Lunch With a Leader – Past

Lunch with a Leader featuring Dr. Patricia Brister

Are you curious about exploring alternatives to conventional leadership? Instead of power and dominance, is it time for a leadership style built on inner strength, resilience, presence, self-awareness, connection, and possibility? We are thrilled to host Dr. Patricia (Trish) Brister for an exclusive Lunch with a Leader to explore exactly this.

Building on her doctoral research about diversity on Boards and Executive Leadership Teams, Trish is exploring what an “anti-warrior” leadership style might look like and its potential for impact on the business community. Over this intimate lunch, Trish will share her research and current book project about lived experiences that challenge the utility of conventional leadership, and consider how to build influence without authority, operate outside of polarity, and create spaces where new ideas and solutions can grow.

Trish brings a unique blend of rigorous academic insight and boardroom-level experience to this conversation. A corporate lawyer with over three decades of practice in Calgary, she has worked at national law firms and in-house at multi-national energy and construction corporations. She founded Silvertip Law, focusing on governance and contract risk management for large commercial clients and family firms. Backed by a Doctorate in Business Administration, along with ICD.D and Family Enterprise Advisor designations, Trish grounds her perspective in both deep research and decades of observing and interacting with real-world leadership in a corporate law context.

Count on bold insights, real-world leadership wisdom, and a fresh look at the future of leadership. Limited seating is available for this intimate, exclusive lunch—don’t miss out.

- - Date: October 15, 2026
  - Time: 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM MST
  - (Guests are welcome to stay until 1:30 PM for optional networking)
  - Location: Calgary Petroleum Club
  - Room: Wine Cellar
  - Cost: $50 + fees and GST
  - Attendee limit: 14

Dr. Patricia Brister

Dr. Patricia Brister is a corporate lawyer with board experience and lots of curiousity. She practiced in Calgary, Alberta for over 30 years at western-Canadian based and national law firms and in-house at multi-national corporations in the energy and construction industries. She currently practices at the law firm she founded, Silvertip Law, focusing on governance and contract risk management for large commercial clients and family firms.

During a period of backlash, controversy and polarization Trish successfully defended her dissertation, “The Diversity Conundrum Concerning Boards and Executive Leadership Teams – a Convergent Mixed Methods Analysis” in March 2026. She holds a Bachelor of Commerce With Distinction from McGill University, a Bachelor of Laws from the University of Victoria, a Master of Laws With Merit from the London School of Economics and Political Science and a Doctor of Business Administration from the University of Calgary. She also holds the ICD.D designation from the Institute of Corporate Directors and a Family Enterprise Advisor designation from Family Enterprise Canada.

Trish is currently writing a book about an “anti-warrior” style of leadership. She delivers perspective-shifting talks, based on her doctoral research, designed to pique curiosity and challenge conventional thinking about leadership and decision making in times of disruption.

Lunch with a Leader featuring Valerie Prather

We are thrilled to host one of Canada’s most respected voices in professional negligence law, Valerie Prather, for an exclusive lunch.

For three decades, Valerie has built a reputation as a trusted advocate for physicians navigating some of the most difficult moments in their careers. As a Partner in the Litigation and Dispute Resolution Group at McCarthy Tétrault’s Calgary office, she represents doctors in medical negligence cases and appears before regulatory bodies such as the Alberta College of Physicians and Surgeons, offering the steady strategic counsel clients need when their professional standing is on the line. Her work has earned her a Band 1 ranking from Chambers and Partners, placing her among the top litigators in the country.

Beyond her courtroom practice, Valerie shapes how physicians understand legal risk long before it becomes a dispute. As an Adjunct Assistant Professor at the University of Calgary’s Cummings School of Medicine, she teaches medical-legal risk management, and she’s a regular speaker at Grand Rounds and medical conferences across Canada.

Her career has brought recognition on nearly every front including, Fellowship in the American College of Trial Lawyers, the Women in Law Leadership Award, an appointment as King’s Counsel, the King Charles III Coronation Medal. Most recently, she was Axis Connects’ recipient of the Calgary Influential Women in Business award for Professional Services. She’s also a consistent name in Chambers Canada, Benchmark Litigation, the Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory, Best Lawyers in Canada, and Martindale-Hubbell.

Come hear from a litigator whose career sits at the intersection of law and medicine and who has spent thirty years helping physicians protect what they’ve worked so hard to build.

Secure your seat today!

- - Date: September 23, 2026
  - Time: 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM MST
  - (Guests are welcome to stay until 1:30 PM for optional networking)
  - Location: Calgary Petroleum Club
  - Room: Trophy Room
  - Cost: $50 + fees and GST
  - Attendee limit: 14

Valerie Prather

Valerie Prather is a Partner in the Litigation and Dispute Resolution Group at McCarthy Tétrault based in the Calgary office.

