Speaker bios

	Sonya Uppal Account Executive Manulife Group Retirement Solutions Sonya Uppal is located in Calgary and provides Group Retirement expertise to market sources and plan sponsors in the Southern Alberta Region. Joining Manulife in 2019, Sonya brings over 18 years of experience in the financial services industry. Prior to joining Manulife, she worked at two large investment management firms servicing advisors in IROC, MFDA and Insurance channels. Sonya received a Bachelor of Management degree (B Mgt) from the University of Lethbridge and is a Certified Investment Manager (CIM designation holder).

	Scott Thompson, FSA, FCIA Principal, Pension Eckler Scott joined Eckler in 2023 as the firm’s first actuary in Alberta, bringing over 16 years of pension consulting experience. A fully qualified actuary, he has worked with a range of clients across western Canada, from small executive supplemental plans to large single-employer plans. Before Eckler, Scott worked at a global consulting firm, gaining international experience in Tokyo and São Paulo. His expertise spans defined benefit and defined contribution plan design, valuations, regulatory compliance, SERP funding, mergers, acquisitions, and pension governance. He also has in-depth knowledge of pension legislation and accounting standards across multiple jurisdictions.

	Alice Nicholls Client Relationship Executive \| Group Retirement Services Sun Life Financial Alice Nicholls is a Client Relationship Executive with Sun Life Financial’s Group Retirement Services, bringing over 20 years of experience in Defined Contribution and Defined Benefit plans. Since joining Sun Life in 2013, she has managed clients with assets from $10 million to over $1 billion, providing strategic guidance to enhance retirement programs. Based in Calgary, she holds a BBA in Management and Marketing with a minor in International Business. A strong advocate for financial literacy, Alice stays ahead of industry trends to help organizations support employees' financial well-being.

	Kristin Smith (she/her/hers) Principal/Senior Legal Consultant, CLTP Mercer Kristin Smith is a Principal and Senior Legal Consultant at Mercer Canada’s Calgary office. A pension and employee benefits lawyer since 2001, she advises clients on compliance, governance, employment policies, contracts, terminations, incentive plans, and fiduciary obligations. Kristin serves on the Legal Consultative Committee for Alberta’s Deputy Superintendent of Pensions and is a past Chair of CPBI Southern Alberta. She also chairs the Board of Governors for Foothills Academy Society. Before joining Mercer in 2013, Kristin practiced law at national and boutique firms and clerked at the Federal Court of Canada.

	Riccardo Silvestro Director, Human Resources Gibson Energy Riccardo is an experienced Human Resources leader with a background spanning mining, oil and gas, and chemical manufacturing. He has expertise in HR strategy, acquisitions and divestitures, centralizing HR functions, and team leadership. Currently, he is the Director of Human Resources at Gibson Energy. A dedicated advocate for the HR profession, Riccardo previously served as President and Chair of the Calgary Total Rewards Network and is currently Vice Chair of the Canadian Pension and Benefits Institute Southern Alberta Council. He also spent eight years as an instructor at Mount Royal University. Holding Certified Compensation Professional (CCP) and Payroll Leadership Professional (PLP) designations, Riccardo remains actively engaged in advancing HR through education, networking, and industry involvement.

	Clark Dehler Regional Director, Client Relationships \| Group Retirement Services Sun Life Clark Dehler is the Regional Director, Client Relationships at Sun Life, specializing in group retirement services. With extensive experience in retirement plan management and client advocacy, he helps organizations align retirement programs with business goals and support employees' financial security. Clark’s expertise in strategic planning and industry best practices enables him to provide valuable insights and deliver tailored retirement solutions. A committed advocate for financial education, he is a trusted advisor, empowering organizations to enhance their workforce's financial well-being.