Programs Adviser. On her spare time, she loves baking, basketball & training dogs!

Co-Communications Director – Desarée Larsen
Maybe the most important things you need to know about Desarée Larsen is that she has red hair and is left-handed. A recent BComm graduate from the U of S, she enjoys traveling the world, trying new things and making videos in her spare time.

Speakers Director – Ryan Lejbak
Ryan Lejbak’s roots stem from a farming family in Saskatchewan. He has worked with his business partner Tony Zuck to build zu, one of the largest web agencies in western Canada. p.s. He loves animals, coaching Huskie football, indie rock, swimming, rocking out and traveling.

Sponsorship Director – Rod Chometa
Between his sips of Broadway Roastery chai tea and playing a game of soccer, this U of S grad runs Blairmore Media. But his six kids and wife are the highlight of his life and they keep him busy with coaching or playing lego.

Technology Director – Daren McLean
Daren McLean thinks as a social entrepreneur, is a ravenous learner, green building lover and the founder of the net zero-ready design and online strategy firm deezine.ca.

Volunteers Director – Gwen Straub
Gwen Straub works at the U of S. She and her family lived in New Mexico for 8 yrs where she developed an appreciation for the finer things in life – Mexican food, mariachi and margaritas. Gwen enjoys spending time with her family, friends, traveling, reading, camping and golfing.