Tammy Sweeney

CEO

Tammy is a music enthusiast who finds joy in every note. As a proud member of the Fireside Singers, she graces the stage at TCU Place to sing twice a year! Away from the limelight, Tammy loves a good book, walks with Hershey, her playful chocolate lab, and planning her next travel escapade.

Tammy’s perfect day involves a walk on a beach, enjoying a swim and a mimosa, and then reading a great book. She’d follow that up with lunch with friends at a great restaurant before exploring a tropical village. As a foodie and an exceptional cook, Tammy would head back for a homemade dinner, live music and dancing outdoors at a beach front villa.

Kirby Wirchenko

Director of Events & Community Engagement

Kirby enjoys riding motorcycles and playing various musical instruments, though not at the same time. Kirby has been happily partnered with Tonya for twenty-five years, and they bond over their mutual love for dogs. Kirby is a Scorpio and loves taking long walks during snowstorms. A real music lover, Kirby is delighted to be a part of the TCU Place community.

A perfect day for Kirby would start off with a motorcycle trip, followed by a relaxing lunch accompanied by a good book. The day would end on a literal high note, with Kirby playing music and visiting friends and family.

Michelle Tucker

Events Coordinator

A self-described “jack of all hobbies,” Michelle has many interests. She enjoys gardening, cooking, art, music, and more adventurous pursuits like axe throwing!

On a perfect day, Michelle would wake up at leisure, drink a hot cup of coffee, and read a good book in a ray of sunshine. Then she’d cook a meal for loved ones, watch a movie that brings her joy, and snuggle up in some cozy pyjamas with a cool breeze on her face as she drifts off.

Tammy Pshebylo

Premium Experience Manager

Never one to have downtime, Tammy spends much of her time during the Saskatchewan farming season working beside her husband to manage their grain farm business. She is passionate about learning how to use the many different pieces of equipment to seed, work, and harvest the fields.

A California girl at heart, Tammy’s perfect day involves a lazy morning followed by an active afternoon outside on the ocean, at the farm, or wandering about in nature, perhaps walking on a trail. At the end of an active day, Tammy enjoys cooking a beautiful meal and playing mixologist for her friends and family.

Suzanne Bettschen

Box Office Manager

Suzanne is passionate about playing tennis. Although she professes to be an amateur, she plays for love of the sport and the time she gets to spend with friends. Off the tennis court, Suzanne loves walking her border collie, Maggie, and along with her family, taking Maggie to run free around various dog parks.

Suzanne’s perfect day is sunny and hot. Of course, she’d start the day by playing tennis, followed by an early afternoon walk. She’d close out the day by chilling with her family on the deck while enjoying some good food and drinks.

Alyssa Byrns

Client Services Lead

During Alyssa’s spare time in the summer, she works at a campground in the picturesque setting of Nairn Falls Provincial Park, BC. The best part about it is that her best friend lives just five minutes away, in Pemberton BC, and the two of them get to have the best time working and playing outside all day. 

For Alyssa, a perfect day would be spent at a summer music festival, relaxing and enjoying herself with friends. 

Dan Smolinski

Front of House Manager

A big snooker fan, Dan plays the game at least once a week. Dan is also a music lover and a performer, and plays in a Ramones cover band. Dan loves collecting physical media like records, tapes and comic books. His claim to fame is having once walked in (after a couple of drinks!) on Sir Patrick Stewart eating a submarine sandwich alone in a meeting room.

Dan’s perfect day has him rolling out of bed around noon, eating a bowl of pho for lunch and then playing two hours of snooker with his friends. He’d then take a post-snooker nap before heading to his local social club for a few beers, some pool, and a nice dinner.

Mark von Eschen

Stage Carpenter

Mark had a goal when he was a six-year-old boy growing up in Prince Albert: to climb every tree on his block. His mom chuckled that he would never get a job climbing trees, but it turns out it was great training, as now he is often called upon to climb up into the rafters to rig lighting and sound gear at TCU Place! 

Late every June, Mark has a couple of great days playing ‘monkey bars’ while building the sound and lighting towers for the Saskatchewan Jazz Festival, which happens to be right around the same time the roses in his garden start to bloom in full force. His perfect day is rigging sound and lighting (aka playing on the monkey bars), followed by relaxing in his rose garden with an ice-cold beverage.

Devin Ferguson

Technical Services Manager

Devin’s life is dedicated to family commitments and running around after kids, so he has no time for hobbies! Fun fact: Devin really likes tradeshows which is a good thing, since as our technical services manager, he spends a lot of time at them!

For Devin’s perfect day, he’d love to be immersed in nature. With his fishing rod in hand, he’d be out on the water for most of the day. The perfect end to his perfect day includes a campfire supper – sharing his tasty catch of the day with family and friends, followed by sharing stories and laughing around a bonfire.

Tyler Trice

Technical Sales Specialist

Tyler is a music and movie lover. He plays in a pop-punk band and also collects and plays analog synthesizers. A massive self-professed Lord of the Rings nerd, Tyler has read the books and watched the movies multiple, multiple times.

On his perfect day, Tyler would wake up to a nice sunny day. He’d kick the day off with a morning coffee with his partner Torrey before heading to the gym for a workout. He would spend the afternoon in his music room to play and mess around with his synthesizers, and then get settled in for a Lord of the Rings marathon – all extended editions with commentary, of course!

