The Advisory Panel on Metro Edmonton’s Future consists of 12 Panel members representing a variety of sectors including: business, industry, academia, public policy, social and not-for-profit agencies, arts and culture, and agriculture.
Don Lowry
Chair
After 16 years as President & CEO of EPCOR Utilities, Don Lowry stepped down in 2013 to focus on corporate board and advisory work and to devout more time to local community boards and associations. During Don’s time with EPCOR he led the growth of the Edmonton based utility into a North American power and water company. In 2009 Don initiated the spin-off of EPCOR’s power generation business into one of Canada’s largest investor-owned generation companies, Capital Power Corporation.
Current Board Work:
- Non-executive Chair, Capital Power Corporation
- Non-executive Chair, Canadian Oil Sands
- Director, Stantec
- Director, Melcor REIT
- Director, Hydrogenics Corporation
- Chair, 2014-2015 Edmonton Organizing Committee for the ITU World Triathlon
Carman McNary
Vice-Chair
Carman McNary is the Managing Partner of the Edmonton office of Dentons Canada LLP, and has practiced law in Edmonton since 1982. His practice focuses on strategic level planning for tax, tax litigation and corporate transactions and structures, working with Boards and Executive teams to develop structures and transactional solutions to complex cross-border investment growth. Carman has served in the community in many previous roles, notably as Chair of the Edmonton Chamber of Commerce, Governor of the Canadian Tax Institute and Member of the Capital Region Economic Roadmap Task Force. Carman also served as an officer in the Canadian Armed Forces, Naval Reserve, from 1975-2008, retiring at the rank of Captain (Navy).
Current Board Work:
- Chair, Alberta Chambers of Commerce
- Director (and Past Chair), Edmonton Community Foundation
- Member, End Poverty Edmonton Task Force
Andrew Ross
Panelist
Andrew Ross currently serves as Executive Vice President, Northern Operations, for Clark Builders. As a result of his dynamic leadership style, Andrew has fuelled impressive growth for Clark Builders where he leads a team of more than 600, and is accountable for more than $500M in revenue. His commitment to people, quality, innovation, and enduring relationships ensures operational excellence and sustainability for the future. Andrew is a proud Albertan driven to achieve long term success for the community, he commits his time, energy and skills to several non-profit boards and committees.
Current Board Work:
- Director, Telus World of Science – Edmonton
- Director, Edmonton Construction Association
- Chair – Young Builders Group
- EEDC – Downtown Vibrancy Task Force
Liz O’Neill
Panelist
For over 30 years, Liz O'Neill has devoted her life to serving children and youth. She began her career at the Department of Secretary of State in youth policy and programming and then became the Field Director of Youth Services for the Ontario Youth Secretariat. Liz is currently the executive director of Boys and Girls Clubs Big Brothers Big Sisters Society of Edmonton & Area. She started in 1979, serving 50 children; today, this organization, after several mergers, has more than 3,000 volunteers and serves more than 5,000 children. As a driving force in Edmonton’s charitable sector, Liz has demonstrated savvy business acumen, sound values, and inspirational leadership.
Current Board Work:
- Co-Chair, Alberta Mentoring Partnership
- Edmonton Community Foundation Board
- BBBS of Canada National Vision and Strategy Committee
Paul Whittaker
Panelist
Paul Whittaker was appointed President and CEO of the Alberta Forest Products Association in 2014 and assumed the additional duties of Chair of the Alberta Softwood Lumber Trade Council in 2015. Previously, Paul was with the Government of Alberta for 31 years serving in a range of senior posts, including in Alberta Health, Alberta Federal and Intergovernmental Affairs, Deputy Minister of Alberta Municipal Affairs, President of the Alberta Social Housing Corporation and working on Aboriginal and constitutional issues.
Current Board Work:
- Strathcona County Library Board
Phyllis Clark
Panelist
After completing her Doctoral Candidacy in Economics at the University of Michigan, Phyllis Clark served as Assistant Deputy Minister of Ontario’s Management Board Secretariat and, between 1991 and 1992, was the province’s Chief Economist and Assistant Deputy Minister of Finance. She then transferred her skills to higher education and joined York University as Vice President of Finance and Administration. IN 2002, Phyllis returned to Alberta for her current role as Vice President, Finance and Administration, and Chief Financial Officer at the University of Alberta.
