Members

Terms of Office: August 15, 2022 - August 14, 2025 (Second Term)
Board Chair

Carolyn is a director, executive and community leader. She brings expertise in strategic leadership, governance, finance and risk management to her leadership role on the board. She currently serves on the boards of Capital Power and Doane Grant Thornton. She retired from Canadian Western Bank in 2022 as Senior Executive Vice-President, having served as Chief Financial Officer and Chief Risk Officer. Carolyn received her Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) designation in 1989 and was elected a fellow of CPA Alberta in 2011.

She is active in the community, contributing her time and expertise to several boards, including the Edmonton Symphony and Concert Hall Foundation and the Institute of Corporate Directors – Edmonton chapter executive. She is the co-founder of Edmonton Women in Finance.

Carolyn was a public member of the MacEwan Board of Governors from 2011 to 2017. During her previous tenure on the board, she made many valuable contributions to university operations, leading the Audit Committee of the Board and overseeing enhancements in the university’s audit and financial processes.

Terms of Office: Started August 1, 2020 (First Term)
President and Vice-Chancellor

Dr. Trimbee comes to MacEwan University after serving six years as the President of the University of Winnipeg (UWinnipeg). During her time at the UWinnipeg, Dr. Trimbee demonstrated a strong commitment to the institution’s academic mission and to engaging with the entire university community.

Dr. Trimbee holds a PhD (ecology) from McMaster University, a MSc (botany) from the University of Manitoba and was a postdoctoral fellow (zoology) at the University of Alberta (UAlberta). Dr. Trimbee has long-standing ties to Edmonton. In addition to her time as a postdoctoral student at UAlberta, she spent nearly 30 years in the city building a distinguished career with the Government of Alberta. During this period, she held a number of senior leadership positions, including appointments as deputy minister with Advanced Education and Technology, the Treasury Board and Finance, and Service Alberta.

Terms of Office: Started July 1, 2021 (First Term)
Chancellor

Dr. Anthony Fields is the inaugural Chancellor of MacEwan University. Born and raised in Barbados, Dr. Fields emigrated to Canada after studying natural sciences at the University of Cambridge. He graduated from the University of Alberta’s Faculty of Medicine in 1974 and completed his postgraduate training in internal medicine and medical oncology at the University of Toronto.

Dr. Fields has had a long and distinguished career in medicine as a physician, teacher, researcher and administrator. Most recently, he was a professor of oncology at the University of Alberta and vice-president of cancer care for Alberta Health Services before retiring in 2011.

Over the years, Dr. Fields has held many provincial and national voluntary and professional roles and has been recognized with several awards for his extensive work. In Alberta’s centennial year, he was named one of Alberta’s 100 Physicians of the Century, and in 2012, he was appointed a Member of the Order of Canada.

Terms of Office: July 01, 2023 – June 30, 2026 (First Term)
Academic Staff Member

Rafat Alam was born in Khulna, Bangladesh, and holds undergraduate and graduate degrees in Economics from the University of Dhaka, Bangladesh. He completed his MA at the University of British Columbia and PhD at the University of Ottawa. His PhD thesis was on trade and its impact on the conservation of biodiversity. Rafat started as a policy analyst in Environment Canada and moved to MacEwan University in 2006. Rafat is currently an assistant professor and discipline coordinator at the Economics Program. He is engaged in undergraduate instruction in the areas of microeconomics, development economics, environmental economics, contemporary Canadian economic issues and cost-benefit analysis. He runs and supervises the Economics work placement program. He is involved in university committees and faculty governance. He served the Faculty Association Negotiating Committee for three terms, was a member of Academic Governance Council for 6 years, AGC Vice Chair for one year, served the university committees on the creation of ‘new faculty governance structure’ and ‘rank and title’ at MacEwan.

