2024-2025 Board of Directors

Executive

Monika Wang, President

As a dedicated Relationship Manager at RBC Group Advantage, Monika Wang brings a decade of expertise to her role, specializing in helping employers retain and attract top talent through tailored group savings and pension plans. She holds a Master’s degree from Loughborough University in the UK and hosts Personal Financial Planner (PFP) and Retirement Plans Associate (RPA) designation in Canada. In 2023, she was honored RBC highest award, Global Citizen Award, recognizing her commitment to community engagement and global outreach.
Monika is deeply involved in her community on PEI, serving as a board member of the Queen Elizabeth Hospital Foundation. Beyond her professional accomplishments, she is a devoted mother to her two children, Alice, aged 5, and Philip,
aged 7. Her efforts to balance a demanding career with family life and community service are driven by her passion to make a meaningful difference wherever she can.

Sam Sanderson

Sam Sanderson, Vice President

Sam Sanderson is the General Manager of the Construction Association of Prince Edward Island, a role he has held since 2015. With extensive experience in the demolition and hazardous materials sectors across Atlantic Canada, Sam has made significant contributions to the industry. He serves on the Canadian Construction Association National Board and participates in various subcommittees. Sam is also a member of the Net Zero Advisory Council, the WCB PEI Advisory Council, and the Building Standards Council of PEI, and he is a board member of Skills Canada PEI. Additionally, he is the Vice President of the Greater Summerside Chamber of Commerce and the current President of the Summerside Lions Club. A former member of the Charlottetown Fire Department and other fire services for nearly 20 years, Sam is also a proud member of the Red Knights Motorcycle Club. He is a dedicated and proud resident of Summerside.

Filip Hrga, Past President

Filip is an Associate Lawyer working at Cox & Palmer. Filip received his education and training in Ottawa where he attended law school and then worked as an associate lawyer at a mid-size law firm. Filip is a strong advocate for his clients, whether it’s negotiating settlements or contracts. Filip has assisted clients on the sale and purchase of businesses large and small. When he’s not in the office, Filip enjoys exploring all the natural beauty that Prince Edward Island has to offer. Filip also likes to put his negotiating skills to the test by playing  strategy and board games with his family and friends.

Doug Smith

Doug Smith, Treasurer

Doug has been the proud treasurer and board member of the Greater Summerside Chamber of Commerce since 2022. Doug was born and raised in Hunter River and lives in Summerside with his girlfriend and two young children.  Doug works at the Provincial Credit Union in Kensington, where he’s an Account Associate for the Business Service Department specializing in commercial loans.  When Doug isn’t working, he enjoys spending time with his family and playing sports, mostly basketball, golf and harness racing.

Melanie Schmidt

Melanie Schmidt, Secretary

Melanie Schmidt has been the RBC Summerside Branch Manager for the last 3 years and is excited to serve her second year as a GSCC chamber director. Melanie’s passion and commitment to customer service has allowed her to serve and provide financial advice to many clients in the banking industry for over 20 years. Having owned and operated two small businesses in a tourism market she understands and has a soft spot for the entrepreneurial spirit. She sits on the RBC Atlantic Women’s ERG. Melanie and her husband, CFW “came from away” and moved to PEI from Ontario in October of 2020. She loves spending time in her garden, and exploring new island adventures. While she is “from away” she likes to say she is IHN “I’m Here Now” and says that moving to PEI was the best decision they could have ever made.

Directors

Brian Ramsay

Brian Ramsay

Brian Ramsay is a dedicated professional with a diverse background, having graduated from Acadia University with a BBA in Information Systems. His career includes experience in banking, financial planning, customer experience management, business sales, and car sales, with roles at the Bank of Nova Scotia, Lord & Ramsay Limited, Money Concepts, Summerside Storm, VR Business Brokers, and Summerside Toyota. Active in his community, Brian has also served on the boards of Downtown Summerside Inc., and Harbourfront Theatre. He also shares a passion for harness racing, currently co-owning three Standardbred horses. Brian has been happily married to his wife Sonya for 36 years.

Spencer Gallant

Spencer Gallant

Spencer is the President of World Wide Websites, where he and his team use strategic design paired with modern technology to help businesses with web solutions on PEI and beyond. He holds diplomas in Business Administration and Project Management, and in his free time he enjoys backcountry camping, hiking, biking, and disc golf.

Rose Dennis

Rose Dennis, Ex Officio

Rose Dennis is the dynamic Executive Director of Explore Summerside and Downtown Summerside. With a deep passion for community development and tourism, Rose has dedicated her career to promoting the vibrant culture and unique charm of Summerside. Her leadership and vision have been instrumental in driving economic growth, enhancing visitor experiences, and fostering a strong sense of community. Under her guidance, Summerside has flourished as a premier destination, known for its welcoming atmosphere and rich heritage. Rose’s commitment to excellence and innovation continues to inspire those around her, making her a pivotal figure in the ongoing success of the region.

Lindsay Groom

Lindsay Groom is the manager of Brothers 2 Restaurant in Summerside.