After spending 30 years in the military living overseas and across Canada, Malcolm chose the Edmonton Metropolitan Region as the place where his children and grandchildren could achieve their full potential without having to move elsewhere. Formerly the CEO of the Edmonton Metropolitan Region Board, Malcolm joined the newly-formed Edmonton Global in 2018. He’s proud of the Region’s welcoming and inclusive community. It’s a Region where people can grow, enjoy and thrive.
Mustafa Sahin is a senior international business and economic development leader with 28 years of experience in trade and investment, sales, and marketing. Sought after for his investment and trade knowledge, Mustafa is a Canadian thought leader who attracts interest to Canada while also bringing Canadian brands to international markets.
“There must be a better way!” is Sarah’s motto for lifelong learning. As a proud Chinese Canadian calling The Edmonton Region home all her life, she can mix Mandarin, Cantonese, Vietnamese, and English all into one sentence. With 20+ years of leadership experience combined with a results–driven personality, she is known for her creative and collaborative approach to problem solving. She has successfully built her own business, helped 500+ businesses, mentored budding entrepreneurs, and supported many charities and not-for-profit organizations along the way. Outside of work, you may find her active in the outdoors, reading in a coffee shop, wining and dining with great friends, or trying something frighteningly new!
Bio coming soon!
Not everyone has trained with monks in China, earned a pilot’s license, or raised four chickens, but Jessica, an accountant at Edmonton Global, is not your typical person. With an efficient and forward-thinking mindset, she brings a unique perspective to her role. Jessica has a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Alberta, and has obtained her CPA, PMP, and PROSCI. She possesses excellent language skills in Mandarin and Cantonese and is currently learning Spanish. With her diverse skill set, efficiency-driven mindset, and exceptional background, Jessica significantly enhances the Edmonton Global team.
Growing up on a farm in southern Alberta, Lisa developed a strong connection to the land and community. Her journey took her to the Edmonton Metropolitan Region, where she pursued a degree at the University of Alberta and later completed an MBA. Lisa’s career in the non-profit and higher education sectors have created a significant impact on the Region. Some initiatives that she is especially proud of being involved in include the Brain Centre Campaign which brought a stroke ambulance and gamma knife to the University of Alberta Hospital. Through her Certified Fund-Raising Executive designation, Lisa continues to support charities and causes she is passionate about. Lisa finds joy in exploring the river valley and investing in her hobbies of rock and coin collecting. She also enjoys building Lego sets, drawing, enjoying the local comedy scene, and hosting a vintage motorcycle rally each June near Drumheller. She loves spending time with family and friends – and always makes room for pets to be involved.
Sheila is a lifelong resident of the Edmonton Region, where she is deeply passionate about her community and actively supports initiatives that celebrate its vibrant spirit. She cherishes the Region’s long summer evenings, breathtaking sunsets, and the magical northern lights that illuminate its skies.
Sheila has supported C-Suite Executives for over 15 years and collaborated with Boards of Directors for more than eight years in the not-for-profit sector. Her professionalism and commitment to excellence make her an invaluable asset in driving organizational success.
She also values quality time with her husband, children, and three beloved dogs. As a proud “Nonna,” she finds immense happiness in her grandson Noah, whose laughter and light bring boundless joy to her life.
With a long background in international business, Brent is a Mandarin speaker who has a wealth of experience ranging from supply chain and wine logistics, to corporate training and facilitation. A University of Alberta alumni and current Senate member, he loves to network and identify business opportunities both locally and abroad. In his free-time you will often find Brent swinging a hammer or working on anything with an engine – glass of vino in hand.
A born and raised Edmontonian, Robert has a deep love of his city and its people. You can find him running one of the many river valley trails with his dog Max or golfing at one of the local courses. With an education in BioChem, Robert has diverse in-depth experience and knowledge advising, overseeing, and growing companies internationally in the biotechnology, petrochemicals, and nutraceuticals industries. Along with a rich history in international travel, particularly overseeing European and South-East Asian markets, he’s brought new business opportunities and initiatives abroad, growing Canadian companies and establishing and maintaining partnerships—and he’s bilingual in English and French. His success in business comes not only from his technical knowledge and expertise but that he enjoys helping and seeing those around him succeed. Robert brings his skills in long-term relationship building, investment, international business development, and trade initiative enhancement to any table.
Brent has been leading clean energy initiatives within Alberta for over three decades. His knowledge of Alberta’s innovation ecosystem and experience in forging industry-government partnerships will help position the Edmonton Metropolitan Region as Canada’s preeminent net zero hydrogen hub. Brent runs, bikes, and skis on Edmonton’s extensive trail network in his free time.
