University of Calgary Senators

Syed is an Executive Director at Emissions Reduction Alberta, where he oversees IT, human resources, governance, legal, contracting, project management, and data management. He brings more than two decades of public energy-sector leadership, including roles with the Canada Energy Regulator, Alberta Energy Regulator, and Natural Resources Canada. Syed holds a Master’s in Management from Harvard University, a Master’s in Economics from the University of Calgary, and a Bachelor’s in Economics from Queen’s University.

Richard is a project manager with over 37 years of practical experience in reservoir engineering, simulation, Enhanced Oil Recovery and thermal projects. He holds both 2 Bachelor’s degrees and a Masters degree in Petroleum Engineering from the University of Calgary. In addition to authoring and co-authoring 60+ technical papers, he has been Adjunct Professor at the University of Calgary and sat on the Faculty of Engineering Advisory Board. He helped development the 4^th year Design Capstone courses for the University of Calgary.

Morgan is the Founder and Managing Partner of Morgan Campbell Executive Search. He brings nearly 25 years of national and international executive search experience to his clients. He has previously been a Partner in both Canadian and large global firms. Morgan has managed executive level search assignments across a broad spectrum of industries in both the private and public sectors. He has been a leader in over 350 executive assignments and nearly 100 board appointments. Over 50% of these assignments have been in the public / NFP sectors.

Genevieve Carr is a senior executive with the federal public service, and works at the interface of the environment, Indigenous rights and reconciliation, and natural resource development. A biologist by training, Genevieve values university education and holds a PhD (University of Ottawa), an MSc (University of Alberta), and a BSc (McGill University).  Genevieve also volunteers on the Board of Directors of Interwoven Connections, an organization that provides education, advocacy, and community to the tapestry of families connected by adoption, kinship and customary care relationships.

After graduating from the University of Calgary with a BA in Political Science, Anette worked briefly in publishing and lived abroad before returning to Calgary and embracing a career in human resources, primarily in the growing tech industry.

Ali is a manager at a leading Canadian financial institution, with experience in senior leadership roles across business strategy, corporate development, and financial services. He has led national initiatives and contributed to complex, high-impact projects supporting organizational growth and long-term planning. Ali brings a strong foundation in business strategy, capital markets and governance. He is passionate about mentorship and lifelong learning, and is committed to contributing to the University of Calgary community.

Chief Lee Crowchild, former Chief of Tsuut’ina Nation (2016–2019), retained the hereditary title of “Chief” and ran for National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations in 2021. He is recognized for helping introduce the TAZA development and strengthening government relations, working with all levels of government to tear down the invisible fences that kept both sides apart and distrustful of "The Other." Chief Crowchild has travelled the world, sharing insights on identity, relationships and the environment. A Tom Longboat Award winner, he works alongside UCalgary to champion Indigenous and Community Relations.

Karli Crowshoe is a Blackfoot business leader, National Indigenous Relations Leader at EY, Cultural Elder, entrepreneur, and strategic advisor dedicated to advancing reconciliation through Indigenous leadership, governance, and partnership. She works at the intersection of Indigenous knowledge systems, corporate strategy, academia, and community, helping organizations build respectful, reciprocal relationships that create lasting social, cultural, and economic impact. She is passionate about creating opportunities where Indigenous communities, organizations, and institutions can thrive together through shared purpose, innovation, and respect.

Dr. Sandra Davidson, appointed Provost effective July 1, 2024, has held pivotal roles at the University of Calgary, including Dean of the Faculty of Nursing from 2018 to 2024 and Deputy Provost from 2021 to 2023. Her distinguished career spans diverse academic and healthcare environments, encompassing private for-profit, public not-for-profit, and various public universities. Dr. Davidson is renowned for her entrepreneurial acumen and creative innovation across these sectors.

Born and raised in Calgary, Jeff Davison is best known for his skill at bringing people together, finding common ground, and building policies and programs that work for everyone. Jeff is currently Chief Executive Officer of the Prostate Cancer Centre, an innovative model for medical access and wrap-around clinical care for individuals with prostate and other urological cancer in Alberta. 

Eryn Dewald is a leadership coach and senior advisor with Alberta Health Services. She brings over 20 years of experience in nonprofit leadership and public service, supporting leaders and teams through change with a focus on equity, compassion, and collaboration. Eryn is passionate about creating spaces where people feel seen, valued, and inspired to contribute. She is a proud mom of four, GG to two grandkids she adores, and partner to Travis. Her work, and her life, are grounded in purpose, connection, and community.

