EDMONTON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE - Key Persons
Edmonton has been Adam's forever-home, which makes sense why the River Valley is one of his favourite spots to keep active while running and enjoying his spare time with his family and friends. He also enjoys playing hockey, doing yoga and taking advantage of Edmonton's active festival scene.
A typical day at the Chamber for Adam is spent connecting with local businesses, working with them to understand their needs and goals, and putting together partnerships that will help them meet their goals. He loves working closely with businesses to help amplify their brands through activations and providing value sponsors as well as the business community who take advantage of the wide range of events at the Chamber!
Originally from St. Paul, Alex studied at MacEwan University, completing the Design program and choosing to stay in Edmonton. Alex enjoys the city's vibrant music and restaurant scene year-round, while never missing an opportunity to jet out to the mountains for a quick getaway to enjoy a hike or two.
When Alex isn't photographing the gorgeous backdrops of Alberta in his spare time, he's busy at the Chamber bringing together the ideas and visions of the team through his designs, focused on a positive user experience at every turn. From brainstorming brand strategy, creating campaign visuals, shooting and editing videos and everything in between Alex is one of our inventive creators on the team!
Job Titles:
- Director, Strategy and External Relations Expand
Job Titles:
- Director, Member Services Expand
Originally from Tanzania, Amin has lived in Karachi and Toronto prior to moving to Edmonton. Edmonton is an easy place to love, but amongst the things that stand out are the people, the festivals (especially those that include food) and the diversity. Amin's spare time is typically spent with his family and on landscaping projects around the house. Other passions of Amin's include cooking and the opportunity to hear a great witty joke or story.
A typical day at the Chamber is filled with engagement with the business community. Having the opportunity to help share a success story, a milestone, the launch of a new product or service or a community initiative is an incredibly rewarding part of the work that goes on. Amin's experience in building relationships and a collaborative team keeps him motivated every day.
Job Titles:
- Managing Principal, Vice President, Business Development / Kasian Architecture Interior Design and Planning Ltd.
Job Titles:
- Policy and Research Analyst
As an Edmontonian, Cadence loves the rich history found in our city. A few of her favourite highlights are the North Saskatchewan River especially when she gets the opportunity to enjoy local festivals going on, taking photos of scenic hikes while she's spending time with her family and volunteering with local history organizations in the heart of the city.
Cadence leads the policy and advocacy department, which means she's in contact with an extensive range of stakeholders as she researches and summarizes key findings through policy committees and direct communication with business owners and political figures. Cadence is always keeping up to date on the latest developments within policy structures and is a key resource for the Chamber and its members!
Job Titles:
- Chief Customer Officer and Head of AltaML Invent
Job Titles:
- Member / McLennan Ross LLP
Job Titles:
- Advocacy and Outreach Communications Lead Expand
Deanna lived across central Alberta before settling into downtown Edmonton to enjoy the delectable food scene, renowned festivals, and gorgeous River Valley views.
With experience in communications and public engagement ranging from three Alberta ministries-Culture and Tourism, Transportation, and Health-she's been focused on public affairs from the get-go. This extensive experience allows Deanna to excel in writing public-facing policy-related articles as well providing key research findings on current and emerging trends, and even potential issues industries may face. Aside from her professional communications background, she is also a military veteran, an enthusiastic volunteer for local international sports events, and is excited to be part of the Chamber's continuing evolution.
Job Titles:
- Chairman / Principal, ALTURA Legal Advisory
Job Titles:
- Chairman / Edmonton Region Immigrant Employment Council
After moving to the city from the Maritimes, Emma is always on the go while keeping busy with DIY projects around the house, travelling whenever possible and enjoying a delicious meal at one of many Edmonton restaurants popping up.
As an event professional, Emma is quick on her feet and always prepared to ensure an event is seamlessly brought to life. Her organizational skills and critical thinking allow her to execute Chamber events ranging from political luncheons, Mayor's State of the City, Chamber Ball and many more signature events!
Job Titles:
- Secretary - Treasurer / CEO, DynaLIFE Medical Labs
Job Titles:
- CEO
- President
- President & CEO Expand
Jeff has had the unique opportunity to work internationally throughout his career. He has successfully represented Alberta's policy, trade, investment, and reputational interests across Europe as Alberta's senior diplomat appointed to Canada's High Commission in London. He has worked and maintains deep relationships in Middle East, North Africa, Asia, the United States and across Europe.
As a dedicated advocate for economic development and investment attraction, Jeff has a passion for connecting with the diverse Edmonton business community while representing those included to highlight and promote investment to the Edmonton Region.
In his (rare) time, you will find Jeffrey catching Oilers games, enjoying the outstanding food scene our city has to offer, hitting the slopes for as many ski trips the year allows for, and traveling abroad with his family whenever he has the chance! Whether it's on or off the clock, Jeffrey is always connecting with members of the community.
Job Titles:
- Member Services Representative Expand
Joanne is well-travelled and always looking forward to her next adventure. A few of her favourite hobbies include reading, meditating, golfing and enjoying the Alberta Ballet whenever she has a chance!
With an infectiously energetic personality, Joanne loves connecting with people and has always been fulfilled in her work when she is able to help others succeed. She loves spending her days meeting and talking with new and future members and navigating how she can best help businesses in our city succeed. If you see Joanne at a future event, say hello - you'll be happy you did!
