Woodlands County is led by a dedicated group of elected officials who collectively govern our region and individually represent each of our seven electoral districts.
Please meet your Council:
Dave Kusch
Dave Kusch 
Reeve Dave Kusch
Reeve & Councillor for Division 1, Anselmo
E: dave.kusch@woodlands.ab.ca
T: 780-778-9337
Reeve Dave Kusch grew up in Whitecourt and is a Hilltop High School graduate. A NAIT graduate with a diploma in business management, he has a life-long interest in business. In 2013, he and his wife Blair, who is very passionate about horses, moved to their acreage in the Anselmo area to enjoy their love of the outdoors and start their family.
In December 2019, Dave was elected to Council in a by-election held in Division 1. He was re-elected in October 2021, and again in October 2025 by acclamation.
“I feel blessed to be able to raise my two young boys in this community and to hopefully serve the area to my best ability” – Dave Kusch
Reeve Kusch sits on the following boards and committees:
- To be announced
Patricia MacNeil
Councillor Patricia MacNeilPatricia MacNeil
Councillor for Division 2, Whitecourt West
E: patricia.macneil@woodlands.ab.ca
T: 780-268-3000
Patricia MacNeil was elected in the 2025 Municipal Election.
Councillor MacNeil sits on the following boards and committees:
- To be announced
Alan Deane
Alan Deane 
Councillor Alan Deane
Councillor for Division 3, Whitecourt Central
E: alan.deane@woodlands.ab.ca
T: 780-778-0894
Councillor Alan Deane has lived in Woodlands County for more than 35 years. He began his career as a teacher at Hilltop High School (1990–2001) and later owned and operated Whitecourt Stationery with his wife, Joanne, from 1996 to 2025.
He has completed all eight courses in the Elected Officials Education Program (EOEP), which deepened his understanding of municipal responsibilities including budgeting and finance, service delivery, public engagement, strategic planning, regional collaboration, and land-use approvals.
With three decades of business ownership experience, Alan brings a practical perspective to council discussions, emphasizing fiscal responsibility, efficient service delivery, road maintenance, and the implementation of the County’s Airport Plan.
A passionate coach and community volunteer, he has spent over 35 years coaching various sports and has served as President of Whitecourt Minor Hockey, Whitecourt Minor Soccer, and the Whitecourt Golf and Country Club. His lifelong commitment to youth development and teamwork continues to guide his approach to leadership.
“Coaching taught me that real progress happens when people step up and work together. I’ve seen how good planning and collaboration lead to results that benefit everyone. Joanne and I chose to make our home in Woodlands County because we love its space, its natural beauty, and its sense of community. I’m proud to help shape a future that keeps those values strong.” – Alan Deane
Councillor Deane sits on the following boards and committees:
- To be announced
Karen St. Martin
Councillor Karen St. MartinKaren St. Martin
Councillor for Division 4, Whitecourt East
E: karen.stmartin@woodlands.ab.ca
T: 780-778-0822
Karen was elected to Council in October 2025 for Division 4 Whitecourt East.
Councillor St. Martin sits on the following boards and committees:
- To be announced
Jenna Wright
Councillor Jenna WrightJenna Wright
Councillor for Division 5, Blue Ridge
E: jenna.wright@woodlands.ab.ca
Phone: 780-779-3917
Jenna Wright was elected in the Municipal Election in 2025.
Councillor Wright sits on the following boards and committees:
- To be announced
Peter Kuelken
Peter Kuelken
Councillor for Division 6, Goose Lake/Freeman River
E: peter.kuelken@woodlands.ab.ca
T: 780-284-2425
Councillor Peter Kuelken grew up in the Fort Assiniboine area and graduated from Fort Assiniboine High School. After graduating, Peter spent several years in the oil patch before enrolling in the Farm and Ranch Production Technology program at Olds College which he completed in 1978. He bought the family farm in 1981 where he and his wife raised their one daughter and three sons.
Peter was elected to Council in October 2021, and in 2025 by acclamation.
“We love this area which has given us so many opportunities. My wife, children and grandchildren and their security in this community are the most important things in my life. I will serve as if all members of this County were family.” - Peter Kuelken
Councillor Kuelken sits on the following boards and committees:
- To be announced
Benny Whitten
Benny Whitten
Councillor Benny Whitten
Councillor for Division 7, Fort Assiniboine/Timeu
E: benny.whitten@woodlands.ab.ca
T: 780-305-4655
Councillor Benny Whitten has lived in Woodlands County for 25 years and brings extensive professional experience in oil and gas exploration to his role on council. His background in this field has given him a practical understanding of industry operations, safety, and the importance of sustainable development within the region.
Benny has a long history of community involvement, having served for four years on both the Fort Assiniboine Agricultural Society and the North County Junior Rodeo Association. His commitment to local organizations reflects his passion for supporting rural traditions, youth activities, and community events.
He chose to run for council to bring a fresh perspective and help strengthen collaboration and accountability within local government. Guided by the values of honesty, integrity, and transparency, Benny is dedicated to representing residents with fairness and respect.
Outside of council, he enjoys the many outdoor opportunities Woodlands County offers, from exploring trails to spending time at one of his favourite places, Fort Assiniboine Sandhills Provincial Park.
“I decided to run for council because I wanted a change in dynamics and a chance to give back to the community I’ve called home for 25 years. Woodlands County has so much to offer — great people, wide-open spaces, and endless opportunities to enjoy the outdoors. I’m proud to help keep it that way.” — Benny Whitten
Benny Whitten was elected in the 2025 Municipal Election.
Councillor Whitten sits on the following boards and committees:
- To be announced