Sandra McDowell,
CULC, MA, PCC, CEC, CPHR

Founder, CEO & Lead Faculty

With nearly two decades of executive experience, Sandra McDowell is a Certified Executive Coach with a Master’s in Leadership, an ICF PCC designation, and a Certificate in Neuroleadership. In 2012, she began sharing her expertise through a leadership program that grew into the internationally recognized eLeadership Academy. Sandra has served as associate faculty at multiple universities and is the author of Your Mother Was Right: 15 Unexpected Lessons About Leadership and the Brain. A recipient of national and international Young Leader awards early in her career, she has dedicated her life’s work to developing leaders people love to follow.

Drew Murray
CEC, CULC

Program Manager

At eLeadership Academy, Drew oversees all programs, including key client and participant support. With a BA in English and Indigenous Studies, she's passionate about her lifelong commitment to learning/unlearning, challenging the master narrative, and decolonizing her thoughts and actions. Drew brings an exceptional level of compassion and dedication to her work and continues to support the organization to evolve and achieve the mission of building credit union leaders worldwide. 

Matt McDowell

Client Solutions Manager

Matt is an accomplished project manager known for his exceptional service and strong work ethic. He's been part of building the organization since it began in 2012, and is a lifelong credit union member and advocate. As head of Client Solutions and Technology, Matt oversees customer service and business development; and he ensures that online platforms are fine-tuned and continually evolving to meet the needs of clients and participants. Matt is an outdoor enthusiast with a passion for achieving goals in the backcountry and within his work.

Jayne Paquin, MA, PCC, CEC

Associate Faculty & Affiliate Coach

Jayne empowers leaders to discover insights that inspire purpose and action. As a thinking partner, Jayne supports creating focus and clarity while helping leaders optimize personal and professional effectiveness.

Jayne holds a Master’s degree in Executive and Organizational Coaching, and a Professional Certified Coach (PCC) designation. As a former HR executive, Jayne’s 25-year career includes over 15 years leading a values-based credit union culture with strong employee engagement scores.

Fintan Ryan, MBA, CEC, PCC

Affiliate Coach

Fintan serves as an affiliate coach and associate faculty for eLeadership Academy. He holds an MBA from Munster University in Ireland and completed a Graduate Certificate in Executive Coaching through Royal Roads University. He proudly holds a Professional Certified Coach designation through the International Coach Federation and is a certified practitioner on the Five Behaviors Model through Wiley.

Fintan has over 30 years of credit union experience, including as an accomplished CEO in both Ireland and Canada.

Maria Umbsaar

Content & Marketing Advisor

As a creative writer and integrated marketing expert, Maria works on crafting eLeadership Academy's content so that it is engaging and memorable, ensuring that the learning sticks. Maria has written for some of the world's most successful companies writing compelling ads, educational content, and videos that transform complex ideas into stories that inspire. Maria has been an integral part of the team since 2019.

Christie Mitchell

Finance

Passionate about business, leadership, and all things outdoors, Christie keeps the organization's finances on track and ensures that everything adds up. She is an accomplished entrepreneur and has an exceptional eye for detail. Christie has been a valued part of the eLeadership Academy team since 2021. She is a lifelong learner, and when she's not making sure the finances are in order, you can find her outside or with her family.