Board of Governors

Marija Pavkovic, President & CEO

Marija Pavkovic Tovissi is the visionary founder and CEO of MaKami College, established in 2001 with a passion for helping others achieve success through education. Inspired by her immigrant parents’ struggles, Marija created an institution to serve as a beacon of opportunity. Under her leadership, MaKami College became a Public Post-Secondary College in Alberta in March 2023 and transitioned to a not-for-profit organization in 2024.

Marija’s entrepreneurial spirit has earned her numerous accolades, including the Global Edmonton Sizzler Award in 2009, the Business of Distinction Young Entrepreneur Award in 2013, and the WOI – FIERCE Award in 2014. MaKami College was named #62 on Profit 500’s list of Canada’s Top 500 Fastest Growing Companies, and Marija ranked #66 among Canada’s Top 100 Female Entrepreneurs by Chatelaine Magazine and Profit W100.

In 2023, Marija received the Women’s Newcomer Impact Award from the Alberta Government and the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal. She was also recognized as a finalist for the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award in 2024.

A serial entrepreneur with a background in Business Marketing, Management, and Educational Leadership, Marija serves on several company boards. She co-founded Women in Business, an organization supporting women and girls in entrepreneurship.

Marija is deeply committed to giving back, volunteering with various organizations and co-founding the MaKami College Education Foundation, which supports students facing barriers to education.

Mark Frederick, Chair

Mark Frederick is an insurance defence lawyer who represents a wide range of professionals including engineers, architects, lawyers, insurance agents, appraisers, financial professionals, and real estate agents. He acts for his clients in claims, or defence of claims, of professional liability and errors and omissions. He also defends manufacturers of chemicals and other goods in product liability claims and practises in the area of directors’ and officers’ liability. Acting for clients in Canada, the United States, and England, Mark advises insurers on issues relating to excess liability. He also advises on policy construction and drafting and the interpretation of coverage. Mark also acts for clients in general litigation matters including contract disputes. He advises insurance brokerage companies on matters pertaining to the business of insurance. Mark has a BA Double Honours from St. Paul’s College at the University of Manitoba and an LLB from Queen’s University. He has an FCIARB from the London UK based Chartered Institute of Arbitrators. As a senior Partner at Miller Thomson LLP, he was called to the bar in 1988 and had subsequently been called to the bars of British Columbia and Alberta. 

Mark is recognized by The Best Lawyers in Canada for Insurance Law, Chambers Canada for Insurance: Dispute Resolution, Benchmark Canada as a Litigation Star: Insurance, as well as the Canadian Legal Expert Directory for Litigation – Commercial Insurance. Member of the Ontario, New Brunswick, Nunavut, Alberta and British Columbia Bars. 

Vladimir Pavkovic

Vladimir Pavkovic is a serial entrepreneur, philanthropist, and community builder, recognized for his extensive experience in driving business growth and creating lasting social impact. With a deep expertise in investments, capital management, sales, and business development, Vladimir has successfully navigated a variety of industries, including technology and education. His leadership and strategic vision have enabled him to scale businesses both locally and globally, building strong partnerships and fostering a culture of innovation along the way.

Vladimir’s commitment to giving back is evident in his philanthropic efforts, where he actively dedicates time and resources to support causes that uplift communities and encourage positive change. A passionate believer in the power of community, he has built a reputation for mentoring others and creating opportunities for collaboration and collective success. As a family man, Vladimir balances his entrepreneurial pursuits with a focus on personal values, strengthening relationships both in his professional and personal life. His ability to lead businesses on local, national, and international levels showcases his adaptability and strong strategic mindset, earning him respect in both business and community circles.

In addition to his entrepreneurial endeavors, Vladimir Pavkovic is the co-founder and Vice President of MaKami College, where he has played a pivotal role in the institution’s growth and transformation. His leadership was key in MaKami’s evolution into an independent academic institute, ensuring its long-term sustainability and positive impact on the education sector. Vladimir’s dedication to post-secondary education has earned him the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Award for Advanced Education in Alberta, reflecting his significant contributions to the field. His ongoing commitment to supporting students and advancing educational excellence continues to shape the future of MaKami College.

Ryan Dolan

Ryan Dolan is the Chief Financial Officer of MaKami College, bringing over 13 years of experience in financial leadership across diverse sectors including higher education, financial services, construction and charitable organizations. Ryan began his career with MNP and was responsible for leading audit engagements for several large Credit Unions in the interior of BC and provided tax planning and advisory services for his clients. He utilized his background in financial services to move to the Cayman Islands and worked with PwC, providing audit and consultancy services for large institutions across the Caribbean including leading an accounting standard implementation project for a group of 28 Credit Unions in Jamaica. He brought these experiences with him to the MaKami Group of Companies, where he has a proven track record of driving success in both for-profit and not-for-profit environments. Ryan has demonstrated exceptional skill in leading and implementing strategic decisions across the group, implementing an ERP system, ensuring regulatory compliance, and optimizing resource allocation to drive organizational growth and sustainability. In addition to his technical acumen, he is a dedicated mentor who fosters talent development within his teams, cultivating strong leadership pipelines. Ryan’s commitment to excellence and his ability to align financial objectives with organizational goals have positioned him as a trusted advisor and strategic leader in his field.

