MRA BOARD OF DIRECTORS

We’re always on the hunt for new Board Directors!

It isn’t a huge investment of time (we normally meet once a month, except during July and August) and we give you time to learn about the operation of the Board before we ask you to help out on a committee or join the Executive. Any MRA member in good standing is welcome to join one of our meetings as a visitor. It’s a great way to find out if you might be a good fit for our Board. Take the first step and email the MRA President at President@mraweb.ca for more information and an invitation to attend!

2026/2027 Board of Directors

Derek Boutang (2019-present) – President

Derek Boutang’s professional background is in information technology, software design, teaching, and finance. Currently retired and volunteering full time, he devotes his time to mentorship, consulting, and advocacy for causes he believes in.

As a Chartered Professional Accountant and Project Management Professional,
Derek is well-versed in strategic management, finance, and accounting. As a
technology professional, he has a detailed and practical understanding of
day-to-day IT operations and service levels. His greatest ability has been
navigating and building strong relationships in large, complex environments.

Derek’s “runner cred” comes from having completed a full marathon in each of
the 50 United States, 10 Canadian provinces, and 3 Canadian territories. He
has also taught several running clinics, acted as a group leader, and paced
many full and half-marathons. He has slowed somewhat these days, but still
manages to stay ahead of the closing vehicle over distances from 5K to 50K.

Derek has served on the MRA Board since 2019.

Lorraine Walton (2021- present) – Vice President

Lorraine Walton started her career as a high school teacher. Manitoba-born and educated, she spent twenty-eight years in retail and event management. She raised four beautiful children with her husband, John.

She was the long-time manager of the Running Room on Grant, where she helped to build an ever-expanding network of customers, runners, and volunteers, and actively recruited coaches and group leaders. She has coached Learn to Run clinics, as well as the 5K, 10K and Half-Marathon clinics. She has run 10 full marathons over 21 years, and numerous half-marathons.

As a volunteer coordinator, Lorraine has been recognized for her skill in managing large events, including the Winnipeg 10&10 (2015-present), Hypothermic Half-Marathon (2016-present), Run for Women (2017-present), and Manitoba Marathon (2021- present)

She is a dedicated student of the universe, and regularly takes courses in history, literature, and archeology.

As an active and passionate member of Winnipeg’s running community, Lorraine is proud to be a director of the MRA Board.

Alan Neumann (2022-present) – Treasurer

Recently retired as President and CFO of Able Crane Services, I was an active part of the family business for approximately 25 years. Started out as an apprentice crane operator eventually becoming president a number of years later.

In that period, I had my hand in developing the curriculum for the Manitoba Apprenticeship for crane operations in Manitoba and Canada. This also lead me to being a member on the Provincial Trade Advisory Council for many years until I sold the business. Was also a board member for the Crane Rental Association of Canada.  Also involved in many union negotiations for the trade.

Currently still a Trustee for the Manitoba Operation Engineers Local 987 Health & Welfare Trust and the Pension Trust.

My running career began in the early 2000’s as the pounds crept up and fitness greatly declined. Started out with the Running Room Learn to Run Program and was surprised to find out I enjoyed the sport and camaraderie. For a number of years I was leading the marathon clinic at the Regent Running Room. This journey would eventually lead my to the marathon and Ultras.  As of this writing, I have completed 79 Half-Marathons, 26 Full Marathons, 3 50K’s and a 50 miler.

Aldo Furlan (2017-present) – Board Director

Aldo Furlan is a long time runner, having started running early in school (grade 6) and has never looked back! (Don’t look back in a race, it’s bad luck and poor strategy).

His passion for running started with 800/1500 in high school and then made the leap to 5 and 10km during and after university.

 Eventually he was caught by the 1/2 and full marathon bug, although he caught a sniffle of the bug when he did his first one (foolishly he says) in high school. He began a quest to do a race in every province, but was sidelined a few years ago by an injury (interesting story) but has been making a steady recovery. These days he has gradually and cautiously crept up to the 20km threshold with only a few minor aches and pains periodically showing up. The quest is still there, just sitting on the sidelines for now.

Aldo has been a member of the MRA Board since 2017. He has spent many years assisting events such as Ted’s Run for Literacy, Winnipeg 10&10, the Hypothermic Half and the Manitoba Marathon.

One of his recent passions has been providing aid and encouragement to runners most weekends through the MRA Pop-ups which can be found on running routes around the city. 

Aldo has a wealth of experience and knowledge about running and the running community and is proud to share that experience with everyone. He has been a large part of the planning and administering of MRA’s Classic Series and especially the Youth Series! He likes to see each new group of Youth runners emerge as future Classic runners that will continue to strengthen and diversify our sport.

Andrew Swan (2019-present) – Board Director

Andrew has been a member of the MRA for many years and is proud to serve on the Board of Directors. Formerly a Trustee for the Manitoba Marathon Foundation, Andrew is a slowing but consistent competitor at races from 5K up to the Half-Marathon. After 15 years practicing law at a Winnipeg firm, he was elected to the Manitoba Legislature in 2004 and served until 2019. Andrew was Manitoba’s Attorney General for five years. Since October 2019, Andrew has been General Counsel for Doctors Manitoba. 

Heather Pawluk (2024-present) – Board Director

Heather Pawluk is a Registered Nurse (RN/BN) and Department Manager with over 20 years’ experience in the WRHA. She is experienced in patient care, financial reporting, budgeting, forecasting and staff management.

Heather is a year-round runner whose fondness for running has developed through a family affair supported by her running husband and running two sons. Heather is a large fan of the local and international shorter races (5 km / 10km), the annual MRA Celebration Series and any race that involves swag and bling!

Heather brings a positive and cheerful attitude, a strong work ethic and is actively involved in the MRA Youth Series and the annual MRA Awards Banquets sub-committees.

Bob Stewart (2024-present) – Board Director

Now retired, Bob worked for many years as an executive with Pollard Banknote Limited where he was responsible for the operation of printing plants in Canada, the USA and Europe.  Prior to joining Pollard Banknote, Bob worked with a non-profit social service agency in the field of gerontology.  He holds Master of Business Administration and Bachelor of Social Work degrees.

Bob started running in his late thirties to accompany one of his daughters in the Manitoba Marathon Super Run.  This morphed into a decades-long passion for running that has now come full circle as he attempts to keep pace with his grandchildren at MRA Ice Cream Runs and other running events.  

Bob trains with the Reh-Fit Centre’s running club and has completed more than twenty marathons.  He is a former member of the Board of Directors of the Manitoba Marathon Foundation.