Executive Staff
- Dr. Lyall Thomson - Chief Executive Officer
- Aart Schuurman Hess - Chief Administrative Officer
- Jeff Dyer - Chief Operating Officer
- Adele MacDonald - Chief Development Officer
- Georg Paffrath - Vice President, Seed Works Inc.
Dr. Lyall Thomson - Chief Executive Officer
As Chief Executive Officer of The Mustard Seed, Lyall oversees administration, operations and program delivery at The Mustard Seed locations in Calgary and Edmonton. He also holds responsibility for setting the vision and plans for the organization.
Lyall brings a wide and varied skill set to the position of Chief Executive Officer, with extensive experience in both the private and public sectors. As a management consultant of his own practice, he has provided leadership guidance to public and private entities. Prior to consulting, he served as Superintendent of Schools/CEO in Alberta and Director of Education/CEO in Ontario.
In addition to his career experience, Lyall holds Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from the University of Alberta and a PhD from the University of Calgary. He has also travelled extensively and made presentations in England, Taiwan, China and Turkey.
Lyall is married and has two adult children and two grand children.
Aart Schuurman Hess - Chief Administrative Officer
As The Mustard Seed's Chief Administrative Officer, Aart Schuurman Hess is responsible for overseeing the administrative operations of Finance, Human Resources, Facilities, IT and Special Projects, including The Mustard Seed's Affordable Housing Initiative.
Aart joined The Mustard Seed in July 2008, bringing with him an extensive business and entrepreneurial background. Prior to working at The Mustard Seed, Aart held an executive role in a Dutch private equity investment firm, as well as senior-level positions in the airline food service and food manufacturing industries, where he successfully executed the move and start up of the world's largest airline catering kitchen.
Outside The Mustard Seed, Aart serves as Past President of the Dutch Canadian Business Club of Calgary and as the Chair of the Tax & Economic Affairs Committee of the Calgary Chamber of Commerce. He is also an active member of The Rotary Club of Calgary, with a focus on world community services.
Aart has worked and lived in the Netherlands, United Kingdom, Thailand, United States and Spain. He and his wife Marie-Louise, along with their three children, have called Calgary home since May 2007.
Jeff Dyer - Chief Operating Officer
As Chief Operating Officer for The Mustard Seed, Jeff is responsible for the development, performance and sustainability of ministry centres across Alberta by leading leaders and championing remarkable ministries that create real change in the lives of our clients. Jeff's involvement with The Mustard Seed began during his tenure as a Board member and he moved into management after serving in several senior level positions in the non-profit sector. He was previously the Program Manager and then Executive Director of Gull Lake Centre. Jeff holds a Bachelor of Education and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Alberta.
Outside The Mustard Seed, Jeff has served on various boards, consults on start-up businesses and is a marathoner.
Adele MacDonald - Chief Development Officer
Adele is a graduate of Saint Francis Xavier University in Antigonish, Nova Scotia and has attained her Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) accreditation. With more than 20 years experience in fundraising, Adele also brings 14 years experience as an Executive Director leading a variety of social service, micro-enterprise and health not-for-profits. Adele is a past president of the Association of Fundraising Professionals, Calgary & Area Chapter.
As part of the Executive Team, Adele is leading the Development department, which includes Fundraising, Volunteer Services, Communications, Community Engagement and Branding & Policy. Adele is working very closely with both Calgary and Edmonton Development teams.
Georg Paffrath - Vice President, Seed Works Inc.
As Vice President of Seed Works Inc, Georg oversees the operations of the Mustard Seed's social enterprise company.
Georg has more than 20 years of experience in corporate management and restructuring. With roles in general management, operations, engineering, marketing and sales, Georg has worked with several heavy industry companies where he has been recognized for his ability to promote cooperation and achieve positive, measurable results. In his previous role as President of a multi-plant company, he led his turnaround team to a successful management buyout of the company.
Georg holds a Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering with a Minor in Management from McGill University.
An active member of the community, Georg also volunteers as a ski instructor with the Canadian Association for Disabled Skiers and has served on several boards and was a Director of Civitan, a non-profit organization involved in serving mentally-challenged children and their families.
