The Medicine Hat Sport & Event Council (MHSEC) Advisory Committee is a ten-member, volunteer committee created to support local sport and event organizations through guidance, connections, and shared expertise.
Advisory Committee members bring a range of experience and a strong desire to assist local organizations by helping identify challenges, opportunities, and practical solutions. The committee is designed to respond to a variety of needs expressed by organizations, connecting them with individuals who have relevant knowledge, education, or real-world experience in those areas.
There is no cost to access support from the Advisory Committee. Organizations are encouraged to reach out to MHSEC staff with their specific needs or questions and will be connected with the Advisory Committee member best suited to provide support.
Through this collaborative, community-driven approach, the Medicine Hat Sport and Event Council's Advisory Committee helps strengthen local sport and event organizations while supporting the continued growth of sport and events in Medicine Hat.
Natalie Sauer
Natalie Sauer has been a proud member of the Medicine Hat community for most of her life. She recently retired after a 33-year career in recreation with the City of Medicine Hat, finishing as Manager of Recreation. Throughout her career, Natalie gained extensive experience working with sport user groups and community organizations, helping them plan and deliver high-quality programs and events.
Much of her volunteer time has focused on community events, including multi-sport Games at local, provincial, and national levels. She has served as Director of Protocol for many of these events, and she is actively involved with the 2026 Medicine Hat Special Olympics, helping ensure this major event is a success for athletes and the community. One of her career highlights was serving on the board of the Southern Alberta Summer Games, which provides smaller communities the opportunity to host an annual sporting event and showcase all that their communities have to offer.
As a member of the Medicine Hat Sport & Event Council Advisory Committee, Natalie brings her deep knowledge of recreation management and event planning to support local organizations and help strengthen sport and event hosting in Canada’s Sunniest City.
Ken Sauer
Ken Sauer is a distinguished community leader in Medicine Hat with a lifetime of dedication to sport, education, and civic service. He has played a key role in numerous provincial and national events, including the 1992 Alberta Senior Games, 1998 Canadian National Senior Games, 2002 and 2016 Alberta Winter Games, 2008 Alberta Summer Games, 2017 Alberta Special Olympics, and the 2019 55Plus Alberta Games. In each of these, Ken served as Vice Chair and Director of Administration, contributing as recording secretary, maintaining incorporation records, and working closely with Alberta Gaming to ensure successful event delivery.
Ken’s commitment to sport and community has been recognized through his induction into the Medicine Hat Sport Wall of Fame and the naming of Dr. Ken Sauer Elementary School in his honor. He also holds both the Order of Canada and the Alberta Order of Excellence, reflecting his lifelong service and leadership.
As a member of the Medicine Hat Sport & Event Council Advisory Committee, Ken continues to share his extensive experience and expertise to support local organizations and strengthen the city’s sport and event hosting capabilities, helping Medicine Hat shine as Canada’s Sunniest City.
Elisha Ammann
Elisha Ammann is a Medicine Hat–based hospitality professional with nearly 20 years of experience in the hotel and tourism industry. She serves as Executive Director of the Medicine Hat Accommodation Association (MHAA), overseeing marketing through StayInMedicineHat.com and coordinating group bookings for major events.
Elisha was the inaugural President of the MHAA and brings extensive experience in destination marketing and event planning. She also serves as Chair of the Medicine Hat Sport & Event Council, supporting local organizations and helping attract visitors to Canada’s Sunniest City.
Sarah McKenzie
Sarah McKenzie is a Medicine Hat–based community leader with extensive experience in sport governance and volunteer leadership. She is deeply involved in lacrosse, serving as President of the Medicine Hat Lacrosse Club, President of the Southern Alberta Lacrosse Association, and as a Director with the Alberta Lacrosse Association.
Through her involvement at the local, regional, and provincial levels, Sarah brings a strong understanding of board operations, governance, and organizational leadership. She has significant board experience and is a valuable resource for organizations seeking guidance on board structure, roles, and best practices.
As a member of the Medicine Hat Sport & Event Council Advisory Committee, Sarah is passionate about supporting local organizations, sharing knowledge, and helping strengthen the sport and event community in Medicine Hat.