Patti is a distinguished business leader, has leveraged her MBA and extensive business experience to make significant contributions to Calgary's art and design community. She currently sits on the management advisory committee for Haskayne Business School and has served on the Board of Calgary Arts Development for six years. Her dedication to the arts extends to her involvement in various local arts and culture committees, reflecting her passion for fostering a vibrant community. 

As part of his passion to give back to the profession and community at large, Mr. Dullat dedicate his volunteer time as an experienced Coach/preceptor for individuals preparing for various leadership roles, precept University level students nationally and internationally and provide his services to “The Pharmacy Examining Board of Canada”.

Hong (May) Han, a 3-time Government of Alberta Award for continuous 3 years including a Queen Elizabeth Platinum Jubilee Medal Recipient (nominated directly by the Premier), has always been a strong advocate for equity, diversity, inclusion & reconciliation in the community, with strong voices for women, children, and youth, people of colour, people with disabilities, especially since the pandemic.

Kate currently serves as the Vice-President, External Relations at the University of Calgary. She joined the university in Fall 2019, initially serving as the Chief of Staff to the President, and then as the Associate Vice-President, Strategy & Performance before moving into her current role. Prior to joining the university, Kate worked for the Government of Alberta, as the Chief of Staff to Deputy Ministers at Executive Council and the Ministry of Health. She currently serves on the WinSport Board of Directors and the McMahon Stadium Society Board of Directors. 

With an extensive 16-year background in the education sector, Crystal stands out as a dedicated and passionate Program Specialist overseeing the Master of Science in Sustainable Energy Development program at the University of Calgary. As one of the two senators representing AUPE, she plays a crucial role in advocating for the university community.

Dr. Nick Holt is the Dean of the Faculty of Kinesiology at the University of Calgary. As Dean, Nick oversees the Kinesiology academic program along with four business units: Active Living, Dinos Athletics, Sport Medicine Centre, and Olympic Oval. He also remains an active scholar, whose research focuses on youth development through sport. Nick was a youth soccer coach for many years. He is now a keen and slow trail runner and cyclist, and a big Dinos fan.

Rachel Hughes is a two-time graduate of the University of Calgary, holding a Bachelor of Commerce and a Master of Business Administration. She brings diverse experience in corporate strategy, human resources, and management consulting. Passionate about strengthening communities, Rachel serves on the boards of local and national non-profit organizations and actively mentors UCalgary students. She is dedicated to supporting student success and advancing the university’s connection with the broader community. Rachel is proud to give back to the university that has shaped her journey.

Saqib Jalil is a CPA, CA, with over 20 years of experience, primarily in the Oil & Gas sector. He has worked for E&Y Canada and Enbridge Inc. and is currently working as Manager, Coastal GasLink, Finance, TC Energy. He has delivered lectures at The University of Calgary and serves as a Senator at the University of Calgary. Saqib is also a member of the Awards Review Committee, CPA Alberta and member of the Audit and Finance Committee at Wood’s Homes. 

Marie Jurcevic is an experienced sustainability leader with a deep commitment to equity, community development, and civic engagement. She brings over 15 years of experience advancing sustainability strategy, stakeholder engagement, and responsible energy development through senior roles at leading oil and gas companies. Marie serves on the board of Canadian Business for Social Responsibility and co-founded Diversity in Sustainability, a nonprofit working to increase diversity, equity, and inclusion in the sustainability field. She holds an MSc in Sustainability from the University of Bath and a BA in Sociology from the University of Calgary.

Doug is an engineer and environmental professional with over 25 years of industry experience in the upstream oil, gas, bitumen, and mining sectors. Doug values mentorship, making connections and trying to seek consensus on energy development. He is currently a Senior Industrial Engineer at the Alberta Energy Regulator managing environmental approvals for oil sands and coal mines in Alberta. He volunteers as a mentor with the BMO Mentorship Program at Haskayne and the SEDV Mentorship Program at the School of Public Policy.

Dr. Catherine Laing, BPE, RN, PhD, is Dean of the Faculty of Nursing at the University of Calgary. A four-time UCalgary alumna and registered nurse since 1998, she has more than 25 years of experience in pediatric oncology nursing across clinical, educational, administrative, and academic roles. Her research focuses on pediatric oncology, health-care innovation, and nursing education, specifically alternative admission approaches. Dr. Laing is committed to advancing nursing excellence through leadership, collaboration, equity, and transformative approaches to health-care education and practice.