A natural connector and collaborator, Angelica has spent the past 10 years working in the Edmonton Region’s non-profit and corporate sectors, connecting companies to opportunities that are uniquely suited to them. She prides herself on being able to connect with people on an individual level and on building long-term relationships. Originally from Brazil, Angelica studied at the University of Alberta, where she met her partner and decided to make the Edmonton Region home. In her free time, you will find Angelica enjoying all that the Region has to offer, accompanying her partner on business travel, and – her personal favourite – experiencing the world through the lens of her three-year-old daughter.
Josh’s passion for agriculture started at a young age, spending summers at his grandparents’ farm chasing cows and cutting hay. A Certified Crop Advisor, Josh has enjoyed a diverse career in agriculture, including roles in hybrid canola testing, retail agronomy, and product management at a leading agricultural manufacturer. Now serving as Edmonton Global’s Senior Manager, Business Development, Food & Agriculture, Josh brings his extensive experience to help drive the Region’s agricultural growth.
Although work has taken Josh across the country, he has called the Edmonton Region home ever since he began studying Political Science at the University of Alberta. In his spare time, you’ll likely find him visiting one of Edmonton’s many craft breweries—his favorites include Ale Architect and Bent Stick —or recreating one of his Nonna’s treasured recipes at home.
Mohamed, originally from Tamil Nadu in South India, came to Canada in 2021 to pursue a Master’s in Sustainable Energy and Climate Change at Carleton University. He also holds a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from Anna University in India and brings a strong technical background to the Edmonton Global team. Before his current role, he managed research projects at Brilliant Energy Institute and oversaw production at Carleton University’s ISEMA Journal. At Edmonton Global, Mohamed’s work lies with clean energy, particularly hydrogen, where he blends technical expertise with policy insights. Beyond work, Mohamed is a food enthusiast, a dedicated reader, an aquarist, and is actively involved with charitable work.
Franziska “Franzi,” was born and raised in Germany, but has always harboured a profound fascination for Canada. Her diverse background in tourism, sports, project management, and trade show organization has given her the opportunity to work in the Yukon, then Toronto, and now she finds herself in the Edmonton Region. As Edmonton Global’s Trade and Investment Coordinator, Franzi leverages her diverse skillset to support the work of the Trade and Investment team. Outside of work, Franzi thrives in participating in a wide range of outdoor activities, whether hiking, skiing, paddling, or biking, she seizes every opportunity for adventure. Franzi is proud to call the Edmonton Region home because of the boundless potential for both personal and professional development, coupled with its strong sense of community.
Amanpreet is a charismatic, driven self-starter with a passion to help organizations grow. Born and raised in Sherwood Park, Alberta, she was drawn to the business development world early as she watched her parents succeed in running their own businesses. After completing her BCom degree with a management major, she knew that she wanted to be a leader. When she’s not supporting Edmonton Global’s investment attraction activities, Amanpreet is pursuing her passions for reading, fashion, travelling, and trying any and every new restaurant or café in the Region.
Manisha has long had an interest in travelling and seeing the world and has called the Edmonton Region home for 14 years and counting. Her wanderlust steered her to study International Relations at the University of Calgary, which has since given her the opportunity to represent the province of Alberta around the world. Naturally collaborative, she is passionate about building networks and guiding people toward achieving a greater goal. Over the last decade, she has been instrumental in expanding Alberta’s role on the international stage and supporting local companies in seeing their export potential. As Edmonton Global’s Director of Trade, Manisha is excited to grow the already vibrant export ecosystem of the Edmonton Metropolitan Region. Outside of work, you can find Manisha with her family, enjoying a book, or planning her next adventure.
A life-long champion of the Edmonton Region, Jeff believes in the importance of evidence-based decisions that are founded on collaboration, transparency, humility and accuracy. He enjoys looking at maps and pondering the trade-offs between good information now and better information later. His diverse background includes international experience working with academia, private sector, not-for-profits and the public sector. When Jeff is not neck deep in some spreadsheet or research report you can find him exploring local art galleries and music venues – or stopping to smell the wildflowers in the North Saskatchewan river valley.
Almas was born and raised in Karachi, Pakistan and moved Canada in 2015. With a Master’s degree in Computer Science, Almas has more than 15 years of experience in higher education teaching and research. She is also a Microsoft certified Data Analyst and certified Professional SCRUM Master. Her problem solving and analytical skills enables her to tell stories through data and numbers. Almas is a family-oriented person who loves to spend time with her family and enjoys cooking food from different cuisines. Gardening and exploring Edmonton’s beautiful trails are her favourite past times in the summers.