Job Titles:
- Managing Partner / Gallo LLP
Katie loves to get outside and enjoy the unique River Valley views, as well as the ice skating over at the Victoria IceWay Skating Trail during the winter. If she's not outside, you can find her playing video games and building puzzles in her spare time.
As a NAIT Alumni and 10 years of experience in the hospitality industry, Katie has extensive knowledge from working in catering, restaurants, breweries, hotels, hospitals, and conference facilities. This unique experience allows her to excel at operating the Conference centre Facility in the World Trade Centre. Plus, if you need a new recommendation on the latest wine or beer - she's the expert!
Job Titles:
- Marketing and Communications Lead Expand
Kristen grew up playing competitive soccer and travelling across Alberta before ending up in Edmonton full time. As a proud NAIT Alumni, she's worked for a local digital marketing agency, national brand and now takes on the marketing and communications for the Chamber alongside her team.
Executing marketing campaigns and sharing compelling stories of our diverse and inspiring business community is Kristen's favourite highlight of her role. In her spare time, you can find her somewhere on a summertime patio, bowling a few games with her husband or discovering a new trail while walking her Golden Retriever!
Job Titles:
- Manager, Governance and Administration Expand
Lisa grew up in rural Alberta and quickly realized Edmonton had stolen her heart after moving to the city to attend post-secondary school. She and her family love that they can enjoy the big city-feel, while still appreciating the small-town community that this city has to offer. During the winter, Lisa's title is Hockey Mom. You'll find her cheering on each of her kids during their games, with a cup of steeped tea in hand.
When she's not at the rink or taking advantage of the bike and walking paths of the River Valley, you can find her tending to a gorgeous garden or thinking of the next cheesy joke she can share with the Chamber Team. At the Chamber, Lisa is the backbone to the Executive Office, and keeps busy overseeing the activities of the Board of Directors while helping the team stay organized. She thrives on the busy schedules is always up for a challenge. Seeing firsthand and understanding the impact a successful business community has on the heartbeat of a city gives her immense pride in her role and contributions she has with the Chamber.
Job Titles:
- Member Services Coordinator Expand
Born and raised in Edmonton, Maryam loves to get out and enjoy the intricate festival scene, specifically Heritage Days! You'll find her taking in this annual summer celebration while enjoying music, dancing, and food from diverse cultures of our city.
She specializes and spends most of her day completing member engagements, offering advice and maintaining relationships with our members.
Job Titles:
- Member / MacEwan University
Job Titles:
- Member Services Representative Expand
Job Titles:
- Vice President, Projects and Construction
Job Titles:
- Member Relations Coordinator Expand
One of Nicole's favourite things about Edmonton is the big city amenities with the small-town feel. Moving from Ontario to Alberta has really amplified the reality that attending any event in the city of Edmonton really becomes an opportunity to share a connection with other individuals of the community. And when it comes to making connections, Nicole loves the chance to learn and engage with members in her community. She enjoys hearing the individual experiences from business owners and understanding the ‘why' and ‘how' behind their story.
When she's not busy in the community making connections, Nicole loves to spend her time travelling (mostly to Europe), cooking, doing puzzles and watching TV shows with popcorn and a glass of wine.
Job Titles:
- Member / Navigator Limited
Job Titles:
- Vice - Chair
- Chief Operating Officer / Workforce Delivery Inc.
Job Titles:
- Export Program Coordinator Expand
Sarah was born and raised an Edmontonian, starting her career off in administrative support before entering the events industry. Her role with the Chamber expanded into preparing our Trade Accelerator Program (TAP) participants during their export journey. Sarah has a wide range of skills, including her tech-savvy ability to confidently run any virtual event the Chamber puts on with ease.
In her spare time, Sarah enjoys a smooth latte, a good book, and spending time with her two dogs, Arlo and Kelly.
Job Titles:
- Director, Marketing and Communications Expand
Originally from Neath, Wales, before calling Edmonton home, Scott has roots in the city with his family, where they enjoy an active summer lifestyle. You'll find Scott exploring various biking and hiking trails with his son whenever sunshine is in the forecast.
Scott started his career in graphic design, integrating various creative art direction roles along the way. His interest in creating beautiful campaigns that speak to an audience and drive results is a passion he brings to the Chamber team. His creativity, paired with his interpersonal skills, enable him to easily connect with people and find a way to story tell in new and interesting ways. Scott oversees the Marketing and Communications, Events, and Sponsorship teams where he brings together brand with excellent guest experience. He remains fully caffeinated throughout the day, with a cup of coffee in hand at all times.
Job Titles:
- Export Program Manager Expand
Shelly's passions include innovation, international trade and working collaboratively with stakeholders to enhance small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) competitiveness in entering global markets. Shelly has previously led numerous trade missions to the United States and Europe for Alberta and Canadian companies to explore international business opportunities. As a University of Alberta Alumni, equipped with two degrees in-hand (and with an MBA in progress), she is supporting our Trade Accelerator Program (TAP) to prepare and launch SMEs into new global markets.
In her free time, you will find Shelly traveling (whenever possible), checking out new local restaurants, playing with her scruffy dog Scooter, and on the volleyball court around the city.
Job Titles:
- Chairman / Insurance Bureau of Canada
Job Titles:
- Member / Global Public Affairs