Courtney is a seasoned, industry agnostic customer experience professional. She has scaled customer support teams from the ground up including operating procedures, knowledge bases, training, quality assurance and systems. She currently manages facets of customer experience analytics as well as customer retention programming and communications at Direct Energy Canada. She is an avid volunteer leader with UCalgary, having been heavily involved in student leadership when studying at the university and now via years of service as an alumnus including being elected Vice Chair of the UCalgary Alumni Association Board of Directors.

The University of Calgary welcomed Dr. Sheila LeBlanc as the Director of Continuing Education in July 2015. In early 2022, Sheila became Associate Vice-President (Continuing Education). Sheila brings a wealth of both academic and industry experience to the Continuing Education team and has a self-proclaimed passion for both teaching and lifelong learning.

Jennifer currently serves as the President of the Alberta College of Occupational Therapists (ACOT) Board of Directors. She holds a Bachelor of Science and Masters of Science in Occupational Therapy from the University of Alberta, and an MBA from Queen's University. 

Kate is a proud Calgarian and graduate of the University of Calgary. She has been active for over twenty five years in the Public, Private and Non For Profit sectors within the Human Resources realm. Her most recent Committee experience was with the Federal Judicial Advisory Committee, where assessing and recommending candidates for the Judiciary in Alberta was the mandate.

Nidhi Lodha completed her medical degree in India with a specialization in Ophthalmology. Since 2013, she has been actively involved in a community organization named RANA Calgary currently serving as President. She has helped raise funds for various health and education-related initiatives in Calgary and India. At UCalgary, she mentors students and has started a Hindu lunch initiative where participants discuss the relevance of religion in daily life over lunch which aims to support students experiencing food insecurity and homesickness, particularly international students.

Tracey Martin is the Chief Executive Officer of the Kids Cancer Care Foundation of Alberta, leading an inclusive model that champions life-saving research and wrap-around programs and services for young people and families facing childhood cancer. Best known for her cross-sector leadership, she excels at multi-sector collaboration and driving social innovation. She is deeply committed to working alongside with others to co-design transformative, community-led solutions that address society’s most pressing challenges.

Teri McKinnon is a relationship builder and leader with experience at UCalgary, Bow Valley College, Olds College, BASF Canada, and the Calgary Stampede Board. She has advanced national health strategies, rural workforce development, apparel technology, and customer experience. A Canadian Leaders at Sea alumna, she founded Ship to Shore, an inquiry-based program connecting students with the Royal Canadian Navy to explore navigation, globalization, and innovation.

With over 30 years of public affairs and business expertise, Duane has worked in a breadth of industries encompassing real estate, energy, the environment, technology, and education. Recently Duane had been the Administrator-CEO and Principal Advisor to the Chair for the regulatory body governing Alberta Real Estate.

Abdu Negmeldin is a fourth year Computer Science student concentrating in Information Security who currently serves as the Students’ Union Vice President Internal. He previously served as a Faculty of Science representative, which gave him the opportunity to sit on Faculty committees and meet regularly with his Faculty’s Associate Deans to further push for his goals. Something he’s proud of is conducting a survey that received 7.5% engagement from undergraduate Science students and getting a fourth seat for SU Science representatives within his Faculty’s Council. 

Victor is a Master of Laws (LL.M) student at the University of Calgary, and his research is centred on strengthening Alberta’s cybersecurity laws to protect health information rights of patients in the province. He is qualified to practice law in Nigeria, where he worked as a part of one of the most prestigious law firms in the West African region. He is an Honourable N.D McDermid scholar and has demonstrated interest in community engagement.

Emmanuel Owusu is a senior leader with experience working in academia and in the field of Human Rights, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. In his current role, Emmanuel is part of the senior leadership of an independent government organization that has a mandate of reducing discrimination in Alberta. Currently, Emmanuel serves as the co-chair of the City of Calgary's Anti-Racism Action Committee where he leads a group of community experts to support the City's efforts to make Calgary an anti-racist city.

William O’Yeung is a Chartered Professional Accountant with an MBA from Nova Southeastern University in addition to his UCalgary degree. During his thirty-year career at Shell Canada, he held various positions including accounting, planning, project management and leadership roles. He is currently the Vice-President/Vice-Chair of the UCalgary Alumni Association as well as the Co-Founder and Director of Escape with STEM, a non-profit organization inspiring Indigenous youths to learn more about STEM.