Terms of Office: May 1, 2024 – April 30, 2025 (Second Term)
Student Member

Gabriel is a student leader who is currently serving as the President of SAMU and as a student member of the MacEwan Board of Governors. As a Bachelor of Arts student, Gabriel has been actively involved in the campus community since his first year, serving as the President of the Investment Club and founding President of the Chess Fellowship. As a student representative on the Board, Gabriel strives to bring a valuable perspective on all decisions, from implementing the university’s strategic plan to plans for tuition and fees. Gabriel is committed to advocating for issues such as affordability for students, building an engaged campus community, and ensuring comprehensive student supports. Gabriel recognizes the importance of serving the student body and bringing student voices to the forefront and is honored to have the opportunity to do so as a member of the MacEwan community.

Terms of Office: June 6, 2024 - June 5, 2027 (First Term)
Public Member

Terms of Office: April 22, 2023 - April 21, 2026 (Second Term)
Public Member

Linda is the former President and Founder of Banister Research and Consulting. She has practiced as a management consultant with a specialization in research for almost thirty years. She holds a Master of Public administration and business Administration degree and a Bachelor of commerce degree from the University of Alberta, and also has her ICD.D designation from the Institute of Corporate Directors. She is a National Credentialed Evaluator, Fellow of the Canadian Evaluation Society, Fellow of the Canadian Association of Management Consultants, Certified Market Research Professional and Certified Management Consultant.

Terms of Office: May 1, 2024 - April 30, 2025 (First Term)
Non-Academic Staff Member

Tim is the MacEwan Staff Association (MSA) representative member of the MacEwan Board of Governors. Tim graduated from MacEwan in 2016 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English. As a student he was involved with the campus community and also served as president of the English Students’ Club. Tim has been working in the Office of the University Registrar since 2017, starting in Information and Registration, Scheduling, and finally, Financial Aid, working primarily with scholarships, awards, and bursaries. As the MSA representative, Tim is committed to presenting the diverse concerns and perspectives of the MSA and its membership to the board. His time as a student and staff member has helped him develop a deep appreciation and understanding for MacEwan and its staff.

Terms of Office: October 30, 2022 – October 29, 2025 (First Term)
Public Member

Born and raised in Edmonton, Alberta, Victor Cui is the former President and CEO of the Edmonton Elks Football Club. Victor rose to prominence with mixed martial arts promotion ONE Championship and has served in a variety of roles with ONE, beginning as a co-founder and the company’s first CEO in 2010. Victor went on to become ONE’s CEO International and led multiple areas of the company’s global business and also served as CEO of ONE Elite Agency, managing some of the world’s biggest MMA athletes and celebrities. Over his decade-plus run with ONE, Victor played a central role in growing the company to become Asia’s largest sports media property, with broadcasts to more than 150 countries. With Victor’s leadership and vision, the company held a total valuation of more than $1 billion (USD). Victor is a graduate of the University of Alberta where he served as Students’ Union Vice President Internal while studying political science. Victor is also a proud member of the Canadian Filipino community and an active member of the Edmonton community. He serves as a mentor for the University of Alberta’s ThresholdImpact Mentoring Service (VMS), helping develop Alberta’s next generation of entrepreneurs through guidance and support. Victor also serves as a board member for the Parkinson’s Association of Alberta.

Terms of Office: August 4, 2022 – June 30, 2025 (Second Term)
Academic Staff Member

Dr. Lucio Gelmini is a member of the Faculty of Arts and Science at MacEwan University, where he is an Associate Professor in the Department of Physical Sciences (Chemistry). Lucio received his PhD from The University of Windsor in 1988, specializing in the preparation and reactivity of organometallic catalysts. During his tenure at MacEwan, he has been an active proponent of bicameral governance, serving on all the various forms of the Academic Governance Council (vice chair for one year). Lucio has been Chair of the Chemistry department (6 years). He has been on several community boards, including the local section of the Chemical Institute of Canada (Chair), Edmonton Science Outreach Network (Chair) and the Alberta Science Network (Chair). He is dedicated to science literacy and outreach (helped establish the MacEwan Roadshow) and has performed science demos to over 200,000 students over the last 20 years.

