April 18, 2024 (Edmonton Metropolitan Region) – The Edmonton Global shareholders group is pleased to announce the appointment of Annette Trimbee, Jeffrey Gossain, Rachel Smith, and Tim Hofstra, to its board of directors. These appointments were announced during the Edmonton Global AGM where Mayor Simon Boersma of Morinville was re-elected as the Shareholder Chair and Mayor Bill Daneluik,of Beaumont was selected as the Vice-Chair. Enzo Barichello was also re-appointed as the Board Chair.
Dr. Annette Trimbee is the sixth president and Vice chancellor of MacEwan University. Dr. 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., CMC, 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 an international organization exporting to 8 countries, 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, Ms. 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 help the hydrogen economy develop in a safe, reliable, and sustainable manner across Canada, creating a cleaner energy future.
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.
“We’re excited to welcome these new members to our Board of Directors. All four of these individuals represent extensive business expertise related to economic development. Having this caliber of leadership on the Edmonton Global Board is essential for maximizing Edmonton Global’s impact and achieving results. In today’s interconnected world, diverse perspectives are essential for unlocking big ideas and transformational opportunities. When we look at issues like food security, energy transition and securing our position within the global supply chain – we need to work together to be effective.” – Mayor Simon Boersma, Morinville
“We’re excited to welcome these new members to our Board of Directors. All four of these individuals represent extensive business expertise related to economic development. Having this caliber of leadership on the Edmonton Global Board is essential for maximizing Edmonton Global’s impact and achieving results. In today’s interconnected world, diverse perspectives are essential for unlocking big ideas and transformational opportunities. When we look at issues like food security, energy transition and securing our position within the global supply chain – we need to work together to be effective.”
– Mayor Simon Boersma, Morinville
“The four new oncoming board members have impressive experience as business leaders from diverse sectors and will add great value to Edmonton Global’s Board as we continue to serve the region. The purpose of Edmonton Global is to radically transform and grow the economy of the Edmonton Metropolitan Region and I look forward to serving alongside all new and returning Edmonton Global Board members.” – Enzo Barichello, Board Chair, Edmonton Global
“The four new oncoming board members have impressive experience as business leaders from diverse sectors and will add great value to Edmonton Global’s Board as we continue to serve the region. The purpose of Edmonton Global is to radically transform and grow the economy of the Edmonton Metropolitan Region and I look forward to serving alongside all new and returning Edmonton Global Board members.”
– Enzo Barichello, Board Chair, Edmonton Global
“I am very pleased to join Edmonton Global’s board of directors,” said Dr. Trimbee. “Like MacEwan, they serve as a catalyst for growth and a brighter future for the Edmonton region. I look forward to contributing to Edmonton Global and its ongoing work to tell our compelling, collective story to the world.” – Dr. Annette Trimbee, President & Vice Chancellor, MacEwan University
“I am very pleased to join Edmonton Global’s board of directors,” said Dr. Trimbee. “Like MacEwan, they serve as a catalyst for growth and a brighter future for the Edmonton region. I look forward to contributing to Edmonton Global and its ongoing work to tell our compelling, collective story to the world.”
– Dr. Annette Trimbee, President & Vice Chancellor, MacEwan University
“I am thrilled at the prospect of leveraging my extensive experience in international trade and business development to further elevate the Edmonton region’s reputation as a prime global investment destination. By capitalizing on what I know the Edmonton region is capable of, we can firmly position it as the top choice for investors and industry leaders worldwide.” – Jeffrey R. Gossain, former President and COO, Atlas Global Brands
“I am thrilled at the prospect of leveraging my extensive experience in international trade and business development to further elevate the Edmonton region’s reputation as a prime global investment destination. By capitalizing on what I know the Edmonton region is capable of, we can firmly position it as the top choice for investors and industry leaders worldwide.”
– Jeffrey R. Gossain, former President and COO, Atlas Global Brands
“I’m honoured to join the Edmonton Global board and collaborate with such respected leaders to propel the region’s incredible growth,” said Mr. Hofstra. “I’m particularly passionate about advocating for the Edmonton region’s diverse agricultural sector. We have not yet scratched the surface of potential for our food and agricultural sector and I’m excited to support the work to promote these opportunities on a global stage.” – Tim Hofstra, Owner, Hofstra Farms
“I’m honoured to join the Edmonton Global board and collaborate with such respected leaders to propel the region’s incredible growth,” said Mr. Hofstra. “I’m particularly passionate about advocating for the Edmonton region’s diverse agricultural sector. We have not yet scratched the surface of potential for our food and agricultural sector and I’m excited to support the work to promote these opportunities on a global stage.”
– Tim Hofstra, Owner, Hofstra Farms
“I welcome the opportunity to contribute to Edmonton Global’s governance at such an exciting time in our region’s history. My company is one of many making significant investments in the region to build the economy and the city of the future. Edmonton Global is a central player in the economic development ecosystem, supporting and furthering the current momentum.” – Rachel Smith, Vice President and General Manager, Air Products Canada
“I welcome the opportunity to contribute to Edmonton Global’s governance at such an exciting time in our region’s history. My company is one of many making significant investments in the region to build the economy and the city of the future. Edmonton Global is a central player in the economic development ecosystem, supporting and furthering the current momentum.”
– Rachel Smith, Vice President and General Manager, Air Products Canada
About Edmonton Global:
The purpose of Edmonton Global is to radically transform and grow the economy of the Edmonton Metropolitan Region. We are a not-for-profit corporation founded by 14 municipalities that make up the Edmonton Metropolitan Region. Our focus is attracting foreign investment, helping regional businesses export with the world, enhancing our region’s global competitiveness, and bringing our region together with a unified voice to attract the attention and interest of investors the world over.
Media Contact
Sherri Bouslama
Manager, Brand Strategy & Communications
sbouslama@edmontonglobal.ca
780-996-1524