Medicine Hat Police Commission Member Biographies

Mr. Ryan Jackson, Chair

Ryan worked in the automotive business in Medicine Hat as President and General Manager of Jackson Dodge Chrysler Jeep in Medicine Hat.

While still operating his dealership in Medicine Hat, Ryan became a co-owner in a startup wireless internet company called Canopy Canada Ltd. After the sale and exit from his dealership, Ryan joined Canopy Canada Ltd. full time and for the next 3 years was President of Canopy Canada Ltd. In the summer of 2006 Ryan sold his interest in Canopy Canada.

Presently Ryan is the Principal of RAMECO Inc. a company that he and his wife co-own. RAMECO has business interests ranging from Real Estate, Retail Partnerships and Consulting.

Ryan has sat on numerous industry and non-industry boards such as the Motor Dealers Association of Alberta, Canadian Cancer Society and as a Director for the Community Foundation of Medicine Hat and Southeastern Alberta.  Currently Ryan serves as Chair of the Medicine Hat Police Commission and as a member of the board of directors for Alberta Law Enforcement Response Teams (ALERT).  Ryan enjoys spending time coaching Little League baseball and enjoys following and participating in a number of sports including; golf, hockey, tennis, swimming and baseball.

Mr. Lyle Walsh, Vice Chair

I was born and raised in Northwestern Ontario, and educated both there and Hamilton Ontario, where college provided me with a career in Radio and Television. I work in that field for six (6) years and moved to the great white north Thompson, Manitoba where a ventured into the business world. I was in Business Management developing and running Car Dealerships, Convenience Stores, and Real Estate. Most were built from the ground up, and before moving to Medicine Hat in 2002 I sold off most of my projects. I have always been active in the support of the community that I called home. In Thompson I was on the City Council, Chamber of Commerce, R.C.M.P. Advisory Board, Kinsmen and Rotary. I also enjoyed playing organized sports, hockey, golf and baseball were my main sports passions.

Since moving to Medicine Hat in 2002 I have again got involved with the community with Rotary, Community Drug Council, and now the Medicine Hat Police Commission." I strongly believe that everyone should become part of the community they live in by giving back just a little of their time and talents."

My wife (Ann) and I have three (3) children all in different parts of North America, and all with their own careers, in Nursing, Law Enforcement, and Social Work.

Alderman Jamie White

Alderman Jamie White was born in Assiniboia, SK. in June 30/56. He graduated Central Collegiate Institute High School in June/74. He graduated University of Saskatchewan April/79 with a B.S.P.E.

He has lived in Medicine Hat since 1987, and is currently the business owner of Saamis Height Car Wash/Liquor Store and owner/partner in Original Joe's Restaurant & Bar. He has been married to Janet for 32 years. They have 3 kids - J.D. age 29, Jenny age 27 and Jill age 25. He was elected to Medicine Hat City Council in October of 2007.

Alderman Ted Clugston

Ted is a born and raised Hatter, having lived here for 40 years.  He attended Medicine Hat High School, Medicine Hat College and later finished his Biology and Economics Degree at the University of Calgary.

The son of a well known family physician, Ted considered a career in Medicine or Dentistry like his father and grandfather before him; however chose the path less travelled and became a Financial Planner and City Alderman. Ted is the father of two very active young boys, and is married to his beautiful wife of 10 years, Nita.

He is an active Kinsmen, and is extremely proud of his work with this club as past treasurer and former Dream Home Chairman, and its contribution to the quality of life in Medicine Hat.  He is a former Big Brother and past president of the local Canadian Association of Life Underwriters.

Some of his hobbies and interests include; model railroading, the collection and restoration of old pinball machines.  He is an avid golfer, loves to cycle and is a certified S.C.U.B.A. diver.  He can often be found walking many hours and miles on the cities paths contemplating a difficult decision, or just enjoying the quiet scenery.

He is extremely excited and pleased with his new position on the Police Commission and hopes to be fair, knowledgeable and make a positive contribution to a fantastic police force and an outstanding police commission.

Mr. Rod Forsyth, Commissioner

I was raised and educated in Regina Saskatchewan. I have spent my adult life and business career involved in the retail sector and the electronic media industry.

My 13 years with Sears Canada took me to several large and medium sized cities throughout Saskatchewan, Alberta and Manitoba.
The management positions I held allowed me an excellent business education as well as the opportunity to become familiar with community organizations, local politics and community challenges and needs.

Since 1980, I have worked in radio and television sales and marketing. My sales management positions allowed me to live in Regina, Saskatoon; Calgary and Medicine Hat.

This period of my career allowed me for the development of my business experience as well as the opportunity to be further involved in community organizations and the changing and growing needs of today’s cities and populations.

I moved to Medicine Hat in 1994 to become General Sales Manager for CHAT Television. I held that position until retiring in 2009. As a resident of our fair city, I have been involved in many organizations and events because of my work in media and interest in community needs and development.

A few examples:

• Ten years on the Board of the United Way (2 years as President)
• Two years on the City of Medicine Hat Economic Development Advisory Board.
• Five years on the Advisory Board of the Salvation Army Family Service Centre ( homeless shelter)
• Member of K40 Men’s Club (old Kinsmen guys)
• Involvement with Exhibition and Tourism.
• Development of Crime Stoppers Television Feature.
• Five years as a board member of the Medicine Hat Golf and Country Club.( Currently Past President)

My interest in policing and law enforcement goes back to growing up in Regina, living a few blocks from the RCMP Recruitment and Training facility. I have always had a concern for community needs, enhanced by my radio and television career. I am married to Jill Forsyth and we have four adult children. I sincerely hope my business and community experience will be a positive addition to the Medicine Hat Police commission.

Rod Forsyth.