Peter Buscemi, BA, SCMP
President and National Rep

Peter brings energy to his current role as the Manitoba Institute’s President and Chair of the Board. He is actively involved at a National level sitting on the PMAC Board of Directors and Education committee. Former Vice-Chair of the PMAC National Board, Peter has passionately been a member for over 13 years providing leadership for the continued success of the Purchasing Management Association of Canada.

At Manitoba Hydro, Peter oversees the Purchasing group responsible for corporate consulting, power projects, customer service and marketing.

He co-founded It’s Our World Recycling in 2004, a technology recycling company based in Winnipeg. Over the years, Peter has served on the Manitoba Team Handball Federation Board, City of Winnipeg Sustainability committee along with volunteering his time to various charities (Manitoba Kidney Foundation, Cancer Care) and coaching developmental soccer.

Jim Friess, SCMP
Director of Communications

Jim has over 25 years management experience, worked for Mohawk Oil for 15 years, Station Manager, Merchandise Councilor, District Manager and Franchise Operator for 7 years. He switched careers in 1998 to Healthcare Purchasing and Distribution and started as Materials Handler for Grace Hospital in Winnipeg, MB. He left to take a position with the WRHA as Distribution Supervisor. He took a position as Site Material Manager at the Concordia Hospital, then moved to The Pas with Aramark Canada, as a Contracted Material Manager with the NOR-MAN Regional Health Authority.

Kevin Dika, SCMP
Director of Operations

Kevin received SCMP (C.P.P.), and C.I.M., designation from the University of Manitoba in 2006.

He has 12 years’ experience in purchasing and logistics working in the aerospace and medical industries. He established 3 Point Solutions Ltd. in 2009 and is now self-employed IT business focusing on providing technical consulting for small businesses, but also assisting those same companies with purchasing, LEAN manufacturing, and project management.

Hobbies and interests include teaching motorcycle safety, motorcycling, and all things electronic.

Gary Braden, SCMP, CIM
Director of Marketing

Gary is currently employed with the federal government as the Material Management Officer at National Research Council, Institute for Biodiagnostics. To further his knowledge and professional growth, Gary has undertaken challenges in various positions including: warehouse supervisor, inventory manager, office supervisor, customer service, and sales representative in the wholesale/manufacturing industry; assistant buyer in the retail industry; and buyer and material management officer in the public sector.

Gary achieved the SCMP (formerly known as C.P.P.) designation in 2009 and the Certified in Management (C.I.M.) designation in June, 2010. He is now looking forward to taking on the challenges faced by the Manitoba Institute of PMAC and serving its membership as a member of the board of directors.

Jay Anderson, B.Sc. Agribus., SSCMLP Student
Director of Finance

Jay graduated from the University of Manitoba with a degree in Agribusiness. He began in 2002 as a sales representative with Pro-Ag Products Ltd., a leading supplier of livestock feed ingredients and animal health products. He then moved into a purchasing/logistics role after 2 years and began the SSCMLP in fall of 2008.

Jay was promoted to general manager of Pro-Ag Products Ltd. in fall of 2009. Outside interests include boxing, fishing, politics and history.

Charles Latschislaw CIM, C.P.P., PMP
Project Management Professional

Born and raised in Manitoba. Married with 2 children. Attended RRC and graduated in 1987 with a Diploma in Industrial Electronics. Sales and service of hi-tech automotive test equipment until 1994. 1994 - Supervisor, Administration/ISO 9000 Coordinator at ATCO Frontec (AFC) just south of Portage la Prairie at Southport Aerospace Centre where I was in charge of all administration including purchasing. Purchased materials and subcontracts for both contracts (Airside and Groundside Services and Maintenance Contracts). Started the Purchasing Card program for the entire company in 1996 Manager of Finance & Administration for AFC in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan. Included the management of purchasing for the business unit at the NATO Flying Training Contract (NFTC) with Bombardier. 2000 – Manager of Finance & Admin and acting Operations Manager at NFTC. 2001 – Transferred back to Southport as General Manager for AFC. 2005 – Transferred to Corporate Office for ATCO Structures (ASI) as Project Manager for the De Beers Victor Diamond Mine Camp install near James Bay. Responsible for all aspects of the contract including the purchasing of materials and subcontracts for the manufacturing, transportation and installation. $55 Million Revenue

2008 – Project Manager (ASI) of a dismantle and re-installation of a 2000 person camp near Fort McMurray. Included the purchasing of all subcontractor services. 2008/2009 – Project Manager, Business Development (ASI) – Negotiated with the Province of Newfoundland & Labrador for the start-up of a manufacturing facility in the province. Project cancelled due to economic downturn. 2009 – Branch Manager, Winnipeg (ASL). Responsible for entire operation including the sourcing of all services and materials needed for the operation. Business unit sells and leases modular buildings. I feel my diverse experience will be a positive addition to the board. Not only do I have the experience and the purchasing designation, I also have the knowledge from the operational & sales side of the business.

My plan is to stay in Manitoba for the rest of my career!

Kunnal Sharma, SCMP

Kunnal achieved his Computer Science Degree form India and had been working in the field of Purchasing for a Multi- National Company before he immigrated to Canada. He started working with Manitoba Lotteries in 2007 in Table Games as he wasn’t immediately able to land a job in similar vocation. It was there that his journey towards SCMP designation began.

Kunnal began his Career in the field of Purchasing in Canada at Manitoba Lotteries as a Summer Student and then gradually became a Full Time Buyer and is now working as a Purchasing Agent. Kunnal’s hard work and persistence to accomplish his goal has in actual fact rewarded of well.

In the course of his chosen profession, Kunnal has had various opportunities to participate in private and public sector procurement. This has enabled him to experience and apply his SCMP studies in a variety of applications and environments. Kunnal’s accomplishing SCMP is adding another feather to his hat; he surely has a long way to go.

Shaun Ritchie, C.P.P.

Shaun is currently employed with the Manitoba Government as a Purchasing Agent. He has eight (8) years experience in procurement working in manufacturing and retail industry before settling into a public procurement role, which he enjoys. Over the span of his career, he has been a part of some great companies in Winnipeg, purchasing parts for fire trucks with Fort Garry Fire Trucks, working at Motor Coach Industries to alternative fuel dispensers at Kraus Global. Thanks to Tru-Serv Canada for the opportunity and opening the door for me to the procurement world. All have been rewarding and enjoyable to work at.

Shaun achieved his Certified Professional Purchaser (C.P.P.) designation in 2009. He is now looking forward to spending time with his family and working on his basement renovation.