Born and raised in the Edmonton Region and a proud MacEwan University Griffin Alumni, Victor played for the Men’s ice hockey team while studying Economics. Victor is driven by fact-based research and believes that the truth can always be found if one is diligent in its pursuit. Now, he is furthering his education and studying Political Economy. Victor has a passion for economics, but also enjoys reading classical economic literature on his spare time. In his time off, Victor is on the ice with his team, coaching minor hockey, or giving back to his community.
Avash recently graduated from the University of Alberta with a double major in Mathematics/Statistics and Psychology. Alongside his current role at Edmonton Global, he serves as the Vice President of a sports club, where he organizes national-level sports events. His organizational skills have previously shone through in arranging successful concerts, community events, sports tournaments, and political campaigns. Additionally, he runs kids’ soccer camps, engaging over 100 participants. A keen reader of non-fiction, Avash enjoys spending his free time with his labradoodle, Kobe. He is also a lifelong Chelsea fan.
Michelle has lived and worked in the Edmonton Region for over 25 years supporting new business opportunities, research and innovation. She is passionate about building connections between partner organizations, businesses, governments, academia, Indigenous communities, and Regional municipalities. She believes that if we do it together, it will be better! Away from the office, Michelle enjoys watching and participating in sports, travelling to new destinations, and spending time at the family cabin.
A proud Edmontonian, Ben believes the Edmonton Metropolitan Region is the best place for the economy of the future to be built. Born and raised in St. Albert, Ben attended the University of Alberta and upon graduation, worked in multiple capacities for elected officials at both the federal and provincial levels. Prior to joining Edmonton Global, he worked as a Policy Advisor in the Alberta Government for the Minister of Jobs, Economy, and Innovation, and he is excited to bring his experience to Edmonton Global to help develop and grow the Edmonton Region. When not at work, you can find Ben running in the river valley, hiking in the Alberta Rockies, or checking out the latest trendy restaurant in town.
Maria loves to create things from scratch and make them beautiful. She’s a master at finding efficiency and enjoys exploring new technology. Maria immigrated to Canada from the Philippines in 2010 when she first landed in Ontario. Since 2013 she’s called Edmonton her home. She recently received her diploma as an administrative professional. Maria enjoys spending her time volunteering at her church, honing her baking skills, hiking, exploring in nature and playing the ukulele.
A born storyteller, Sherri loves the thrill that comes from taking complex issues and translating them into simple messages that are easily understood. Having lived in and around Edmonton all her life, she’s excited to be able to use her love of the written word to promote the Edmonton Metropolitan Region. A true Edmontonian, Sherri lives for the summer months when you can often find her hitting up the various Edmonton festivals, camping with friends or hanging out in a park with her nose in a book.
Rajesh is an experienced B2B marketer who excels at solving complex business problems with straightforward solutions. As a Marketing Technologist at Edmonton Global, he is enthusiastic about engaging with tech-savvy consumers and creating impactful marketing campaigns. Outside of his professional life, Rajesh is a dedicated traveller who frequently embarks on cross-country road trips to discover hidden treasures.
Before joining Edmonton Global, Kessia regaled travellers with tales of the natural and cultural history of Jasper National Park as she navigated the waters of Maligne Lake as a boat captain. In 2020, she earned her Bachelor of Business Administration from NAIT. And during an obvious lull in the travel and tourism sector in 2021, she completed her Public Relations Diploma at MacEwan University, translating her love of storytelling into a career where she can share the successes of the Edmonton Region. An outdoor lover, you can find Kessia backcountry camping, snowboarding, hiking, or biking on weekends.
Alyssa is a recent graduate from the University of Alberta, having taken a Bachelor of Science in Biology. Her passion for science is complemented by her entrepreneurial spirit, fueling her desire to explore the intersection of these fields. Alongside her academic pursuits, Alyssa actively contributes to her community as a soccer coach in the Edmonton area, giving back from when she played competitive soccer for Sherwood Park Phoenix and MacEwan University. When she’s not on the field, Alyssa can be found showcasing her versatile talents as a server and bartender. Outside of work, Alyssa cherishes an active lifestyle and finds solace in running, singing, and reading books. She can also be found rocking the mic at any karaoke night in Edmonton or finding local breweries to try!
Christobelle, commonly referred to as Belle, is a recent graduate who was born and raised in Edmonton. Having completed her studies at the University of Alberta, Belle holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree, specializing in East Asian Business Studies with a minor in Marketing. It was during her time at the U of A that she discovered her love for the Japanese language, which was the catalyst for her aspiration to work abroad. Before joining the team at Edmonton Global, Belle worked as a Digital Consultant at the University of Alberta, where she assisted local businesses in the Edmonton Region to expand their online presence. Outside of work, Belle loves to stay active by going to the gym, experimenting with cooking foods from different cultures, and spending quality time with friends and family.