Terms of Office: August 15, 2022 – August 14, 2025 (Second Term)
Public Member

Adam is a MacEwan alumnus (BA Transfer, 2006) and a graduate of the University of Alberta (BA, Economics). He is the general manager of Antrim Industries, a general contracting and manufacturing company that serves construction and oil and gas companies. Under his innovative leadership, Antrim maintained its success and profitability through an economic downturn in Alberta by diversifying contracts and services, mitigating job loss through increasing product offerings, and employing careful financial management.

As a MacEwan student, Adam served as the president of the Students’ Association on MacEwan University (SAMU) during the 2005/06 academic year. He initiated a number of programs and plans that still benefit students today, including the U-Pass and a fund toward the SAMU building. He currently serves on the boards of the Beaumont Credit Union and the Edmonton Petroleum Club.

Terms of Office: August 15, 2022 – August 14, 2025 (First Term)
Public Member

Sandra Haskins received her Bachelor of Business Administration, Accounting and Finance, and holds designations as a Chartered Professional Accountant and a Certified Management Accountant. As the Senior Vice-President, Finance and Chief Financial Officer of Capital Power Corporation, Sandra leads all of Capital Power’s finance functions including Treasury, Financial Reporting, Financial Planning and Analysis, Tax, and Investor Relations. She is also responsible for Enterprise Risk Management processes and the Corporate Insurance program. Sandra is also accountable for the Capital Power Finance Development and Accreditation Program, which recruits accounting graduates and provides work experience and study support for a Chartered Professional Accountant designation. Sandra also has a connection to the larger community serving seven years as a Board member and as Finance and Audit Committee Chair for the Citadel Theatre.

Terms of Office: June 6, 2024 – June 5, 2027 (Second Term)
Public Member

Mr. Reg Joseph has served as the CEO of Health City since February 2018 with a focus on “economic development health innovation.” Reg is no stranger to the health ecosystem and brings a wealth of expertise in both the biomedical sciences and business development. He served as the Vice President of the Health portfolio at Alberta Innovates, led the provincial strategy for health innovation and drove industry and non-profit collaborations with the Province. Reg has 20 years of experience spanning the biotechnology and high technology sectors. He currently serves as Chair of the Board of BioTalent Canada, sits on BioAlberta’s policy committee, and serves as President of the Board for the Seniors Association of Greater Edmonton (SAGE). Reg has a B.Sc. in Physiology and an MBA in Finance.

Terms of Office: July 15, 2023 – July 14, 2026 (Second Term)
Alumni Member

Scott studied in the Arts and Science Transfer program at MacEwan and is a Distinguished Alumni Award recipient. He completed a Bachelor of Science, Master of Arts and MBA from University of Alberta. Recently retired, Scott continues to be involved in corporate governance roles. He currently sits as the Senior Vice-Chair of the Alberta Motor Association Board of Governors, the Chair of Bridgewater Bank and a Director of AMA Insurance Services Corporation. Scott has served as a Chair, Vice-Chair and Director of several Government of Alberta public agencies/crown corporations and community organizations.

Terms of Office: June 6, 2024 - June 5, 2027 (First Term)
Public Member

Martin leads the Communications & Public Engagement teams for EPCOR, an Edmonton-headquartered utility that delivers clean water and safe, reliable energy to customers in seven states and provinces. A veteran of agency, corporate and public-sector environments, Martin is an accomplished leader across the full range of communication disciplines and an innovator in the fields of public consultation, reputation management and public policy. He has served for two decades in the senior management of EPCOR and Capital Power, and as a senior official in the Government of Alberta, where he led the Public Affairs Bureau.

Martin holds an MBA with Distinction, is a Fellow of the Royal Canadian Geographical Society and has taught the capstone course in the University of Alberta’s MBA program. He has served as Board Chair for the Edmonton Downtown Business Association, Edmonton Heritage Council and Edmonton Historical Board. His other community involvement has included service on the Alberta Premier’s Council on Culture, Alberta Results Based Budgeting Challenge Panels, Sled Island Music Festival board and a University of Alberta Board of Governors Committee.