With three decades of experience in complex litigation and a Band 1 ranking from Chambers and Partners, Valerie is widely recognized as one of Canada’s leading advocates in professional negligence law. She represents physicians in court on medical negligence matters and provides counsel in proceedings before medical licensing authorities, including the Alberta College of Physicians and Surgeons, as well as hospital tribunals. Clients rely on her insight, strategic skill and steadfast support in matters that profoundly affect their careers and professional reputations. A recognized authority in her field, Valerie serves as an Adjunct Assistant Professor at the Cummings School of Medicine at the University of Calgary, where she focuses on medical legal risk management. She is also a frequent lecturer at Grand Rounds and medical conferences across the country.

Valerie’s leadership and excellence in advocacy have been recognized through numerous distinctions. She was named a Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers in 2013, received the Women in Law Leadership Award for Leadership in Private Practice, and was appointed King’s Counsel in 2016. In 2025, she was awarded the King Charles III Coronation Medal for her significant contributions to the community. Most recently, in 2026, she was the recipient of the Calgary Influential Women in Business awards for Professional Services.

Consistently recognized by Chambers Canada, Benchmark Litigation: Canada, the Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory, Best Lawyers in Canada, and LexisNexis Martindale-Hubbell, Valerie is known for her exceptional advocacy, judgment, and commitment to advancing the medical profession through the law.

Prior to joining McCarthy Tétrault, Valerie was a senior partner with a large Canadian law firm and served as co-head of its health practice.

Valerie received her LLB from the University of Calgary in 1988 and was called to the Alberta bar in 1989.

Lunch with a Leader featuring Cherie Copithorne-Barnes

In an era where sustainable practices, community heritage, and food security are at the forefront of global conversations, visionary leadership in agriculture and civic life has never been more critical. We are thrilled to host Cherie Copithorne-Barnes for an exclusive afternoon exploring the intersection of western legacy, environmental stewardship, and industry-shaping innovation.

As CEO of CL Ranches Ltd. and First Vice Chair of the Calgary Stampede, Cherie is a powerhouse of leadership, community impact, and advocacy. A fourth-generation rancher, she carries forward a 139-year-old family legacy in the Alberta foothills, leading a sprawling operation that includes cattle, a feedlot, and mixed grain farming. She brings unparalleled insight into what it takes to balance deep community roots with long-term economic resilience and sustainable growth.

Cherie’s influence extends far beyond her ranch and the Stampede grounds. She has been a trailblazer in shaping agricultural policy and sustainability standards on both a national and international scale. As the founding chair of the Canadian Roundtable for Sustainable Beef and a former member of the Executive Committee for the Global Roundtable for Sustainable Beef, Cherie played a pivotal role in developing global beef sustainability goals. Her unique perspective—forged by raising livestock in both Alberta and Uruguay—bridges the gap between traditional ranching heritage and the future of global food systems.

What truly sets Cherie apart is her passion for elevating the community and shifting the public narrative around agriculture. Beyond her leadership with the Calgary Stampede, she sits on the Board of Governors for Olds College of Agriculture and Technology and previously co-chaired the Government of Alberta’s Red Tape Reduction Panel for Agriculture, Food, and Bio-Industrial sectors.

In recognition of her extraordinary work advancing the agricultural industry and championing sustainable beef production, Cherie was awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Law from the University of Calgary in 2025.

Whether you are looking to understand the future of sustainable food production, the power of community leadership, or seeking inspiration from an executive who seamlessly blends heritage with cutting-edge innovation, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss.

- - Date: September 16, 2026
  - Time: 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM MST
  - (Guests are welcome to stay until 1:30 PM for optional networking)
  - Location: Calgary Petroleum Club
  - Cost: $50 + fees and GST
  - Attendee limit: 14

Cherie Copithorne-Barnes

Cherie is a 4th generation rancher and CEO of CL Ranches Ltd., a 139-year-old ranching operation consisting of cattle, a feedlot, and mixed grain farming operations. Cherie is also the First Vice Chair of the Calgary Stampede and sits on the Board of Governors for Olds College of Agriculture and Technology. Cherie has held many roles in the past such as co-chair of the Government of Alberta’s Red Tape Reduction Panel for Agriculture, Food and Bio-Industrial, founding chair of the Canadian Roundtable for Sustainable Beef as well as a member of the Executive Committee for the Global Roundtable for Sustainable Beef as they developed global beef sustainability goals. She is passionate about not only telling her story about raising livestock in Alberta and Uruguay, but also about informing the public of the often-neglected, positive impact that agriculture accomplishes here in Canada. In 2025, Cherie was recognized with an Honorary Doctorate of Law from the University of Calgary in recognition for her work in advancing agriculture.

