STAFF AND BIOS
Our Founder
Michael T. Owen
FOUNDER
Owen & Associates was founded by Michael (Mike) Owen.
Leadership Team
|
Steven OwenPresident |
Steven Owen is the President of Owen & Associates, leading the company by driving the strategic vision and fostering the operational excellence of the organization. Steven plays a crucial role in managing overall team functions and ensuring the highest levels of client satisfaction and employee engagement. Steven is a dynamic leader, being actively involved with O&A’s strategic partners globally and locally along with many of O&A's major clients. His hands-on approach and commitment to the team have been instrumental in enhancing partnerships and driving growth. Steven attended Thompson Rivers University and is a CPA who articled with KPMG. He is passionate about wellness and the outdoors and you will often find him on his bike, snowboard, or local trails with his family and friends. |
Steven Owen
President
|
|
With over 15 years in the insurance and financial services industry, Deep Bajwa is a proven leader with experience spanning global insurers, high-growth ventures, and entrepreneurial exits. He has held senior roles at some of the largest carriers in Canada and internationally, consistently leading large, cross-functional teams with a strong focus on performance, culture, and clarity. Deep spent over a decade focused on topline growth and full P&L accountability, combining strategic oversight with hands-on execution. He previously built and sold his own financial planning and group insurance consultancy and led the creation and national distribution of Canada’s first end-to-end private health insurance product. Today, Deep is known for building scalable businesses, modernizing operations, and driving growth in sectors with high accountability and oversight. |
Deep Bajwa
Chief Operating Officer
|
Alexandria QuirouetteDirector of Business Development |
Alex is a dedicated advocate for Owen & Associates' approach to Group Benefits, Group Retirement Consulting and Administration Services. Collaborating closely with both teams, she has played a key role in shaping their philosophy and approach to delivering on promises made to clients and prospective clients. Alex's greatest passion lies in fostering a culture of care for people, ensuring that this ethos resonates throughout the organization, from the internal team to broker partners, clients, and their employees, in all their interactions. Alex completed her studies in Psychology at the University of Western Ontario and furthered her education by obtaining her Life License, Mutual Fund License, and Group Benefits Associate Designation from Dalhousie University. With over 12 years of experience in Group Benefits, Retirement Consulting, and Administration, Alex is adept at finding thoughtful solutions for a wide range of client needs. In her personal time, Alex cherishes moments spent with her growing family. |
Alexandria Quirouette
Director of Business Development
|
Céline BlakelyDirector of Finance & HR |
Céline serves as the Director of Finance & HR at Owen & Associates, joining the team in August 2020. With a rich background spanning 23 years in Accounting and Human Resources across diverse sectors, she brings invaluable expertise to her role. Céline is deeply committed to her work and fosters a strong sense of care for the O&A Team. Outside of work, she cherishes moments with loved ones and indulges in hobbies such as ATVing, hunting, camping, and a passion for True Crime. |
Céline Blakely
Director of Finance & HR
|
Kaycie SjodinDirector of Client Services |
Kaycie joined the O&A team in April 2020 as a member of the Marketing and Renewals department. Coming from an account management background in the energy procurement industry, Kaycie brings 5+ years of customer service experience to her role as a Sr. Benefits & Retirement Analyst. Among her passions for a good excel formula, customer satisfaction, and solution-oriented thinking, you can also find her hanging upside on the aerial silks, cooking up a storm in the kitchen, and hiking through the trails on her 25 acres with her miniature Goldendoodle. |
Kaycie Sjodin
Director of Client Services
|
Lindsay PattonDirector of TPA Services |
Lindsay is the Director of the Third Party Administration (TPA) team for Owen and Associates and started in March 2024. Lindsay has over 13 years of experience working in TPA, and is passionate about leadership, customer service and client care. Lindsay loves to spend her time with her family going on adventures in the outdoors; whether that be learning how to snowboard with her children in the winter months, to camping in the summer months. |
Lindsay Patton
Director of TPA Services
|
Kari SuosaloSenior Consultant |
Kari has been with Owen & Associates since January 2019 with a background in account management and customer service. As a Senior Benefits & Retirement Analyst, Kari focuses on managing customer experience and success to maintain client relationships. Through critical thinking, data analysis, time management, and keen attention to detail, Kari excels at providing clients a positive experience working with O&A. While not at work, you can find Kari on the hiking trails with her Golden Retriever or with her eyes glued to a True Crime documentary. |
Kari Suosalo
Director of Consulting Services
|
Debbie TelferDirector of Technical Operations |
Debbie returned to Owen & Associates in December 2024 as the Director of Technical Operations.
With over 30 years of Group Benefits experience, Debbie has an extensive background working with various insurers, third party administrators and consulting firms and brings a breadth of experience and knowledge in the underwriting, sales and service of group benefits.
Debbie loves to share her knowledge and mentor those new to the industry. She is excited to work with the leadership team on operational efficiencies and professional development of the team.
When not mentoring the next generation, she can be found enjoying the outdoors or working on one of her creative outlets – painting, knitting, weaving or scouring Pinterest for the next new hobby in which to partake.
|
Debbie Telfer
Director of Technical Operations
