Stories. Innovation. Impact.
Our Team
Our dynamic team of marketing and media professionals combine their extensive skills sets in each of their distinct disciplines with world class, seed industry experience to build out market leading solutions that are unheard of on a global stage.
Aiden Brook
Director, Partner Development
After completing his bachelor degree at Valley City State University and travelling internationally to play professional baseball, Aiden is one of the newest members of the Seed World Group team. Focused on delivering client centric solutions as part of the CREATE division, Aiden employs his knowledge, integrity and work ethic to connect customers with unique ways to tackle their problems. He is always ready for something new and well equipped to overcome each challenge the Seed World team and their clients encounter. Aiden’s fresh approach and viewpoints benefit the Seed World Group team because integrity never goes out of style.
Aimee Nielson
Editor
A veteran agricultural journalist with nearly three decades of experience, Aimee holds a bachelor’s degree in agricultural communications and a master’s degree in agricultural education from Oklahoma State University. She also earned a certificate in distillation, wine and brewing studies from the University of Kentucky Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment, where she served as a communications and media relations specialist for nearly 25 years. Aimee brings her award-winning, relational writing style to Seed World U.S., aiming to provide the seed sector with valuable insights and comprehensive coverage.
Charlene McIvor
As one of Red River College’s first graduates of the Digital Multimedia Technology program, Charlene took her love for design and digital mediums and put them to work at both agencies and newspapers in Winnipeg. Working with a wide range of clients, she has developed an ability to look at a campaign from different angles. She brings to Seed World Group her desire to always be learning and the ability to look at complex projects and map out the most efficient and effective way to deliver results.
Craig Armstrong
Vice President, Sales
As the leader of the sales team at Seed World Group, Craig maximizes his 20 years of experience across various sectors. Renowned for his fearlessness in overcoming challenges, Craig is a collaborative team player with a knack for innovative and robust sales techniques. His steadfast belief in the power of marketing has yielded impressive results, empowering Seed World Group to embrace a more strategic approach to sales and marketing, leading to significant increases in sales.
Dean French
Business Development Manager
With over 29 years experience in print and sales, Dean brings his knowledge and creativity to help Seed World Group and our clients stand out above their competitors. A team player and leader, Dean graduated from Red River Community College with a background in business administration. Dean’s organized nature has made him a natural fit with our circulation department and his long experience in the print sector make him a strong resource for the Seed World Group team as we grow both our print and digital properties.
Elena Mansur O’Dowd
Elena possesses a diverse educational background, armed with a bachelor’s degree in Humanities and Linguistics and a master’s in Cross-cultural Communication from the University of Sydney, as well as fluency in four languages. She brings a wealth of experience and understanding of the agricultural landscape rooted in her journey within the family-run business, Mansur Agricultural Service, which specializes in contra-season plant breeding and research in Chile. Her understanding of the Latin American agricultural scene equips her well in her role as Associate Editor for Seed World LATAM, where she will dedicate her efforts to advancing SW’s mission of disseminating essential information to stakeholders across the region and around the world.
Ewa Józefowicz Amador
Business Director EMEA
Passionate about the science of language, its connection with the way we communicate and its impact on our daily decision-making, Ewa helps Seed World Group to create effective communication and marketing strategies for their CREATE clients from the seed industry all over the world.
Ewa graduated from the Department of English Philology (M.A.) at Wroclaw University (WSF). In addition, she holds a specialization degree in Food Security: Assessment and Action from UOC in Spain. For a number of years, she worked for the Seed Agency in Poland (Agencja Nasienna) as the Manager of Foreign Affairs. This work included cooperation with the European Commission as part of the TAIEX program (Technical Assistance and Information Exchange Instrument of the EC supporting public administrations with regard to the approximation, application and enforcement of EU legislation) and conduction of numerous workshops for the Ministries of Agriculture and other official institutions in Serbia, Romania and Moldova in the field of PVP, PBRs and IP. She continued developing her passion, strength and focus around the seed sector working as the Manager Project Communications and Membership Relations in Euroseeds.