Freshly graduated from the University of Alberta, Amanda holds a Bachelor of Arts in English with minors Sociology and Classics. She spent much of her university experience working with the student journalism society and developing her skills as a writer. A lover of literature and film alike, she spends her free-time immersing herself in captivating stories, either with her nose in a book or curled up on the couch with her cat named Peanut, watching movies. She also enjoys long summer walks through the lush Edmonton river valley, playing cozy video games, and baking.
Hector is always looking for ways to give back to his community. Coming with experience in international cooperation and intergovernmental relations, he’s a master at bringing people together. Hector previously worked as an advisor for the German Agency for International Cooperation and as a Policy Analyst for both the City of Edmonton and Sturgeon County. Holding a bachelor’s degree in Human Geography and Political Science from the University of Alberta, Hector is passionate about the future of the Edmonton Metropolitan Region. In his free time, he contributes to the community by leading the Edmonton Hub of Global Shapers, an initiative of the World Economic Forum. Outside of work, Hector enjoys exploring the Region’s culinary scene. You can often find him relaxing with a latte at a local coffee shop while immersed in a good book.
Kristen is a native of central Alberta that loves Edmonton’s vibrant culture and tight-knit community. Originally from Stettler, Kristen came to Edmonton to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Human Ecology at the University of Alberta. Prior to joining Edmonton Global, she worked in the non-profit sector, specifically in charitable organizations, and her most recent role was serving as the Interim Executive Director of the Realtors Community Foundation. Throughout her career, she has excelled in public relations, stakeholder engagement, non-profit leadership, and communications, leveraging her expertise to drive meaningful change. Kristen’s love for Edmonton extends beyond her career aspirations, as she adores the city’s stunning river valley, where she seeks out new outdoor spaces to immerse herself in. In her free time, Kristen loves finding good deals at thrift stores, visiting local farmer’s markets, and spending time with family.
Enzo is a partner and former managing partner of Bennett Jones LLP, a top-tier national and international law firm and co-head of Bennett Jones’ Government Affairs and Public Policy group. He has extensive experience in commercial electrical power and gas transactions, mergers, and acquisitions with a focus on transactions in the pharmaceutical sector, forestry purchase and sale transactions, major commercial leases, and major commercial and financing transactions. He also acts on airport management and operations transactions and related joint ventures.
Frank Mannarino, P.Eng., MBA, ICD.D is the Senior Vice President, Water Services with EPCOR Utilities where he responsible for the operation of the integrated water cycle in Edmonton, including water production and distribution, and wastewater collection and treatment. Before this position, Frank held other executive positions in EPCOR, including Senior Vice-President of Corporate Services, where he was responsible for the Human Resources, Information Services, Health, Safety & Environment functions, along with the Energy Services business providing billing, energy procurement and customer care. Prior to this role, Frank was Senior Vice-President of Electricity Operations, responsible for power distribution and transmission in Edmonton. Before joining EPCOR in 2010, Frank held a number of senior roles in business and operations at Shell Canada. He holds a BSc in Chemical Engineering and an MBA, both from the University of Alberta. Frank is also currently Chair of the Board of Directors of the Telus World of Science Edmonton.
Sharilee is currently the Chief Operating Officer of Dialog Design in Edmonton Alberta, and an active board director. In addition to the advisory board of Annelida, she serves on the board of Alberta Enterprise Corporation, Alberta Safety Codes Council, and Pilgrims Hospice, and until recently Farm Credit Canada, Alberta Jubilee Society Auditoria, and as Chair of the TELUS World of Science Edmonton. Sharilee has a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Alberta, a Master of Business Administration, a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) designation, and is a graduate of the Institute of Corporate Directors (ICD.D). Sharilee Fossum is a versatile leader drawn to building organizations, driving innovation, and leading teams through change to enhance performance culture. She has been privileged to lead in profit and non-profit organizations across a variety of industries. An experienced executive in operations, corporate services, and finance, Sharilee has held CEO, COO, and CFO roles.
Paul is the past President & CEO of the Clark Builders Group of Companies – a commercial, industrial, and institutional builder operating throughout Western and Northern Canada. Paul’s respect for his colleagues, visionary leadership and industry knowledge combine to provide clients, trades, and employees foundation for sharing in a great experience. Presently, Paul participates on several advisory board’s bringing his expertise and market knowledge to these private companies.
