Meet The Knight Archer
Insurance Leadership Team

Steve Demchuk

Chair

Steve supports the entire Knight Archer Insuranceorganization in his role and enjoys being involved in all the operations and divisions we have. He has his Canadian Accredited Insurance Broker (CAIB) designation as well as many years of management and project management experience to bring both education and experience to his role. Outside of work his kids keep him busy, and he also enjoys keeping active with swimming, biking, running, and SCUBA diving.

Lillian Schweitzer

Chief Financial Officer

Lillian is a senior leader in finance and operations with over 35 years of experience. She provides successful financial stewardship, overseeing all aspects of financial reporting and regulatory compliance as well as operational leadership in the day-to-day functions of Knight Archer. She is a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) and has volunteered time on the CPA board and committees, among many others. As a certified Personal Trainer, Fitness Instructor and Aromatherapist, she strives to reduce stress in everyone around her. She also loves spending family time with her husband, children, and grandchildren.

Danah White she/her/hers

EVP, Retail West

Danah is a hands-on leader with 13 years' experience in property and casualty insurance. Beginning with Indian Head Agencies in 2010, Danah started her career with Real Estate for Indian Head Agencies. Shortly after obtaining her Real Estate License, Danah took on the challenge of the Canadian Accredited Insurance Broker (CAIB) designation and obtained that in 2013. Danah transitioned to a branch manager with Mainline Insurance Brokers and then Hub International in 2017. With Hub International, Danah took on increasingly senior leadership roles from Branch Manager of three branches, to VP of Saskatchewan Operations, to VP of Manitoba Retail Operations and Personal Lines. After the birth of her first grandchild in 2022, Danah moved back to Saskatchewan and joined Knight Archer Insurance as the SVP of Branch Operations.

In 2022, Danah obtained her MBA (HRMgt) from the Australian Institute of Business focusing on operational human resources and change management. Danah also has a Chartered Director designation from McMasters University.

Prior to the insurance and Real Estate, Danah was self-employed, owning a restaurant, bar, and catering company for 10 years.

Robyn Kitamura she/her/hers

VP, People & SK Branch Operations

Robyn is committed to- and passionate about- fostering employee growth and engagement while developing meaningful relationships. Prior to joining KAI, she spent nearly twenty years in customer service mostly in the service and hospitality sector, including owning and operating a business. A forever student who is very rarely not enrolled in a course, program, or webinar, she is focused on learning from everyone in the room and becoming the best version of herself-- this year she is hoping to wrap up the final valuations in pursuit of her Chartered Professional in Human Resources (CPHR) designation. In her spare time Robyn enjoys cooking, baking, reading, and spending time with her husband watching basketball or baseball.

Stefan Arnason

VP, Commercial Lines

Stefan has over 45 years of industry experience as well as his Chartered Insurance Professional (CIP) and Canadian Accredited Insurance Broker (CAIB) designations. In his role he mentors and leads the Commercial Account Executives and offers them guidance to ensure everything runs smoothly. His family keeps him busy outside of work, and in any spare time he enjoys riding his motorcycle, curling, and travel.

Stephanie Dombowsky she/her/hers

Director, Business Development

Stephanie has been practicing insurance since graduating high school in 2008. She is passionate about insurance sales, education, leading teams, creating efficient workflows, and a collaborative work culture. As the Director, Business Development, Stephanie is responsible for pursuing new business opportunities for Knight Archer by conducting market research, developing and maintaining relationships, and developing customized solutions for our customers. Stephanie will complete her Chartered Insurance Professional (CIP) designation in 2024. She loves being active in the community with her husband, Levi, and spending time on their farming homestead with their pets and farm animals. She is an avid traveler, cyclist, reader, and gardener.

Ted Kent

Director, Innovation & Special Projects

Ted spends a lot of his time at Knight Archer Insurance looking for opportunities to make life easier for our clients through innovation. He enhances digital operations with a solutions focus and leads special projects that impact clients, insurance providers, and our team. He has been a branch manager as well as the Director of Digital Branch Operations and has his Canadian Accredited Insurance Broker (CAIB) designation as well as a Canadian Security Course and Financial Planning 2 certificate. He loves to travel with his wife and find new lakes in Saskatchewan to take his fishing kayak out on.

