The Alberta government appointed five new members to Athabasca University’s board of governors on Sept. 14.
The new members – one resides in Athabasca, three in Edmonton and one in Stand Off – will hold seats for 18 months.
“Every one of the board appointments is a person who has significant professional accomplishments and demonstrated a passion for post-secondary education,” said Advanced Education Minister Marlin Schmidt in an interview. “Obviously, they’re committed to Athabasca University if they’re willing to step forward and be considered for these positions. The combination of experience and interest is incredible and I think they’ll be excellent members of the board.”
“I’m just excited that with the new members of the board and a new president in place in a few weeks, we can start tackling the problems at Athabasca University and ensuring its future is sustainable,” he added.
The appointments were made in collaboration with the minister’s office and the board of governors.
The new members are joining Athabasca University at a time when the head of the board is an interim chair, and the post-secondary institution will soon undergo a third-party review.
“We’re seeking input from all of our stakeholders on who the third party should be and we haven’t made any decisions yet, but one will be coming shortly,” Schmidt said. He added that an executive search firm will be used to find a permanent chair of the board chair.
In an email following the interview with the minister, Advanced Education press secretary Michael McKinnon said that the government gave a clear direction to the board, stating that the university will remain in Athabasca and that all partners and the greater Athabasca community must work together on a sustainable path forward.
“Because of the sensitive situation at AU, we have given an 18 month mandate to work with the president and the community on determining a successful path forward,” he wrote.
“We want to ensure there’s a concrete point in the future to determine if the board is fulfilling its mandate and acting on the Minister’s direction.”
Madamombe has more than 20 years of international experience as a business professional in consulting, public accounting, financial management, governance, risk management, and taxation. He is a chartered professional accountant, certified information systems auditor, certified internal auditor, and also holds a certification in Risk Management Assurance. He is currently the business unit leader of finance and compliance for Alberta-Pacific Forest Industries Inc. He is also a member of the Athabasca University Research Ethics Board, and sits on the Institute of Internal Auditors Edmonton Chapter Board. He lives in Athabasca.
Hamilton is the president and owner of Hamilton Investments Inc. which consists of a portfolio of companies involved in aerial wildfire suppression, aircraft maintenance, health care and commercial properties. She is the board chair of the Alberta Diabetes Foundation, and a member of the Canadian Aviation Hall of Fame’s board of directors. She was a Global Woman of Vision award recipient in 2014. Hamilton is a member of the Law Society of Alberta and has been practicing law since 1992. She lives in Edmonton.
Hunter-Loewen has more than twenty years’ experience as an entrepreneur, executive, senior manager and consultant in the energy and technology sectors. She is a member of the Law Society of Alberta since 2005 and serves as legal officer for Alberta Justice and Solicitor General. She also served as counsel for the Alberta Law Reform Institute, and was a volunteer lawyer for the Edmonton Community Legal Clinic. She lives in Edmonton.
Kronewitt-Martin is a managing partner with Element Business Consulting Inc. She has more than 25 years of experience with the City of Edmonton in various leadership and management positions involving land development, community revitalization and information technology. She has volunteered for the Project Management Institute and the Alberta Chapter of the Association of Change Management Professionals. She lives in Edmonton.
Chief Charles Weaselhead has been the Treaty 7 Grand Chief since 2005, presiding over Canada’s largest Indian Reserve. Weaselhead takes great pride in his Blackfoot heritage, and is committed to protecting and promoting children and families, health, education, and economic development. He has presided over numerous boards and committees, including the Aboriginal Healing Foundation Board of Directors, the Alberta First Nation’s Information Governance Centre’s Chief’s Senate, and the Sheldon Kennedy Child Advocacy Centre. He lives in Standoff, Alberta.
