Management Team

Linda Southern-Heathcott

CEO and Executive Chair

Years of Service:  28

Ms. Southern-Heathcott  was appointed CEO and Executive Chair in May 2021. Ms. Southern-Heathcott is a founding director of the Company and has been Chair of the Board since May 2006 and was Deputy Chair from May 2004 until April 2006.  Ms. Southern-Heathcott brings significant management and business experience to the Company.

Darcy Reynolds

Vice President, Finance and Chief Financial Officer

Years of Service:  10

Mr. Reynolds was appointed Vice President, Finance and Chief Financial Officer in March 2017, and previously served as Vice President, Finance from March 2016 to February 2017. Mr. Reynolds has been with AKITA since January 2011. Prior to joining AKITA, Mr. Reynolds worked at a big 4 accounting firm where he obtained his Chartered Accountant designation. He is responsible for the Company’s finance, accounting, taxation and treasury functions. Mr. Reynolds is a member of the Chartered Professional Accountants of Alberta.

Raymond T. Coleman

President, USA Division

Years of service: 36

Mr. Coleman was appointed President, USA Division in May 2020 and previously served as Senior Vice President/ Managing Director – US Operations from September 2018 to May of 2020, Senior Vice-President from October 2015 to September 2018, Vice President, Operations May 2010 to October 2015 and was previously Operations Manager from October 2006 to April 2010. Mr. Coleman is responsible for the Company’s US Marketing, Operations and Engineering including the day-to-day operating performance and maintenance programs for the US rig fleet.

Colin A. Dease

President, Canadian Division

Years of service: 10

Mr. Dease was appointed President, Canadian Division in May 2021 and previsouly servered as Vice President, Canadian Operations from November 2019 to April 2021, prior to his operational appointment, Mr. Dease served as Vice President, Corporate Secretary and Legal Counsel. An experienced lawyer by profession, Mr. Dease is a Director of the CAODC (Canadian Association of Oilwell Drilling Contractors) and holds the Governance Fellows Designation from NACD (National Association of Corporate Directors).

Craig Kushner

Director Human Resources

Years of service: 35

Mr. Kushner was appointed to Director of Human Resources in 2011, having previously served in several other roles throughout AKITA and its predecessor company.  Mr. Kushner has broad drilling and administrative experience and is currently responsible for the company’s human resources, safety, training and environmental functions.