Sheetal has 20 years of international experience in VC and technology; she created the VC strategy for Bill Gates at Microsoft globally and served as Deal Maker for the UK Government’s Global Entrepreneur Programme. She facilitated fundraising of 1 billion GBP for over 900 companies. In 2020- 2021 Sheetal was appointed as Chief Strategy Officer, Ministry for Jobs, Economy and Innovation in Alberta. Most recently, she was appointed Senior Advisor to the President of the University of Alberta to focus on spin-outs, access to smart capital, and innovation.
William (Billy) Morin Nahtokitopi (Sacred Rider) was elected as the youngest Chief in Enoch Cree Nation’s modern history in 2015, and served three consecutive terms leading one of Alberta’s most progressive indigenous communities. During his tenure, Morin honored the original spirit and intent of Treaty Six by working with all levels of government, private sector, and international investment to build a more a prosperous Enoch, Edmonton and Alberta. Morin championed Reconcili-Action by creating unprecedented new business partnerships in commercial development, infrastructure, gaming, carbon capture, municipal relations, health care, gas and utilities major infrastructure development for Enoch, and local First Nations – projects that required over $750 million in total investment for Enoch alone. He was appointed Grand Chief of the 17 First Nations of the Confederacy of Treaty Six for the year 2020; a position responsible to be the leading voice for the nearly 80,000 First Nations people in the Region. He has most recently served as Special Advisor to Alberta Premier Danielle Smith for Indigenous Relations; and is Managing Director for Axxcleus Capital Corporation, a financial firm dedicated to facilitating Indigenous ownership in large economic projects across Canada.
Tanis is the Vice President and General Manager at Direct Energy – one of Alberta’s largest natural gas and electricity retailers. She is a member of NRG’s Home Leadership Team and is a Direct Energy Marketing Limited Board Director & Officer. In addition to over 20 years of experience in retail energy, Tanis has held senior roles in operations, sales, product development, strategy and enterprise project management with TELUS, EPCOR and ADC Telecom – Systems Software Division.
Tim Hofstra is the owner of Hofstra Farms, a family-operated 1,900-acre dairy and cattle farm located in Leduc County. He currently serves as President of the Board of Directors of Agrifoods International, a 100% Canadian-owned cooperative. For the past eight years he has served on the Edmonton International Airport (YEG) Board of Directors. Formerly, Tim has served as Vice President of Alberta Milk, and is a past Director and Executive member of Semex Alliance, a Canadian-based international organization that develops and distributes high-quality genetic technologies to over 80 countries around the world.
Annette Trimbee is the sixth president and Vice chancellor of MacEwan University. Mrs. Trimbee had a rewarding career with the Government of Alberta that allowed her to develop deep expertise in a broad range of systems—water, energy & environment, health, higher education & innovation, and finance. She sees MacEwan as an integral part of the social and economic landscape of Edmonton and Alberta, and the city streets as rivers and outlets that not only bring 20,000 people to learn and work at the university every day, but also serve as a conduit back to the community, taking big ideas and solutions to real issues into the world.
Jeffrey R. Gossain, P.Eng., ICD.D is an accomplished executive. He served as the President and Chief Operating Officer of Atlas Global Brands Inc. (CSE: ATL), propelling the life sciences company to extraordinary success. As a founding partner and board member since 2015, he led Atlas through a merger and public listing, transforming it into a multinational powerhouse with 250+ employees and $40M+ annual revenues. With a decade of experience in construction and asset management, including eight years at Graham Construction and Engineering Inc., he oversaw assets worth $300M+ across North America. Jeffrey also has a passion for entrepreneurship and has co-founded and led technology startups in the health, fitness, and smart home space since 2010.
Rachel Smith serves as the Vice President and General Manager of Air Products Canada Ltd. With 20 years’ experience in Canada’s energy sector, Mrs. Smith has driven significant growth in the hydrogen business across both California and Canada. This includes the Net-Zero Hydrogen Energy Complex under construction in the Edmonton Region, which will be transformative for developing the Hydrogen economy in Canada. Rachel is dedicated to helping the hydrogen economy develop in a safe, reliable, and sustainable manner across Canada, creating a cleaner energy future.
Heather Stewart is the President of BBE Supply Chain Co. a business focused on traditional and digital methods of product sales and freight forwarding. Heather enjoys investing in logistics technology and building digital next steps for the business as it continues to evolve. She finds enjoyment in participating in the entrepreneurial community and supporting young Supply Chain students through mentorship. Heather holds a business undergraduate degree from Mount Royal University and an Executive MBA from Queen’s University.