Keely Brook
Client Services Coordinator
Keely is Seed World Group’s Client Services Coordinator, aiding in any way she can to build and maintain close relationships with the clients who work with our company. She is here to fill requests from clients, provide feedback, and liaise with relevant departments within the company to provide solutions for all stakeholders.
Keely is also a student at University of Winnipeg, working towards her bachelor’s degree in Arts and Education. In her free time, she enjoys spending time at the lake, with her pup or creating new recipes for Keely in the Kitchen.
Kyle Dratowany
Media Developer
Kyle graduated from Red River College with an Advanced Graphic Design diploma. Then got his start at Studio Media Group working on various publications, print materials, digital design and video work. He then worked at Metro News Group as Winnipeg’s Creative Services Department head where he primarily worked on ad design in collaboration with the Western Canada markets. He brings his combined experience in a range of media to Seed World Group and is happy to be part of an excellent team.
Laura Burtnyk
Project Manager
Laura graduated from the University of Manitoba in 2018 where she attained a Bachelor of Commerce degree from Asper School of Business. Majoring in marketing, Laura applies innovative thinking and creative solutions to the projects she manages. As a competitive curling athlete, a sport long-time supported by the agriculture industry, Laura is no stranger to bringing a hard work ethic, strategic analysis, and teamwork to Seed World Group.
Lesley Nakonechny
Graphic Designer
Lesley graduated from Winnipeg’s Red River College with a diploma in graphic design. She gained experience as a production artist in the print industry before becoming layout editor for a newspaper servicing Manitoba’s vibrant Icelandic community. Her solid graphic design background in publications and advertising enables Lesley to produce top-quality work for Seed World Group publications and its many marketing projects.
Lindsay Hoffman
Vice President, Client Services
Passionate about helping clients, Lindsay’s attention to detail, creativity and commitment to finding solution-driven options for clients helps create content and marketing success. Lindsay attended the University of Manitoba where she received her Bachelor of Science in Agribusiness. Upon completing her degree, Lindsay entered the agribusiness sector where she gained invaluable experience in the areas of customer service, agronomy, sales and marketing. Having been immersed in both the publishing and business development aspects of Seed World Group before leading CREATE team, Lindsay brings a unique viewpoint to any project she works on.
Madeleine Baerg
Director of Content
Madeleine is a seasoned agriculture expert with more than 15 years of ag editorial experience. As Director of Content, she leads Seed World Group’s editorial team, ensuring that Seed World Group provides insightful, timely, in-depth content that serves the needs of seed industry professionals from farmers to CEOs. She brings a strategic and solutions-based outlook, a ‘make it happen’ work ethic, and a hefty dollop of creativity. Very most importantly of all, she understands agriculture. A born and raised farm girl who has spent countless hours slinging hay bales, fixing ag irrigation systems, and tackling farm succession planning, Madeleine lives and loves agriculture’s myriad complexities and uses that knowledge to deliver content that resonates.
Marc Zienkiewicz
Senior Editor
Marc spent a decade working as a reporter, photographer, and finally managing editor for Canada’s largest newspaper chain. He graduated from both the University of Winnipeg and Red River College communications programs, and over the years has received numerous Manitoba Community Newspapers Association awards for his writing and photography. He brings his love of writing, editing and constant learning to his role at Seed World Group.
Marcel Bruins
Editorial Director, Seed World Europe
Marcel studied plant breeding and plant pathology at the University of Wageningen in the Netherlands and received a PhD for the research he did in Fusarium resistance in wheat. After that he worked at breeding company Seminis as manager Plant Variety Protection. In 2007 he became Secretary-General at ISF and guided the ISF into the modern era of communication, and greatly increased the service to its members. After seven successful years at ISF, he started as an independent consultant. He has been helping profit and non-profit organizations with their questions on the seed industry and their ever-increasing regulations, plant breeding, plant breeders’ rights, intellectual property, trade facilitation and international outreach.