Amanjot holds a Master's degree in English from Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar & has worked in roles varying from Banking to Media industries. Currently, he works as Director Operations for Canada's Shadow Minister of Finance. He is also a recipient of Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal for his continued service to the province of Alberta. 

Sanjiv Parmar, KC, is a born-and-raised Calgarian. He holds a Bachelor of Arts with a Minor in Management and Society, a Bachelor of Commerce, and a Juris Doctor from the University of Calgary. Called to the Alberta Bar in 2011, he was appointed King’s Counsel in 2024. Sanjiv is the founder of Parmar Law, established in 2016, where he provides legal, mediation, and arbitration services. He also holds designations as a Registered Family Mediator, Certified Collaborative Family Mediator Standard, and Qualified Arbitrator.

Victoria Person is a strategic communications leader with over 20 years of experience in the energy, homebuilding, and government sectors. A proud Calgarian and UCalgary alumna, Victoria is also an active volunteer and board member in the city’s recreation and sports communities.

Honourable Josephine Pon is a distinguished business and community leader with over two decades of experience spanning banking, government, and the non-profit sector. A former Alberta Minister of Seniors and Housing and MLA for Calgary-Beddington, she brings a wealth of public policy expertise and a deep commitment to civic engagement to her role as Senator. Josephine holds a Master of Science in Management from the University of Liverpool, UK.  She is passionate about student success and institutional innovation, dedicated to fostering collaborative partnerships that advance the University of Calgary’s mission and enrich the broader community.

David Price was born and raised in Calgary and attended the University of Calgary to study Political Science. He was offered early acceptance into law school and graduated from the University of Western Ontario with a Juris Doctor (with distinction). David is a partner at Bennett Jones, practicing labour and employment law. He represents employers on a range of issues relating to labour and employment standards compliance, employment agreements, workplace policies, discipline and grievances, termination practices and procedures, corporate transactions and restructuring, restrictive covenants, human rights matters, privacy issues, collective bargaining, and employment-related litigation.

Dr. Jeffrey Priest, PhD, is a Professor (Geotechnical) within the Dept of Civil Engineering within the Schulich School of Engineering. He is the Associate Dean, Graduate Studies and MEng within the school. Since his arrival at the University of Calgary, he has also collaborated with colleagues in Geoscience and Physics to improve our understanding of hydraulic fracturing of shale reservoir rocks and their link to induced seismicity.

Satish R Raj MD MSCI is a heart rhythm cardiologist After moving back to Calgary in 2014, he founded the Calgary Autonomic Investigation & Management Clinic. He is currently the Director of Education at the Libin Cardiovascular Institute and Professor of Cardiac Sciences at the University of Calgary’s Cumming School of Medicine. He currently serves on the General Faculties Council and the GFC Executive Council. He runs an active Human Autonomic Physiology research program. His primary research interests relate to understanding and better treating postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS), vasovagal syncope, and orthostatic hypotension.

Ali is a Lead Admission Advisor and Community Liaison Coordinator at Columbia College. He supports more than 300 students annually in achieving their academic and career goals and oversees the entire admission process. In addition, Ali plays a crucial role in connecting the organization with its community and stakeholders. He is a recipient of the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal and an Alberta Premier’s Advisory Council member.

Carmelina has worked in roles across Canada and most recently was based in The Hague leading various initiatives for Shell’s global capital projects. She is interested in sharing her skills and experience with Corporate boards and is currently on the boards of ABC Life Literacy, Prosper Canada and World Heart Caregivers. She was on the CPA Energy Advisory Board and recently served as VIP Liaison Officer to the Energy Minister for Romania at the World Petroleum Congress. 

Chantal is an experienced leader in the nonprofit and public service sectors, driving positive social change and promoting inclusive communities.  Her career and volunteerism span a wide range of areas including housing and homeless, gender-based violence, mental health and addictions, and neurodiversity supports.  She is known for bringing compassion and curiosity to complex challenges facing the community.  One of the most rewarding aspects of her career is the opportunities to mentor new leaders and community change makers. 

Mahad Rzain is a fourth year Law and Society undergraduate student at the University of Calgary. He prides himself on his positivity and enthusiastic to learn attitude. He is grateful to serve every day as the Vice President External of the Students’ Union. He previously served as a Faculty of Arts Representative. Elsewhere on campus, he also previously served as the Vice President External of the Muslim Students’ Association and is a member of the Scholars Academy. Mahad is eager to serve the community. 

