Alberta Innovates
Abbott, Jodi
Dr. Jodi Abbott is the President and CEO of the University Hospital Foundation. Dr. Abbott was President and CEO of NorQuest College for ten years and former Senior Vice President, Quality Performance Improvement with Alberta Health Services. Dr. Abbott is also former Chair of the Edmonton Metropolitan Region Board and an inaugural Chair of the Edmonton’s Health City. Dr. Abbott has a PhD in Education Psychology from the University of Alberta.
Fernandez, Robert
Robert Fernandez is President of Mansbach Advisory Group. Mr. Fernandez served as Director of Economic Diversification for Parkland County and Vice President of Business Development and Marketing for Stuart Olson Inc. Robert Fernandez began his career with Siemens AG in Europe prior to joining Government of Alberta in senior roles with Alberta Economic Development Authority and Oil Sands Secretariat with Alberta Treasury Board. Robert Fernandez holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration and executive education credentials from Duke University and the University of Alberta.
Keirstead, James
James Keirstead is the CEO of Levven Electronics, leading the development and execution of long-term corporate strategies, focusing on making intelligent buildings accessible to all. James Keirstead serves on the steering committee of the Edmonton Regional Innovation Network and has chaired the boards of Alberta Women Entrepreneurs and Entrepreneurs’ Organization. James Keirstead studied Arts at the University of Alberta and Management Studies at Grant MacEwan University.
Solis, Rhea
Rhea Solis is a Partner in the Business Law Group of the Calgary office of Miller Thomson LLP. Rhea Solis advises clients on corporate and commercial matters with a focus on mergers and acquisitions, private equity, and corporate finance. Rhea Solis sits on the volunteer Board of Calgary Rangers Soccer Club & Sports Association as its Executive Director. Rhea Solis holds an MBA from the Ivey Business School at Western University and a Juris Doctor from the University of Calgary.
Browning, Carissa
Carissa Browning is an indigenous lawyer practicing corporate commercial law for energy, power, renewable and tech companies in Alberta and British Columbia. Carissa Browning is Chair, Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee and Sustainability Committee Member at Eldorado Gold Corporation (NYSE and TSX listed public company). Carissa Browning formerly served on the boards of Women + Power, Energy Efficiency Alberta, TAMA Transmission and Circle for Aboriginal Relations (CFAR).
Riopel, Janet
Janet Riopel is the CEO of TREYL Communications that manages complex multi-stakeholder projects. Past roles in development industry, Edmonton Chamber of Commerce, Katz Group, CAREERS, EPCOR, Port Alberta. Janet Riopel has ICD.D designation and strong commitment to board excellence. Janet Riopel sits on board of MELCOR. Past board roles include Invest Alberta, Oilers Community Foundation, MacEwan, NAIT, Compassion House, United Way. Honoured with Queen’s Platinum and Golden Jubilee Medals, Alberta’s 50 Most Influential People, Woman of Vision. Member of International Women’s Forum.