CED and OCIF welcome new board members

May 31, 2024
Leadership New Economy Opportunity Calgary Investment Fund
CED SheaFriesen StephenAvenue 04 1920

Photo Credit: Shea Friesen

Calgary Economic Development (CED) and the Opportunity Calgary Investment Fund (OCIF) have announced new additions to their Board of Directors.  

“The depth of expertise and number of talented people on our boards is a testament to the work both organizations are doing and shows that Calgarians care deeply about building a stronger economy and creating shared prosperity for our city,” said Brad Parry, President and CEO, Calgary Economic Development and CEO, Opportunity Calgary Investment Fund. 

Joining CED’s board are: 

  • Jennifer Bue, Senior Vice President of Finance, WestJet Airlines 
  • James Clements, Executive Vice President Strategic Planning & Technology, CPKC 
  • Kelly Matheson-King, Co-Founder & Chief Operating Officer, BlueEarth Renewables 
  • Byron Neiles, Executive Advisor, Enbridge Inc.  

Departing CED’s board are: 

  • Dan Balaban, Co-Founder & Chief Executive Officer, Greengate Power Corporation 
  • Katherine Emberly, President & CEO, STARS   
  • Christine Gillespie, President and CEO, Gaia Global Advisors   
  • Vern Yu, President & CEO, AltaGas 

As the economic development agency for the City of Calgary, CED attracts, expands and retains companies, capital and talent for the city.  

Last year, CED created or retained more than 7,000 jobs and attracted more than $734 million in investment.  

“Calgary is where bright minds and big ideas come together to solve global challenges. I’m excited to have some of our city’s brightest business leaders on CED’s Board of Directors and I look forward to what’s possible with this team and the strategic guidance they will provide to position Calgary for long-term economic success,” said Joe Lougheed, Board Chair, Calgary Economic Development. 

Opportunity Calgary Investment Fund names Dan Balaban Board Chair

Moving the needle on economic diversification, the Opportunity Calgary Investment Fund (OCIF) finds, fuels and fosters opportunities with the highest potential benefit to Calgary’s economic future. 

On Friday, June 14, Dan Balaban was named Board Chair of OCIF to help guide these investment decisions, taking over from outgoing Board Chair, Michael Brown. 

Joining OCIF’s board are:  

  • Dan Balaban, Co-Founder & Chief Executive Officer, Greengate Power Corporation 
  • Guillaume Bédard, Managing Partner, Tangible Venture Partners 
  • Lisa Oldridge, Principal, Ozone Advisory Group Inc. 
  • Colleen Pound, Co-Founder & Chief Executive Officer, Proxure 
  • Brad Zumwalt, Chief Executive Officer, Zinc Ventures  

Departing OCIF’s board are: 

  • Michael Brown, President and CEO, Trico Residential 
  • Elizabeth Cannon, President Emerita, University of Calgary   

To date, OCIF investments have created and retained over 3,300 jobs and generated $878 million in economic activity — a 10 times return on funds committed. 

“It’s been an honour to serve on the OCIF board since its launch in 2018 and as Board Chair for the past two years. During this time, OCIF has made key investments that support innovation and helped build a diversified and resilient economy. I look forward to discovering what’s possible for Calgary in the coming years and the opportunities OCIF can create,” said Michael Brown, Board Chair, Opportunity Calgary Investment Fund. 

“Thank you to those departing the CED and OCIF boards for their service and making a lasting impact on our city. Congratulations to all the new board directors and thank you to everyone who expressed interest in joining our boards. I look forward to all we’re going to accomplish together,” said Parry.  

 

Read more about our impact in 2023 by accessing our Annual Reports for CED and OCIF

Meet the Calgary Economic Development and Opportunity Calgary Investment Fund Boards.  

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