Cathie McDonald she/her/hers

Director, Learning

Cathie has been building her career with Knight Archer Insurance for more than twenty years and has held multiple positions and worn many hats with us including selling insurance, being a team lead, and a branch manager. In her current position as the Director, Learning, Cathie leads the training, development, and licensing processes for all KAI employees; she enjoys the challenge of constantly increasing her knowledge as well as helping others train and learn. Cathie has attained her Canadian Accredited Insurance Broker (CAIB) designation and many other insurance-related and non-insurance related certifications. When not at work, she loves to travel and spend time with family and friends.

Candace Lange she/her/hers

Director, Digital Branch Operations

Candace has held many roles with Knight Archer during her tenure including Motor Licence Issuer, Client Care Representative, Account Executive, Branch Manager, and now Director, Digital Branch Operations. In her role she makes sure that the wheels don’t fall off the bus as she keeps staff trained, monitors daily operations, innovates KAI's digital operations, and assists staff and clients. Last year Candace attained her Canadian Accredited Insurance Broker (CAIB) designation, and has recently completed her final course in the pursuit of her Chartered Insurance Professional (CIP) designation. In her spare time, she loves to spend time with her family and friends.

Laurie Kelly she/her/hers

Director, Branch Operations

Laurie has been with Knight Archer Insurance since June, 2023. She obtained her CAIB designation with honors in 2013 and has over ten years of progressive insurance experience. Laurie has worked in multiple roles in the industry, including Motor License Issuer (MLI), Personal, Farm and Commercial Broker, and Branch Manager. Laurie is a team-focused leader who takes time to connect with her staff ensuring the smooth running of day-to-day operations in the branches while bringing a light-hearted mood wherever she is. She likes to spend her off time mastering escape rooms and hanging out with her two grandchildren.

Brett Estey

Director, Commercial

Brett started at Knight Archer Insurnace as a Personal Lines Account Executive before he moved into a Branch Manager role. In that role he oversees the day-to-day operations including supporting staff and making life easier for clients. He has a Bachelor of Arts with distinction as well as being a Canadian Accredited Insurance Broker (CAIB) – achieving honours in that. He is heavily involved in local sports including being a big fan, coaching youth football and baseball with the Ranch Ehrlo Youth Sports Venture and as a secretary for the Regina Riot football team.

Mariya Reshetar

Director, Accounting

Bio and photo coming soon!

Mathieu Cubizolles

Director, Technology

Bio and photo coming soon!

Ashish Mahajan

Assistant Director, Life & Group Benefits

Ashish loves working with clients, and in his years with Knight Archer Insurance has developed a strong appreciation for the dedicated team he works with. He is extremely detail-oriented and enjoys diving into the specifics of his work as well as living up to the values of the company. Outside of work he is major foodie and broadens his horizons through travel.

Laurie Friesen

Branch Manager, Winnipeg

Laurie helps with almost everything at the Winnipeg branch of Knight Archer Insurance, but her goal is always to give clients and staff the best, most positive atmosphere every single day. She is a Level 3 Licensed Broker and has set her sights on her Canadian Accredited Insurance Broker (CAIB) designation for the near future. She’s been working in insurance for more than 30 years and loves to bring all that experience forward when helping her team be the best, most knowledgeable, and kindest they can be. She spends a lot of time in hockey rinks when not at work and loves to go on long walks with her thankful dog.

Tasha Lipinski she/her/hers

Branch Manager, Humboldt & Area

Tasha has been working in insurance for many years doing everything from Customer Support Specialist, to working as a Client Care Representative, to being an Account Executive before moving to her current role as a Branch Manager. Tasha recently completed the requirements to attain her Canadian Accredited Insurance Broker Designation (CAIB) and enjoys volunteering at events sponsored by Knight Archer and for her daughter’s soccer team and the local ski club. In the summer you’re most likely to find her camping or hitting the links, and cross-country skiing in the winter.

