Meet Your Community Futures Grande Prairie & Region Team

Our team of dedicated small business advisors really care about your goals and would love to hear about your plans. Meet our team of business advisors, proudly located in Grande Prairie. They’re here and ready to help you.

Holly Sorgen

img_1695-3 Executive Director

As the Executive Director, Holly leads a strong, dynamic team of community-minded team members to support economic development in the region.

She has been with Community Futures since 1997 and considers herself as a CF-Lifer.

She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in English and a certification for Business Coach through the Professional Business Coach Alliance.

Holly likes riding motorcycles and has a Class 6 Driver's License to prove it.

Sarah Bateman

Business Development Officer

Sarah Bateman is a dynamic Business Development Officer at Community Futures Grande Prairie & Region, where she combines her experience in project management and business development to drive the success of local businesses. Her career spans various industries, from business to hands-on experience in the oilfield, where she worked operating a rock truck, gaining valuable insights into the resource sector.

Sarah holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in Management from SAIT and is currently completing her MBA in Community Economic Development at Cape Breton University. Her qualifications and real-world experience allow her to offer a well-rounded perspective on business strategy, market analysis, and community-driven growth. She also holds Red Seal and Blue Seal certifications in Culinary Arts from NAIT, which highlights her diverse skill set and passion for various industries.

Beyond her professional accomplishments, Sarah is a dedicated family member, cherishing time spent with her two nieces and nephew, who are a constant source of joy and inspiration in her life. She also enjoys cooking and teaching cooking classes, where she shares her culinary expertise and love for creativity. She was born and raised in the Peace Country and loves to spend time outdoors in the summer.

Sarah believes in the power of collaboration; community empowerment and contribution and she strives to apply these values in all aspects of her personal and professional life.

Barry Yaehne

img_1578-4-2 Business Advisor

Barry spent most of his career providing insurance and risk management services as well as managing an insurance broker network. He moved from Saskatchewan to another large broker in Edmonton before taking a branch management role in Grande Prairie. From there he opened his own insurance brokerage with his wife Sheryl before selling the company 8 years later. He now joins us at Community Futures as our Business Advisor.

Barry has his Canadian Risk Management Diploma (CRM) as well as a Fellowship Diploma in Risk Management (RF).

Barry enjoys spending time at his family lake lot where you can find him most weekends in the summer. He loves working on the property, enjoying a fire as well as boating and fishing. Barry and Sheryl have four children and three grandchildren back in Saskatchewan and makes trips back home to visit them as often as he can.

Barry is passionate about helping and mentoring others which makes him a great fit for our CF team. He enjoys getting to help entrepreneurs start a business, grow a business, or even change the way they do business.

Barry isn't just an insurance guru, he can also drive tank truck, which he really enjoyed while taking a break from insurance.

Tarla Krauskopf

img_1524-2 Controller

Tarla Krauskopf serves as the Administrative Controller at Community Futures Grande Prairie & Region. Born and raised in Dawson Creek BC, Tarla has deep roots in the community and a strong commitment to its growth and prosperity.

In her professional role, she is responsible for overseeing the financial and administrative operations of the organization, ensuring that all processes are efficient, accurate, and compliant with relevant regulations. Her keen attention to detail and strong organizational skills enables her to effectively manage financial reporting, and administrative functions, thereby supporting the organization's mission to promote economic growth and assist small businesses in the region.

Beyond her professional life, Tarla is married and a proud mother of three children who are actively involved in competitive sports. Her dedication to her family and community, alongside her professional excellence, make her an integral part of the Community Futures team, contributing significantly to the success and sustainability of local businesses.

Jessica Gilbert

img_1586-4 Business Administrator

Born and raised in the Peace Country, Jessica Gilbert grew up surrounded by the entrepreneurial spirit of her family, which ignited her own passion for business from a young age. With a strong foundation in business, Jessica's career reflects both her drive and deep connection to her community.

A mother of three, Jessica balances her professional life with her love for animals, camping, and the mountains—activities that allow her to reconnect with nature and recharge. Her roots in the Peace Country remain a source of inspiration and pride, as she actively contributes to the region's growth and development.

Currently serving as a Business Administrator at Community Futures, Jessica is dedicated to supporting the success of local entrepreneurs and businesses. She first joined Community Futures over a decade ago as a Business Analyst, before stepping away to focus on raising her children. Returning to the organization, Jessica’s previous experience as a Business Analyst allows her to efficiently and effectively excel in her current role, blending her expertise in business with a passion for helping others succeed.