Mario Fasquelle
LATAM Business Development Manager
Bringing over a decade of leadership expertise to the role of Business Development Manager, Mario Fasquelle is celebrated for his outstanding people skills, critical thinking prowess, and empathetic approach. With a proven track record and unwavering commitment to continuous personal development, Mario is a dynamic force with a strategic mindset. He stands out as a key asset for cultivating client relationships, propelling business growth, and contributing to the overall success of the team. Mario’s background in Industrial Engineering, combined with extensive experience in the BPO industry, positions him with a skill set ready to enhance efficiency across all endeavors.
Michelle Clarke
Managing Editor
Passionate about getting it right, Michelle Clarke has spent more than two decades in the journalism industry. Starting off with an independent newspaper in Ontario, and managing a newsroom in Alberta overseeing 10 staff, four publications and multiple magazines, Michelle brings her hard work ethic, positive attitude and managerial experience to the Seed World Group team. Michelle is solution-orientated, detail-oriented and efficient. Her ultimate goal is to guide her team to work as well together as they do independently, ensuring the editors are meeting our readers’ needs and cultivating relationships in the industry.
Otgonbold Nasanjargal
Accounting Manager
Otgonbold (Obi) is an excellent Accounting Manager. With good attention to details and strong analytical and problem solving skills, Obi is highly knowledgeable when it comes to his job and his diverse background allows him to adapt and thrive in any environment. Passionate about continuing his education, he is in the final stage of completing his CGA accounting designation. Obi enjoys soccer, traveling and being with his family.
Rebecca Carmeli-Peslak
Digital Media Producer
Becca graduated from Purdue University in May 2021 with a degree in Agricultural Communication. Participating in 4-H, FFA, and growing up on a hobby farm encouraged her to look towards agriculture when thinking of future careers. Having worked various roles in marketing consumer goods, she was eager to get back to her agricultural roots with Seed World Group. Becca’s goals are to continue expanding and improving digital media properties for SWG as well as being a positive, supportive team member.
Ruskin Johnson
Vice President, Digital Strategy
A certified project management professional with over 12 years of experience, Ruskin brings expertise in managing large scale technology projects in multi-functional areas. Well versed in leveraging technology with business acumen, Ruskin strives to provide a strategic advantage to organizations in any project he works on. Ruskin is proficient in applying industry standard project management methodologies and best practices. With a Degree in Engineering and understanding of ever-changing technology, Ruskin brings in an added value to his customers and Seed World Group team.
Shawn Brook
President
Doing the right thing is not always easy, but it is always the right thing! Shawn remains committed to this concept and knows very clearly that he has surrounded himself with a superbly talented group of colleagues at Seed World Group. With a keen focus on solutions, Shawn utilizes his more than 20-plus years of management experience across multiple private and public sector industries to help share and shape the ag communications landscape. Travelling extensively around the world provides a huge network and global experiences to help clients find solutions to enhance their businesses and increase their return on investment. Content is king and execution is critical – for all of us.
Theresa Ramsoomair
Theresa graduated from Red River College with a diploma in Graphic Design. Starting with designing magazines, to becoming passionate about marketing and communications in the seed sector has made Theresa a strong asset to the Seed World Group team. Developing marketing strategies, supporting business development and working with clients directly are a few of her daily tasks.
Tia Davison
Client Services Coordinator
Graduating in December 2023 with a Bachelor of Commerce degree from the Asper School of Business, Tia thrives on continuous learning and growth. Beyond her role as Client Services Coordinator, Tia is a valued support for the marketing team with extensive technical skills and social media know-how. Away from the office, Tia is a passionate soccer player who loves exploring new horizons through travel. Enhancing client experiences and a collaborative spirit come naturally to Tia.