Experience

Cowessess First Nation No. 73

• Canada
• Accounting
• 1 - 100 Employee

• Director of Economic Development

  • Mar 2021 - Present

  Oversee Cowessess First Nation economic development portfolio, while creating tangible new business opportunities that align with the Nation's traditional values. Jessica has been responsible for the following results in the past 5 years working for Cowessess:- Land and Building Development for Tim Horton's Restaurant located at 1246 Albert Street Regina, SK- Lead development of 10 MW Awasis Solar project located 3 Km SE of Regina., SK- Lead development on behalf of Nation interests in 200 MW Bekevar Wind project located at Kipling, SK- Owners Representative for Net Zero Urban Indigenous Health Centre planned for 1236 Albert Street, Regina, SK- Management oversight of 4C Farms - a 6500 acre mixed cattle and grain farm operated on Cowessess First Nation - Assist with Urban Land acquisition, process of Addition to Reserve Status, negotiating municipal agreement, establishing headleases and subleases for commercial development on reserve status land.- Secured $55 million in federal grant funding to the benefit of Cowessess First Nation owned business since 2018.



D.J. Ag Inc.

• Shareholder/ Owner/ Operator

  • Jan 2008 - Present

  Co-owner of mixed grain and cattle farm.• Maintain financial records • Assist with daily farming operations• Assist with business decisions and marketing • Strong appreciation of the business and life style agriculture offers Co-owner of mixed grain and cattle farm.• Maintain financial records • Assist with daily farming operations• Assist with business decisions and marketing • Strong appreciation of the business and life style agriculture offers



Cowessess Ventures Ltd.

• Chief Executive Officer

  • Feb 2019 - Oct 2021

  As CEO, Jessica is responsible for overseeing, managing and coordinating the day to day financial and business operations of CVL and its subsidiary entities. CVL is active in a wide range of sectors, including urban land development, natural resources, agriculture, retail and renewable energy. The CEO works closely with the board of directors of CVL to chart the course, develop the vision and implement strategic plans that will propel and advance the business interests of CVL and its subsidiary entities. As CEO, Jessica is the conduit from the business operations back to Cowessess First Nation and its membership. CVL aims to own, operate and develop businesses that align with Indigenous beliefs, are sustainable, are profitable and that create employment for our members.

• Project Director

  • May 2017 - Jan 2019

  Assisting Cowessess Nation with new project development to help realize the goal of becoming a self sustaining Nation through economic development. Assisting Cowessess Nation with new project development to help realize the goal of becoming a self sustaining Nation through economic development.



PCL Construction

• Canada
• Construction
• 700 & Above Employee

• Project Manager

  • Jan 2014 - Mar 2017

  My responsibilities include reviewing construction documents, taking off quantities, estimating and developing budget proposals for clients who are looking for services for small construction or renovation projects. Project planning activities include developing schedules, project specific safety plans, coordination with on site supervisors and subcontractors. Once the project is underway overall project management skills are used to ensure budget, schedule, quality and safety are top of mind for the team. Issuing contract changes, conducting safety inspections and creating billing statements are activities done throughout the project.



McNair Business Development Inc.

• Resource Manager

  • May 2007 - May 2013

  • Develop Balanced Scorecard measures/ budgets, monitor performance and communicate with the team• Manage the firms internal resources to ensure the appropriate mix of staff and projects• Manage workloads across the firm and assign project teams• Work with Replicon Web Timesheets to completed monthly, quarterly and annual reporting on firms performance • Manage human resource policies and work with staff as required on HR related items

• Business Consultant

  • May 2007 - May 2013

  • Project Management of large team and budget projects• Business Strategy and Planning• Financial Statement Planning and Preparation• Research and Analysis• Developing proposals and identifying new project opportunities for the firm• Sourcing government grants and bank financing for start ups, including reporting follow up• Working with diverse stakeholder groups including provincial and federal government, crowns and First Nation groups• Clients included: Ministry of Highways, Global Transportation Hub Authority, Ministry of Tourism, Parks, Culture and Sport, Ministry of First Nation and Metis Relations, Cowessess First Nation, Sakimay First Nation, ANEDC