Paul Ashton he/his/him

Branch Manager, Saskatoon

Paul has been with Knight Archer Insurance for nine years and enjoys his role as a trusted advisor to our clients. He enjoys educating them about the intricacies of insurance, while helping them understand the terminology, coverage options, and potential risks while empowering our clients to make informed decisions. During his tenure, Paul has spent seven years in Personal Lines, two years in Commericial Lines, and recently took the plunge and joined the leadership team as the Branch Manager for our Saskatoon offices. In this new role, he is looking forward to sharing his years of experience with the team and developing the same passion and enthusiasm for insurance and our clients. When Paul is not at work, he enjoys playing and watching many sports (especially basketball), and spending time with his wife and five children.

Janaya Hanley

Processing Team Lead

Bio and photo coming soon!

Krissy Gorniak she/her/hers

Assistant Branch Manager

Krissy started her career with Knight Archer Insurance (KAI) in December of 2022 as a Personal Lines Account Executive and moved into her current position as an Assistant Branch Manager in May of 2023. She has over three years of experience in personal lines insurance within Saskatchewan and British Columbia and is currently working towards her Canadian Accredited Isurance Broker (CAIB) designation. Krissy is very passionate about employee engagement, team building, and creating a work environment people want to show up for. When she is not at work, Krissy spends most of her time renovating her house along with other carpentry projects, volunteering with Bright Eyes Dog Rescue, and spending time with her dog, friends and family.

Stefanny Jacobs she/her/hers

Assistant Branch Manager

Stefanny has over ten years of insurance industry experience. She studied Business Insurance at Saskatchewan Polytechnic in 2013 and obtained her Chartered Insurance Professional (CIP) designation in 2016, while holding a variety of different positions within the industry. She is passionate about continuing education and plans to obtain her Canadian Accredited Insurance Broker (CAIB) designation. When not at work, she enjoys spending time with and caring for her pet snake, tortoise, and rabbit.

Quill Chen

Supervisor, Client Care Representative

Bio and photo coming soon!

Janet Szautner

Supervisor, Customer Service Specialist- Humboldt & Area

Janet spends her days helping clients with their questions and transactions as well as training new staff and whatever else comes up that she can help with. She has her Fundamentals of Insurance, Canadian Accredited Insurance Broker (CAIB) designation, as well as Customer Service for Insurance Professionals (CSIP) Certificate. She volunteers with the Carlton Trail and Ski Club and Arts Humboldt but also just likes to be at home with her husband and dogs.

Melinda Piesinger she/her/hers

Supervisor, Customer Service Specialist- Regina

Melinda is a Customer Service Specialist (CSS) Supervisor in our Regina offices. Melinda started working at Knight Archer Insurance in 2016 at the Victoria Ave. location as a part-time CSS, in 2017, she moved to the Rochdale location, and in 2022, she became a Supervisor. Melinda is a Notary Public and holds her Saskatchewan Restricted Auto License. Melinda has always enjoyed working with clients one-on-one and being able to solve their needs, and is really enjoying being in a leadership role where she is able to support new team members and help develop their skills. Melinda is looking forward to continuing her career climb with Knight Archer Insurance and really enjoys the flexibility she has in her role. Outside of work, she loves spending time with her children, family, and friends.

Dylan Gallon

Supervisor, Customer Service Specialist- Regina

Bio and photo coming soon!

Lori Senkus she/her/hers

Supervisor, Customer Service Specialist- Saskatoon

Lori has been with Knight Archer Insurance since June,2022. Lori is a forever learner having attained a Saskatchewan Restricted Auto License and Bachelor of Arts in Sociology (with honours!). Lori enjoys her role as Supervisor as she is able to demonstrate leadership qualities and be a role model for others in the organization. She has enjoyed her time with KAI so far as there is so much to learn, and lots of opportunities to grow with the company. Her five-year goal is to become a licensed broker and sell policies. Outside work, Lori spends time with her family, friends, and cat. She also loves to shop and learn new things.