Pat DesRoches

Building Operations Supervisor

At work, Pat is part of an exceptional department that prides itself on ownership and efficiency. He celebrates the positive energy and camaraderie of all TCU Place staff. At home, Pat loves spending time with his family around the house and out in the yard, doing home and shop projects. He enjoys helping his lucky daughters with tasks around their homes. 

Pat’s ideal day involves hitting the road on his motorcycle—perhaps in his favorite vacation spot, Arizona. He also gets his hands dirty with mechanical and woodworking projects, with his grandkids joining him at the shop.

Spencer Richards

Protective Services Manager

Spencer is a big sports fan, cheering loud for NCAA Alabama football with a hearty “Roll Tide” and showing strong support for Walsall Football Club across the ocean in West Midlands, England. Besides sports, Spencer has a huge heart for all his dogs, and loves spending time with them. He also loves exploring the fine art of cooking and whipping up delicious meals.

Spencer’s perfect day starts watching his pups run around, followed by putting his feet up with a cuppa tea and catching a soccer game on TV. He’d enjoy a light lunch, followed by a leisurely drive around his property in his side x side. Spencer’s perfect day would finish with a nice dinner and then soda and a movie before bed.

Joe Therens

Event Services Supervisor

Bio coming soon!

Stephen Rutherford

Communications Specialist

A lifelong learner, Stephen loves reading and keeping up with new technology. Stephen was an active voice on community radio for over a decade and loves music. Stephen is also passionate about photography, and he enjoys spending time in nature and hanging out with his cat. 

Stephen’s perfect day would include great food and coffee, exploring a new museum, and wandering around a bookstore. On a beautiful day, he’d also spend some time hiking outdoors. 

Jennifer McCrea

Administrative Coordinator

Jenn loves the simple joys in life. She recently found a new hobby in thrift store shopping, where she searches for hidden treasures and unique finds. She also enjoys bird watching and hanging out with her family.

Jenn is an avid reader and loves diving into all kinds of books. Her perfect day would include relaxing with a good book followed by a nice meal with her family. She’d end the day snuggled up with her family to enjoy popcorn and a movie. 

Vanessa Schneider

Accounting Coordinator

An accountant with an adventurous spirit, Vanessa is a former spartan racer and has demonstrated bravery as a volunteer for search and rescue missions.

Vanessa loves spending time laughing with friends and loves nothing more than waking up to the fresh Northern Saskatchewan air, nestled in a cozy tent with a coffee and Baileys to kickstart the day. On her perfect day, the sun would be shining, and before setting off for a hike, she’d plant her feet in the moss, breathe in the crisp, clean air and feel grateful for her health, her loved ones, and her surroundings. 

Vanessa’s favourite quote is “Comparison is the thief of joy.”

Robert Martin

Executive Chef

Even when he’s not at work, Robert loves creating new menus and experimenting with new food ideas. Outside the high-paced environment of his kitchen, Robert finds joy and relaxation by tending to his yard or playing with his dogs. Despite his busy schedule, Robert also makes time to follow sports.

For Robert, a perfect day would be spent sitting and relaxing with his dogs.

Cindy Hobbs

Director of Food & Beverage

You might think Cindy would be tired of spending so much time in the kitchen, but even outside of work, Cindy finds joy and relaxation in cooking for her family. During the summer months, she also loves gardening.

For Cindy, a perfect day unfolds at the family’s cabin at the lake surrounded by family and friends. She would relax and take in the peaceful sights and sounds of the lake, enjoying a family BBQ with her kids and husband, and ending the day with a sunset boat ride.

Bob Hawthorne

Duty Manager

Bob lives life with a sense of adventure and a deep appreciation for the simple moments. Years ago, he and his wife were bitten by the travel bug, sparking a love for exploration that has since become a central part of their lives. Together, they make it a priority to plan an annual trip to one of their bucket list destinations, each journey bringing new experiences, cultures, and memories into their lives.

Back at home, Bob finds peace and solace in the comfort of his backyard, which he refers to as his “little oasis from the world”. Here, around the firepit, with music playing in the background, Bob enjoys the tranquillity that balances his adventurous spirit. He loves to kick back in his backyard sanctuary to relax, reflect on past travels, and dream up future ones.

Cecile Gudmundson

Head Hostess

Cecile cherishes simple pleasures and family moments. A nature lover, she’s happiest soaking up sunsets by the lake in Saskatchewan, fishing rod in hand, and biking down country roads. 

Cecile’s perfect day would be spent on a beautiful summer day at her cabin overlooking the water. She’d start the day snuggling with all her grandkids in their pyjamas, and lounging with the dogs on the deck. Then she’d head to the beach with her family for some beach time, fishing, and a BBQ. They’d end the day with gratitude and music, followed by a campfire under a starlit sky. Anyone for some s’mores? 

Darcie Saunders

Duty Manager

Darcie thrives in the great outdoors, with a passion for hunting and fishing. So it’s no surprise that Darcie’s perfect day would be spent outside in the beautiful fresh air, taking time for both hunting and fishing.

John Vereschahen

Duty Manager

Born and raised in Saskatoon, John married his wife in 1982 and together, they have two daughters. His professional journey spanned 40 years with the Saskatoon Health Authority, culminating in retirement in 2015. However, retirement didn’t mean slowing down for John, as he joined TCU in 2007, dedicating his time and energy to guest services – a role he enjoys to this day.

John loves to travel, hike, and immerse himself in gardening. And he can’t say no to a night of nachos and drinks! His perfect day, from the time he wakes up to the time he goes to bed, would be filled with joy, contentment, peace of mind and gratitude for all he has in this life, and for all who are in his life.