Meet the Volunteer Executive

The Waterloo Busker Carnival, now a not-for-profit community event, started as a Waterloo Chamber of Commerce event in 1989. It is one of the only festivals of its kind completely managed and operated by a Volunteer Executive Committee.     

Organizing and implementing a festival of this size takes many hands.  In addition to a volunteer executive the Carnival recruits over 70 volunteers for the 4 days.   If you see a volunteer during the Carnival take a moment to say thanks. Without these dedicated volunteers the Carnival would not take place. 

Volunteer executive committee

Randy Warren

Executive Committee Chair

Randy has been Chair of the Executive Committee several times in his 30 + years with the busker carnival. Previously he enjoyed an extensive career with The Mutual Group, Clarica, and Sun Life Financial, but in 2022 he switched gears and is now focusing on one of his passions.  He is now enjoying his new role as a baker at Never Enough Thyme in Elmira. Randy has a BA in Admin and Commercial Studies, Finance from Western University, completed the Baking and Pastry Arts program at Conestoga College in 2022 and is a 2003 Leadership Waterloo Region Graduate.

Michele Schroder

Director of Entertainment

Michele is thrilled to be joining us again this year planning another stellar entertainment line-up for audiences to enjoy. Michele is the Owner of Spry-Stone Events and is a certified project management professional. Her extensive background in project and event management are put to the test as she juggles all the nuances that come with putting together one of Canada's top international street festivals. When Michele isn't travelling with her husband Steve to festivals noting fresh talent to bring to Waterloo, she's actively planning and working on her organic garden. With headset, program and clipboard in tow, Michele can be seen onsite at various pitches ensuring all goes smooth for a fantastic 4 days of fun.

Steve O’Brien

Director of Entertainment

What do you get when you make a nerdy Bachelor of Science graduate watch hours and hours of busking videos into the night? .....A fabulous busker lineup! When Steve's not watching video applications he is out visiting festivals with Michele looking for the next great act. He manages to find time for playing video games, reading graphic novels and well he even manages to fit in his full-time programming gig. While Steve is quite happy to work behind the scenes, there's a chance you may just catch a glimpse of him during this year's Carnival.

Edina Racz

Director of Marketing

Cynthia Colby

Media Director

Cynthia P. Colby is happy to lend her extensive media and communication skills to promoting our event. With a voice and writing skills honed by more than 15 years as a radio news anchor / investigative reporter – CKTB / HTZ-FM St. Catharines, CKOC/CKLH Hamilton, CJFM Montreal, CKO National News Toronto, CHYM/CKGL Kitchener - she brings a lot of expertise to the table. When she’s not volunteering she’s running a communications business that offers a wide array of basic and unique services including: accessible communications (voice files & Clear Writing), custom audio for busy professionals, and a brand new workshop on voting and elections for elementary schools.

Emily Warren

Social Media Director

Emily has grown up with Buskers and is excited to follow in her father's (Randy Warren) footsteps by getting involved with the Busker Committee. Emily looks forward to carrying on the tradition.

Wanda Epp

Director of Revenue Generation

Wanda is excited to once again be involved as a volunteer this year on the Executive Committee for this great event. As a project professional in her day job, she looks forward to using her strong organizational and time management skills and her ability to build relationships to ensure a great line up of vendors for this year's event!

Terry O’Keefe

Director of Volunteers

Terry is looking forward to meeting up with the new and with the returning volunteers at this year’s carnival.  He has been retired (mostly) for the past few years and has been thoroughly enjoying his grandkids, volunteering, gardening, working out and his very occasional part time jobs.

Brian Chapman

Director of Operations

When it comes to logistics, set-up, and ongoing operations, Brian's detailed approach and dedication to operational facets of the carnival is unseen by many but appreciated by all. With a Bachelor of Arts, Computer Science from Wilfrid Laurier University, he is a software developer with 16 years' experience. As well as the Buskers, he's been volunteering with Conservation Halton for 8 years.

Chelsea Power

Director of Finance

Chelsea is thrilled to have the opportunity to apply her knowledge, expand upon her skill set, and get to learn from the wonderful people who have made the Waterloo Busker Carnival into the top-notch festival it is today. She graduated from the University of Waterloo's Accounting and Financial Management program in 2015 and holds her CPA designation.

 

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