OUR TEAM | spark inc

OURTEAM

We are backed by a network of the industry’s most experienced creative and production professionals – both in North America and around the globe. Our nimble business model allows us to create a custom team for each project, with the right expertise to fit your needs and budget. Our teams make the greatest use of resources while designing, planning, and managing your event.

As the owner and founder of Spark, Jane has been on the forefront of how live experiences and employee communications can radically affect and transform companies for more than 30 years. Her clients - ranging from the smallest of startups to the largest of multinational corporations - have consistently returned to Spark for Jane’s unique guidance towards success in strategically strengthening their culture and messaging to drive superior results.

A proud leader and mentor to the ‘A Team’ of industry professionals who work with her, Jane is also a member of the Women Presidents Organization, an RBC Canadian Woman Entrepreneur of the Year, and is always looking for a new hobby that spurs her creative imagination - lately, that means the world of classic and vintage cars!

Jane Shanab, President

Howard Gopsill, Executive Producer

With more than 20 years experience in live event production and strategic communications, Howard has built a reputation for being able to solve even the toughest of production problems with creativity and grace.

As Executive Producer at Spark, Howard is responsible for senior leadership of daily operations, ensuring that all deliverables meet the highest standards of quality while remaining aligned with budget and timeline expectations. In addition to supervising other members of the core team, Howard is also responsible for utilizing a deep and extensive network of specialists to meet the needs of any client request. In his spare time, Howard enjoys muddying it up on the bike trails of the Don Valley.

Jordan Karkoulas, Visuals Coordinator

With over 8 years experience in crafting visual experiences for live events and other communication tactics at Spark, Jordan is a comprehensive multimedia specialist with abilities that span from video and graphical editing to audio and PowerPoint production.

As a strong believer in the power of live experiences, Jordan brings a fresh outlook to every project through his enthusiasm for the latest and greatest in the tools and technologies that drive the audiovisual arts. When he isn’t helping clients look their best, Jordan also spends a decent amount of time in the limelight himself with performances on Impact Wrestling and Ring of Honor.

Melody MacRae, Production Coordinator

From development of project schedules to sourcing vendors and venues, as well as managing a variety of other planning and production needs, Melody has risen quickly at Spark to become an indispensable member of the team.

With over three years of experience in live events - including work on The Marilyn Denis Show and the iHeartRadio MMVA awards - Melody is key to ensuring that Spark achieves extraordinary client outcomes as seamlessly and efficiently as possible. She is also passionate about fostering dogs, and has helped many find their forever homes.

Madison Brennan, Office Manager

As a former tour ambassador for her home province of Nova Scotia, as well as experience working in various roles for a variety of health, food and other events while growing up, Madison comes to Spark with a long personal and family history within the events industry. With a high attention to detail and critical thinking from her scientific educational background, she ensures that the Spark office is running at peak organizational efficiency.

In her spare time, Madison is also passionate about cooking, and constantly on the hunt for new plant-based recipes to expand her culinary repertoire.