Terms of Office: May 1, 2024 - April 30, 2025 (First Term)
Student Member

Joseph is a dedicated student leader currently serving as the Vice President of Governance & Finance for SAMU and as a student representative on the MacEwan Board of Governors. As a student pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in philosophy and psychology, Joseph has been deeply involved in campus life by volunteering as a MacEwan Tour Guide, Ambassador and First Year Mentor. He was also a founding member of the Chess Fellowship and served as an elected member of Students’ Council. In his role on the Board of Governors, Joseph brings a valuable student perspective to support the implementation of MacEwan’s strategic plan especially with tuition and fees. Eager to address student challenges such as affordability and mental health, Joseph strives to create a vibrant and inclusive campus community. Joseph views his position on the Board as a valuable opportunity to represent and amplify the voices of his fellow students of MacEwan University.

Terms of Office: June 28, 2023 - June 27, 2026 (Second Term)
Public Member

Julian Martin taught the history of science and medicine at the University of Alberta for nearly 20 years. He trained at the University of Cambridge and was a Fellow of the Royal Historical Society. While at the University of Alberta, he chaired the University's Library Committee, and several long-range development and facility planning committees. Between 2008 and 2014, he was Director of the federal Cabinet Ministers' Regional Office for Northern Alberta. He has served on various public boards, for example, as a member of the Alberta Surface Rights Board and the Land Compensation Board, the Board of Governors of the Royal Military College St. Jean, and the Boards of MindFuel (formerly Science Alberta Foundation) and Early Music Alberta.

Terms of Office: June 28, 2023 – June 27, 2026 (First Term)
Public Member

Cynthia Onyegbula is a Public Health executive with 20+ years’ experience and is currently working for Indigenous Services Canada as the of Director Jordan’s Principle. She is also a Public Health independent consultant with Cynkon, Inc. Cynthia has experience in strategic planning, budgeting, forecasting, health policy, health promotion, and project management. She has strong experience in strategic change, business strategy, change management, change communication strategies, training strategies and competency frameworks. Cynthia has over fifteen years of experience working with the Leadership of Treaty 6, 7 and 8 First Nation communities across Alberta to deliver public health programs. Cynthia is a pragmatic, tough, but fair leader who has mentored multiple teams to attain high performance leading to recognition in the Canadian public service and participation in the Senior Management talent development program.

Terms of Office: July 15, 2023 – July 14, 2026 (Second Term)
Alumni Member

An accomplished executive, Tracy Sopkow brings over two decades of experience in organizational growth and transformational governance, particularly within the healthcare sector. As the Chief Executive Officer of RhPAP since 2022, Tracy has successfully navigated public accountability and complex changing environments. Under her leadership, RhPAP has forged strategic partnerships and delivered impactful initiatives, ensuring that rural communities in Alberta can keep healthcare close to home.

Prior to her tenure at RhPAP, Tracy served as CEO of Covenant Foundation, where she spearheaded the expansion of the foundation's impact from three major healthcare facilities to twenty, implementing governance structures that enhanced collaboration and operational efficiency, increased revenue and fostered a culture of performance excellence.

Tracy holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Alberta and a Public Relations Diploma from Grant MacEwan College. In addition to her executive roles, she is actively involved in board governance, serving on the Board of Governors at MacEwan University and the Board of Directors of the Greater Edmonton Housing Foundation for Seniors and the Alberta Municipalities Services Corporation.

Terms of Office: June 28, 2023 – June 27, 2026 (Second Term)
Public Member

John retired as a senior Audit Partner of KPMG LLP Edmonton in 2022. He holds a Bachelor of Commerce (with Distinction) degree from the University of Alberta, earned his Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) designation in 1998 and was elected a fellow of CPA Alberta in 2018.

John is active in the community, where he serves on a number of boards, including the APEX Governance Board and Audit and Finance Committee of Alberta Municipalities and REACH Edmonton Council for Safe Communities. He previously served on the Chartered Professional Accountants of Alberta Bylaws & Rules Committee and was the former Vice Chair and Audit Committee Chair of the CPA Western School of Business.