The Royal Tyrrell Museum Cooperating Society is a non-profit, charitable organization. Since 1993, our Cooperating Society has been supporting scientific, educational, exhibit, and local community initiatives. Through the management of the Museum Shop, donations, and memberships, the Society plays a key role in helping the Museum achieve its mandate.
To request financial statements, email bookkeeping@tyrrellmuseum.ca.
Staff and Board of Directors
Executive Director
Patty Ralrick
Originally from Omaha, Nebraska, Patty has worked in bookkeeping and accounting for roughly 30 years. She holds a B.Sc. in Geology (Montana State University at Bozeman) and an M.Sc. in Vertebrate Palaeontology (University of Calgary).
Patty joined the Cooperating Society as the part-time administrative assistant in 2014 and worked her way up to being the Executive Director. During that time, she completed a certificate in Non-Profit Management through Mount Royal University.
Patty finds it rewarding to support palaeontology through her work with the Cooperating Society, which provides funding for the Royal Tyrrell Museum’s research initiatives, educational offerings, and exhibits.
Chairperson
Bridget Unland
Bridget grew up in the area of Vegreville, AB. She moved to Drumheller to pursue work opportunities. Her family’s love of dinosaurs was one reason she became involved with the Cooperating Society.
Bridget has held various roles on the Board of Directors since 2010, including Chairperson since 2016. During her time on the Board, the Society has supported Museum improvements such as the Learning Centre expansion, several exhibit projects, Museum Shop renovations, plaza enhancements, and many other necessary upgrades. She looks forward to expanding the Society’s ability to support the Museum by broadening and strengthening its network and expanding its abilities.
Vice Chairperson
Summer Manca
Summer grew up in Abbotsford, BC, and relocated to Drumheller in 2011. She enjoys living and working in the beautiful Drumheller Valley with her husband and two teenage children.
Summer works with her husband Greg as the franchisees of the Drumheller and Stettler McDonald’s locations. Prior to her current role in the business as administrator and community liaison, she was an office manager at a law office for 12 years.
Before joining the Cooperating Society Board of Directors in 2018, she sat on Drumheller’s Economic Development Task Force for six years—the last two as Chairperson.
Treasurer
Gerald Martynes
Gerald grew up in Drumheller, AB. He is passionate about mentorship and driving meaningful change within his community. He has served on multiple boards and is currently a member of the Drumheller Housing Association.
Gerald has been a Certified Financial Planner since 2000. He is the Founder of Helm Asset and Wealth Management Inc. He has also held executive leadership roles, including his current position as Executive Chairman and CEO of Inland Plastics.
As a member of the Cooperating Society Board of Directors since 2024, Gerald has contributed to enhancing donor engagement, supporting Museum projects, and fostering community collaboration.
Secretary
Guss Nash
Guss is from Carbon, AB, and enjoys giving back to the community. He spent 19.5 years on the Carbon Village Council. He was a Founding Director for the Bow River Conservative Association, and the UCP Olds-Didsbury-Three Hills Riding Association. Guss earned his Power Engineering Gas Process Operations Level 1 certificate from SAIT and spent 30 years working at the ATCO Natural Gas Storage Facility.
Guss joined the Cooperating Society’s Board of Directors in 2018. He enjoys contributing toward helping the Royal Tyrrell Museum thrive because it is such a plus for Drumheller and region.
Director
Jason Blanke
Jason has lived in the Drumheller Valley for more than 30 years. As the morning show host on the local radio station boom 99.5, and a journalist for DrumhellerOnline.com, he is actively involved in the community. He has been the public address announcer for the Drumheller Dragons Junior A Hockey Team since its inception in 2003. He also helped create the Drumheller Titans football organization.
Jason served a previous term on the board of the Royal Tyrrell Museum Cooperating Society and is excited to return. He is passionate about supporting the Royal Tyrrell Museum and its many important projects and programs.
Director
Marty Eberth
Marty worked in advertising and marketing for 45 years before retiring in 2021. She started in advertising as a copywriter and then was Creative Director for several Red Deer radio stations. Throughout her career, Marty helped businesses and individuals improve through training and one-on-one coaching. In her 16 years with Travel Alberta, she led a team of passionate people whose focus was working with tourism businesses to develop engaging and authentic experiences.
From 1991 to 2005, Marty managed marketing and community/media relations at the Royal Tyrrell Museum. She joined the Society Board of Directors in 2021 and is excited to be supporting the Museum again.
Director
Kathy Little
Kathy is originally from Regina. She has lived in Drumheller for 35 years. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree, and a Certificate in Human Resource Management. After working for the Drumheller & District Chamber of Commerce for more than 20 years, Kathy retired in 2025. She has volunteered with a variety of community groups and boards. She currently sits on the Westview Co-op board.
Director
Steven Peterson
Steven has called Drumheller home since 2004. He has built a life centred on family, community, and professional success. He is actively involved in his local church and various community initiatives.
As owner and operator of The Brick Drumheller, Steven has honed skills in financial management, operational efficiency, and fostering community relationships. He brings hands-on experience in running a successful business to the Royal Tyrrell Museum Cooperating Society board, and practical insights into budgeting, resource allocation, and strategic planning. He enjoys contributing ideas on fundraising, sustainable development, and enhancing the Museum’s role as a key educational and cultural resource in Drumheller.
Director
L. Trevor Young
Trevor was born on a farm in southern Manitoba, and spent his high school years in central Saskatchewan. He retired in 2024 after a long career with RBC Royal Bank that took his family to rural communities throughout Saskatchewan and Alberta. He and his wife have lived in Drumheller since 2015.
Trevor has worked with many boards over the years, from junior hockey teams to a family crisis support centre. He is excited to be part of the Cooperating Society board, and help the Museum continue to provide education and entertainment for residents of and visitors to the beautiful Drumheller Valley.
General Inquiries About the Cooperating Society
In Drumheller
403-821-2117
Toll-free in Alberta
310-0000 then (403) 821-2117
Toll-free in North America (outside Alberta)
1-888-440-4240 then (403) 821-2117
Outside North America
1-403-821-2117