Brad Salmon has a background in veterinary assistance, addictions and community service work. Originally from London, Ontario, he moved to western Canada in 2012, initially working in Banff before joining the University of Calgary in 2015. Brad is passionate about continuous self-improvement and empowering others, always striving to help people reach their full potential and succeed alongside him.

Harpinder Sidhu is an immigrant from Punjab, India who decided to move to Canada for a better life several years ago. Always there to help those who are in need and have extensive insurance experience. Having a professional degree in B.Tech (Electronics and Instrumentation) from Punjab Technical University and obtained CHS designation from Advocis. His dreams came to fruition when he stepped into the Insurance sector.

Nathan is interested in helping others better understand their respiratory health. With a focus in pulmonary diagnostics, he is involved in the assessment of lung function, as well as the management of conditions such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). He is a believer that discussion does not end at treatment itself, but rather continues with questions and education.

Linda is a seasoned executive and corporate director who has spent over 30 years living, working and volunteering in Calgary, in a variety of industries including consumer packaged goods, technology, education & telecommunications. Her leadership roles span finance, product management, marketing, sales & supply chain; most recently as Senior Vice President, Finance, at Shaw/Rogers Communications.

Ophelia has a curiosity for preventive and holistic health. As a UCalgary student pursuing her Bachelor of Science in Motor and Psychosocial Aspects of Movement with a minor in Psychology, she is also a researcher with the Cumming School of Medicine. Through her work as a student advocate, mentor, and avid volunteer, she champions the idea that all individuals have the potential to succeed in society and flourish in their own physical well-being.

Dave Verkh, MD, MBA, is Founder and CEO of Vitalis Health Strategies, a physician-led consulting firm serving medical, dental and veterinary practices across Canada through the full lifecycle of a practice, from clinic build and pre-opening through operations, growth, financial performance and managed IT. An alum of the Haskayne School of Business Executive MBA program, he draws on his clinical background and business training to help practice owners scale sustainably. Dave serves as National Director and Medical Advisory Committee Chair at Canadian Magen David Adom.

Cynthia Watson is Chief Evolution Officer of the charity Vivo for Healthier Generations Society. She brings perspectives from the spectrum of healthcare, health promotion and chronic disease prevention, grassroots to Olympian-level sport, and community wellbeing, recreation and active living. She is dedicated to championing diverse communities of belonging to have their voices in leadership roles.

Keely is a UCalgary alum, with strong ties to the Dinos Women’s Rugby program. She spends her days connecting people with the information they are seeking through her role in The City of Calgary’s Chief Administration’s Office, and her evenings on the rugby pitch coaching her kiddos.

Timothy is a Federal Crown Prosecutor with the Public Prosecution Service of Canada. He also serves as a reserve naval officer with the Cadet Instructor Cadre Branch of the Canadian Armed Forces. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in History and a Juris Doctor degree from the University of Calgary. He also holds a Master of Laws from the University of Toronto. Timothy is a proud alumnus of the University of Calgary. During law school, he volunteered extensively with Student Legal Assistance and later completed his articles of clerkship there.

Mark is the Lead, External Affairs & Policy at PETRONAS Canada where he focuses on energy and climate policy, regulatory affairs, and government relations across the natural gas and LNG sectors. Based in Calgary, he brings experience from senior roles across federal and provincial regulatory and policy institutions. A University of Calgary alumnus, Mark is passionate about advancing student opportunity, strengthening community connections, and supporting the university’s role in shaping Canada’s energy future.

Mohamud has called Calgary home for almost 45 years. During that time, he has worked in a wide variety of technical and leadership roles in the oil and gas industry with Cenovus Energy and its predecessor companies. He has a Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering from the University of Alberta and is registered as a Professional Engineer and has his Project Management Professional (PMP) designation. Mohamud is very passionate about community and voluntary service and has also served in voluntary and leadership capacity for over 30 years in various faith based and non-profit organizations locally, nationally and internationally. 

Passionate about education and supporting young community leaders, Jessica is the Director, Awards Program at Calgary Foundation. A proud UCalgary alumna with a Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Arts, she has served as a member of the Faculty of Science Alumni Advisory Council and University of Calgary Alumni Association Board. Through years of involvement in charitable and volunteer work, she is dedicated to bringing people together, creating and strengthening communities that inspire and empower individuals to make a difference collectively.