Our Team

Dr. Grigg is the Chess for Life founder and organizer, and is a professor of philosophy and education at the University of Lethbridge. He is a CFC and FIDE rated chess player.

Jade is a graduate student in the department of neuroscience with a passion for inclusive education. She is a beginning chess player.

The Honourable Justice Derek Redman is a distinguished Alberta jurist recognized for his exemplary judicial leadership, his dedication to public legal education and community service. Justice Redman co-founded Chess for Life with Dr. Lance Grigg of the Faculty of Education at the University of Lethbridge.
Justice Redman's commitment to community service has been significant. He has served on numerous boards, including the Lethbridge and District Exhibition; was president of the Victorian Order of Nurses; and chaired the Board of Governors for Lethbridge College; and served on the University of Lethbridge Senate.
His contributions have been recognized with the City of Lethbridge Citizen of the Year Award (2000), the Alberta Centennial Medal (2005), and the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal (2022).
In May 2026, Justice Redman was bestowed an Honorary Doctor of Laws honoris causa from the University of Lethbridge in recognition of his professional accomplishments, his commitment to restorative youth justice, and his exceptional contributions to the community.

Dr. Lisa Starr proudly joined the University of Lethbridge in 2023 as the Dean for the Faculty of Education. Originally born on Treaty 7 territory in Lethbridge AB, she was raised in Treaty 4 territory in Moose Jaw, SK. Her education career spanned 14 years in the field as a secondary school teacher. The first seven years working on the unceded territory of the Musqueum First Nation with the Richmond School Board then moving on to teach internationally in Pakistan, Kuwait and Mongolia. Following the completion of her doctoral degree at the University of Victoria in 2014, Lisa joined McGill University’s Department of Integrated Studies in Education where she served as Chair of the department from 2021-23.

Chancellor Whitehead’s notable 30-year career has spanned equally across the private and not-for-profit sectors.
Raised in Lethbridge, Chancellor Whitehead attended ULethbridge and was active in The Meliorist and Students' Union, serving as ULSU president in 1990/1991. As a student, he immersed himself in the campus experience, acting in fine arts dramatic productions and attending Pronghorns games.
Since graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in English from ULethbridge in 1994, Chancellor Whitehead has remained connected to the University. He has served on the Board of Governors since 2017 and has been a dedicated supporter of multiple initiatives over the years through his philanthropic support of the fine arts, liberal education, Chess for Life, Pronghorn Athletics, and student food security issues.
Chancellor Whitehead is passionate about Lethbridge and southern Alberta. He is a vocal advocate for Inniskim and supporting local small business and cultural organizations.

Dr. Gibb is an associate professor in the department of neuroscience at the University of Lethbridge. She is also the Founder of the non-profit Building Brains Together.

Christine is a kindergarten teacher at Galbraith Elementary School. She has 27 years of classroom experience and is a strong advocate for the educational benefits of learning chess, having observed notable improvements in critical thinking skills among her kindergarten students and their older chess partners.

Chess for Life @UofL chess consultant, Jeff Faraji (right) is well known among top, elite chess players in the world including world #1, Magnus Carlsen.
Jeff is an invaluable asset to the Chess for Life @UofL team. We’re grateful to have him as our main chess consultant and advisor.

Dr. Gonzalez is an associate professor of Kinesiology & physical education at the University of Lethbridge.

Ryan graduated from the U of L with a BSc and BEd degrees ('98) and later acquired an MEd degree ('11) from Endicott College located in Beverly, Massachusetts. With a passion for education, he has always found a way to stay active in sharing his expertise in either the classroom or community. Ryan has lived and worked as an educator in six countries outside Canada and he is currently the Principal of St. Paul in Lethbridge.