Mayor Scott Gillingham will recommend today that City Council appoint three new citizen members to the Winnipeg Police Board: Kyle Mason, Daphne Penrose and Kevin Selch.
“The Police Board plays an important role in governance of the Winnipeg Police Service as it helps ensure community priorities are represented in budgets and strategic plans,” said Mayor Scott Gillingham. “These three appointments bring a valuable set of skills and experiences to the board, and I’m confident they will help us move forward on improving safety throughout our community.”
Kyle Mason is an award-winning Indigenous community leader and consultant. Kyle grew up in the North End of Winnipeg in a single-parent family and his career has focused on community development, fighting poverty, and reconciliation. He was also the founding Executive Director of the North End Family Centre for ten years.
Daphne Penrose is a retired social worker who worked in the field of child welfare for 33 years. She recently retired from her position as the Manitoba Advocate for Children and Youth, and prior to that held positions as the CEO for Winnipeg Child and Family Services and the Executive Director of the Child Protection Branch in the Department of Families.
Kevin Selch is an entrepreneur and business leader who founded Little Brown Jug Brewing Company in the Exchange District. Kevin serves as a board member of the Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce, and supports several community and charitable activities. During his previous career with the federal government, he worked as an economist on a broad range of microeconomic policy files.
Background security checks, which are required of all Police Board appointments, have been completed for the three nominees. If approved by Council during today’s meeting, Mason, Penrose and Selch’s appointments will be effective immediately with each of their terms expiring on December 31, 2024.
Mayor Gillingham thanked outgoing members Mohamed El Tassi, Edna Nabess and Brian Sharfstein.
“Having served on the Winnipeg Police Board myself, I know first-hand how much of a commitment it is for board members,” said Gillingham. “All Winnipeggers benefit from the dedication of those who take on the responsibility.”
Current member Colleen Mayer is being nominated as Vice-Chair. The remaining members of the Winnipeg Police Board include Chairperson Markus Chambers (City Councillor, St. Norbert-Seine River), Mayor Scott Gillingham and Damon Johnston.
The Winnipeg Police Board is comprised of a maximum of seven members including two appointments made by the Province of Manitoba, and five appointments, including the Chair and Vice-Chair of the Board, appointed by City Council.