Please click on their photos to learn more about them.Â
Gord Copithorne
President
Gord Copithorne lives near Cochrane with his wife, Jenica, their four children, three cats, three dogs, and a rather impressive collection of fish. He has been involved in curling for more than 35 years, including over 20 years as a coach, and has served on several boards throughout his career. Gord has been actively involved with Curling Alberta for approximately five years.
Through his role with Curling Alberta, Gord is focused on finding ways to grow participation in the sport and on continuing to build trust and strong relationships across all levels of the curling community.
Travis Jones
Vice President
Travis Jones brings over 25 years of experience in curling as an athlete, coach, and official, and currently serves as Vice President of Curling Alberta. He holds an MBA from the University of Calgary and a Master of Science in Olympic Studies from the International Olympic Academy, with a professional background in business development, governance, and strategic leadership across Western Canada. An Associate Curling Professional and Competition Development Certified coach, Travis is passionate about aligning grassroots participation with high-performance pathways. He joined the Board to give back to the sport and support a strong, inclusive, and sustainable future for curling in Alberta and BC Peace Region..
George Mitsopoulos
Treasurer
Curling Alberta – Bio – George Mitsopoulos
George Mitsopoulos lives in Calgary, Alberta, with his wife, Merrie-Rae, and their sons, Nick and Kris. He works as an executive leader in the energy industry, bringing extensive experience in operational leadership, regulatory oversight, risk management and operational excellence.
George joined the Curling Alberta Board in July 2023. A long-time curler, he returned to the sport about 10 years ago when his sons began curling. He is a Certified Competition Coach and has coached U18 and U20 teams. While living in Fort McMurray, George helped coordinate the local junior curling program and supported its continued development.
Since relocating to Calgary, he has begun coaching at the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT). George has significant volunteer experience across multiple boards and committees and is proud to be involved with Curling Alberta. He is focused on growing the sport while maintaining strong fiscal discipline and long-term sustainability.
Mickey Pendergast​
Director, Competition's Committee Chair
Background
- Lifelong Albertan
- Self‑employed for 23+ years; founded, grew, and sold a contract food service company with 17 locations and 120 employees
- Vice President, Operations – Western Canada food equipment & supplies company
- District Manager, Western Canada – international managed services company
- Owner, Calgary office – Schooley Mitchell Cost Reduction Consulting
- Bachelor of Science, Business Management
Curling Experience
- Competed internationally for 20+ years; teams ranked 10–30 in the world
- Winner of 12 tour events
- Competed in 20 Alberta Provincial Championships
- Five‑time Alberta Masters Champion
- Two‑time Masters National Champion; one‑time silver medalist
Coaching & Leadership
- Coach, 2018 Boys’ U18 Alberta Champions
- Coach, 2024 Men’s Alberta Champions
- Head Coach, University of Calgary Dinos Men’s Varsity Team – 2026 U SPORTS National Champions
Chantelle Bowman
Secretary
Nathan Connolly
Director
Nathan has been curling in Alberta for nearly 30 years, and the sport has played a meaningful role in both his personal and professional life. Through decades on the ice, he has seen firsthand how curling brings people together, builds lasting friendships, and strengthens communities.
A business owner, husband, and father of four, he brings a practical and people-focused perspective to his involvement in the sport. These roles have shaped a strong passion for introducing young people to curling and ensuring they have positive, welcoming experiences that encourage lifelong participation.
As a board member with Curling Alberta, he is committed to helping clubs succeed through thoughtful leadership, increased participation at all levels, and a strong emphasis on the social connections that make curling such a unique and enduring sport. He believes curling is at its best when people feel connected, supported, and proud to be part of the curling community.
Michael Heeb
Director
Kirk Mearns
Director
marketing, sales leadership and media. He began his career in newspapers in the late 1980s as an
advertising and marketing consultant and later led marketing and sales training for Thomson Newspapers across Western Canada.
In 2005, Kirk joined Rogers Radio as General Sales Manager in Lethbridge for KISS 107.7 and ROCK 106.7.
After 10 years with Rogers, he was contracted by Pattison Media to lead the launch of its online news portal, Lethbridge News Now.
Kirk joined the Lethbridge Curling Club as General Manager in 2017 and retired at the end of the 2025–26 season. Prior to becoming General Manager, he served as President of the Lethbridge Curling Club from
2008 to 2011.
Kirk is a Certified Competition Coach and currently serves as head coach of the University of Lethbridge Pronghorns curling program. His event leadership experience includes serving on the organizing committee for the 2019 World Men’s Curling Championship, co-chairing the 2022 Brier in Lethbridge, and co-chairing the 2016 World Mixed Doubles and World Senior Curling Championships hosted at the Lethbridge Curling
Club.
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
The ACF – Alberta Curling Federation (operating as Curling Alberta) hosted its Annual General Meeting on Friday, September 18, 2026, at 12:00 p.m.Â
Notice and Agenda for 2026 Annual General Meeting