Current Board Work:
- Chair, Audit and Finance Committee of the Board of Directors of the Bank of Canada
- Chair, Edmonton Symphony and Concert Hall Foundation
- Edmonton Airport Advisory Board
Reg Milley
Panelist
Reg Milley recently retired from Edmonton Airports where he was President and CEO since 2005. Throughout his time with Edmonton Airports, Reg had a positive impact, not just on the airport, but in the community and region as well. Thanks to his vision and leadership, the Edmonton area has a world-class airport with 15 more non-stop destinations, 50 per cent more terminal space, and double the number of shops and services. Prior to joining Edmonton Airports, Reg was President of Halifax International Airport, a position he held since 2001. Before that, he was a Vice President and Lead Officer with Husky Energy Inc. headquartered in Calgary.
Current Board Work:
- Habitat for Humanity
- Edmonton Symphony Society
- Concordia University Board of Governors
- Di-Corp Advisory Board
- Hudson Group Advisory Board
Stanford Blade
Panelist
Dr. Stanford Blade was born in Alberta and raised on a dairy and grain farm. He received his Bachelor of Science from the University of Alberta, Masters of Science from the University of Saskatchewan and Doctorate from McGill University. Stanford is currently the Dean of the Faculty of Agricultural, Life and Environmental Sciences at the University of Alberta. The Faculty is focused on teaching, research and community service in its departments and schools. Stanford was also the founding CEO of the Alberta Innovates Bio Solutions Corporation – a provincial government agency that leads and coordinates science and innovation to grow prosperity in Alberta’s agriculture, food and forestry sectors.
Current Board Work:
- Vice-Chair, Board of Trustees of the African Agricultural Technology Foundation
- Canada International Food Security Research Fund
Brad Stelfox
Panelist
Dr. Brad Stelfox established the ALCES Group in 1995. The ALCES Group is a collection of landscape planners and resource analysts whose mission is to be a world leader in the delivery of land-use cumulative effects simulation modeling tools, strategic land-use planning advice and the provision of practical strategies to assist governments, businesses and society make balanced, informed decisions. During the past decade, the ALCES Group has completed approximately 40 large land use cumulative effects projects in Canada, Paraguay, United States, India and Australia. Brad is also an adjunct professor at the Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta and Department of Environmental Design, University of Calgary.
Tim Reid
Panelist
Tim Reid is currently President and CEO of Northlands. Leading one of Edmonton’s oldest institutions through a period of evolution is no easy task, but Tim injects an entrepreneurial spirit back into an organization that was created by visionaries nearly 137 years ago. Joining the team in September 2014, He came to Northlands with unparalleled experience in revolutionizing entertainment and recreation facilities across Canada. Throughout his time at Northlands, Tim has been instrumental in pushing the organization into a new era where positive staff culture, long-term planning and people are paramount to its success.
Linda Hughes
Panelist
Linda Hughes has been a leading figure in Canadian media for over 20 years and continues to be one of Canada’s most influential communicators and advocates for education. She served as the 19th Chancellor of the University of Alberta and Chair of the Senate. Prior to that, she had an extensive career in journalism. In 1992 she was named Publisher and President of the Edmonton Journal – the first woman in Canada to hold the position of publisher of a major newspaper. Deeply committed to her community, Linda is a founding member of the NorQuest College Foundation and former Chair of the Board of the United Way of the Alberta Capital Region.
Current Board Work:
- Edmonton Homeless Commission
- Edmonton Community Foundation
- Royal Alexandra Hospital Foundation
Salima Ebrahim
Panelist
Salima Ebrahim is the Executive Director of the Banff Forum, a national public policy organization whose mission is to reinvigorate public debate in Canada and to find ways to strengthen our country through engaging young leaders from diverse backgrounds and industry sectors. Prior to working with the Banff Forum, Salima was a management consultant with the world’s largest professional services firm, where she led teams focusing on developing strategies for governments in the Middle East and North America. She also worked with the City of Calgary and the Government of Canada and was a fellow with the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights.
Current Board Work:
- Inspirit Foundation
- Literacy Without Borders
- Startup Edmonton Founders 50