Dr. Michele Burns

Michele Burns, FRCP (C), graduated from the University of Calgary Medical School in 1992 after obtaining a BSC in Biology (Honours) and an MSC in Medical Genetics from McMaster University. Specialty training in Internal Medicine was done at the University of Calgary.

Dr. Burns has been a full-time General Internist at the Rockyview General Hospital since 1998, where she has been the site lead for Internal Medicine as well as the lead for the Pre-Admission Clinic.

She currently works as a ward consultant as well as leading the Medical Teaching Teams in the care of very sick patients.

For 25 years, she also worked as a critical care bedside physician as well as an ICU Outreach Physician.

Dr. Burns has also done considerable work with the CMPA as an Expert Witness for cases involving Internal Medicine.

She is very enthusiastic about medical education and is very pleased to be a part of MaKami College’s Health Care Aide program. She is hoping to see this program grow and to expand to other training opportunities for health care providers. She helps organize and run the vaccination clinic at MaKami College.

On a personal note, Dr. Burns is married and has three adult children. She and her husband participate in multiple charitable events and have been longtime supporters of the Kids Cancer Care Foundation.

Brooks Tanner

Brooks Tanner is a dynamic and results-driven leader with a unique blend of expertise in real estate and technology. With a specialized focus on senior and multifamily housing developments, Brooks has successfully guided numerous projects, demonstrating his ability to drive business growth in niche markets. His educational background in computer engineering provides a tech-forward approach that allows him to integrate innovative solutions into business strategies, enhancing operational outcomes and adding value for clients.

Beyond his professional success, Brooks is committed to mentoring entrepreneurs and making impactful Angel investments, supporting and nurturing the local business community. His leadership extends to his role as a managing partner at Terra Realty and Development Group, where he also serves as a licensed Realtor® in Alberta.

Brooks’ accomplishments in real estate are impressive, having facilitated transactions exceeding $200 million, but his true passion lies in helping others grow and succeed. Outside of his professional life, he is an avid traveler, a dedicated yoga practitioner, and someone who enjoys a variety of outdoor activities. This well-rounded mix of professional achievements and personal interests makes Brooks a respected leader, community builder, and lifelong learner.

Melissa Redlich

Melissa Redlich is the Manager for the Intensive Care and Coronary Care Units at Rockyview General Hospital, as well as the Manager for Respiratory Services. With a career spanning over 30 years, Melissa brings a wealth of experience in critical care nursing, including expertise in clinical nursing, critical care education, and operational management. A graduate of the University of Calgary Nursing Program, she has dedicated her career to advancing healthcare through leadership and specialized care in the critical care sector.

In addition to her managerial roles, Melissa serves as the co-chair for the Alberta Health Services – Critical Care Strategic Clinical Network’s Delirium Project. This interprofessional team has been instrumental in developing a provincial critical care delirium assessment and management program, an initiative that underscores Melissa’s commitment to improving patient outcomes through innovative healthcare strategies.

A passionate advocate for education in the workplace, Melissa firmly believes in the power of continuous learning and development in healthcare settings. Her extensive leadership experience makes her a valuable asset to any organization striving for excellence in patient care and operational success.

Born and raised in Calgary, Melissa is deeply connected to her community. She is married with two daughters, both of whom are following in her footsteps by pursuing careers in nursing. Melissa’s dedication to her profession and her family is a testament to her commitment to both her personal and professional growth.

Garrett Tomlinson

Garrett Tomlinson is a distinguished Métis professional and artist with over 15 years of experience in indigenous governance, advocacy, and project management. Calling the Lubicon Lake Nation Territory in Northern Alberta home, he is both a skilled traditional hand drum artist and a respected Indigenous rights advocate.

As Senior Director of Self-Government for the Métis Nation with Alberta, Tomlinson has been pivotal in developing innovative consultation processes that protect Métis rights. His leadership established regional consultation offices across Alberta, implementing strategies aligned with the 2018 Consultation Agreement between the MNA and the Government of Canada.

In 2014, Tomlinson became one of Alberta’s youngest Chief Elected Officials as Reeve of Northern Sunrise County. As the inaugural Chair of the Otipemisiwak Métis Government, he operationalized governance structures under Alberta’s first federally recognized Métis Constitution.

A recognized expert in Aboriginal law and self-government policy, Tomlinson led the largest Indigenous self-government ratification vote in Canadian history, achieving a 96.9% approval rate. His portfolio includes consulting for indigenous governments nationwide, focusing on strategic communications, economic development, and rights protection. Tomlinson’s contributions extend to academia, providing expert testimony and lectures on indigenous legal frameworks, consistently driving meaningful systemic change.