Lunch with a Leader featuring Vern Yu

In a rapidly shifting global energy market, visionary leadership is the ultimate differentiator. We are thrilled to host Vern Yu for an exclusive afternoon of industry insights, corporate strategy, and networking.

As the President and CEO of AltaGas, Vern is the driving force behind the company’s mission to connect customers globally with affordable, reliable energy. He brings to the table a wealth of knowledge on what it takes to execute on massive strategic priorities while keeping a sprawling infrastructure company agile and forward-looking.

Vern’s perspective is rooted in an extraordinary three-decade tenure at Enbridge Inc. He is uniquely positioned to speak on both the complex financial realities and the operational challenges of the sector. Having served in a dynamic range of C-suite roles, including Chief Financial Officer, Executive Vice President of Corporate Development, and President of New Energy Technologies, Vern’s expertise bridges the gap between traditional energy infrastructure and the future of the energy transition.

What truly sets Vern apart is his profound commitment to the community and equity. He has personally raised over $1 million for the Alberta Cancer Foundation and has helped guide the organization as Vice Chair of its Board of Trustees. In addition, he was recently awarded the 2026 Male Champion award at the Calgary Influential Women in Business awards in April. His governance and strategic expertise have also been tapped by Calgary Economic Development, DCP Midstream, and Énergir Inc.

Armed with an MBA in Finance from the University of Toronto and a Bachelor of Science in Applied Science from Queen’s University, Vern blends rigorous analytical thinking with community-minded, purpose-driven leadership.

Whether you are looking to understand the future of lower-carbon ventures or seeking inspiration from a seasoned executive who knows how to build exceptional teams, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss.

Registration for this event is managed by request. Please submit your details below to hold your place in line. Our team will review all submissions and will confirm your registration and process the payment.

- - Date: September 2, 2026
  - Time: 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM MST
  - (Guests are welcome to stay until 1:30 PM for optional networking)
  - Location: Calgary Petroleum Club
  - Room: Wine Cellar
  - Cost: $50 + fees and GST
  - Attendee limit: 14

Vern Yu

As President and Chief Executive Officer of AltaGas, a North American energy infrastructure company that connects customers and markets to affordable and reliable energy, Vern Yu leads the company’s strategic priorities and execution.

Vern is an experienced executive with a proven track record of success across the North American energy industry, including a successful three-decade career at Enbridge Inc., most recently serving as Executive Vice President, Corporate Development, Chief Financial Officer and President, New Energy Technologies. Prior to that, Vern held various commercial, operational, and financial roles including serving as Executive Vice President, President Liquids Pipelines and as Executive Vice President and Chief Development Officer.

As an active member of the local community, Vern has raised over $1M individually for the Alberta Cancer Foundation. He previously served as the Vice Chair of the Alberta Cancer Foundation’s Board of Trustees and served on the Boards of DCP Midstream, Énergir Inc. and Calgary Economic Development.

Vern holds a Master of Business Administration degree in Finance from the University of Toronto, as well as a Bachelor of Science degree in Applied Science from Queen’s University.

Lunch with a Leader featuring Anita Dusevic Oliva

Join us for an engaging afternoon with Anita Dusevic Oliva, a dynamic corporate leader driving both rigorous governance and technological innovation at one of North America’s premier energy infrastructure companies.

As Executive Vice President and General Counsel at TC Energy, Anita is at the helm of a massive and diverse portfolio. She leads the company’s Legal, Internal Audit, Compliance, and Enterprise Risk Management functions across Canada, the U.S., and Mexico. Beyond traditional legal oversight—including major M&A, corporate finance, and regulatory proceedings—Anita serves as a key strategic advisor to the CEO and Board. Crucially, she is also steering the company into the future by leading TC Energy’s AI Accelerator and Transformation Office. In this unique role, she champions the responsible integration of artificial intelligence—bridging the gap between strict regulatory governance and the deployment of value-creating, transformative tech solutions across a 7,000-person organization.

Anita’s expertise extends far beyond the traditional legal realm. Her diverse background includes serving as an Operating Partner in Brookfield’s Infrastructure Group and holding C-suite operational roles—including Chief Operating Officer—where she managed full P&L, IT, human resources, and stakeholder relations in complex, capital-intensive industries.

A member of the Law Society of Alberta, Anita’s strategic impact and business acumen have earned her the prestigious Canadian General Counsel Awards for both Business Achievement (2023) and Chief Legal Officer of the Year (2015).

Limited seating is available for this intimate and engaging event. Secure your ticket today.

- - Date: August 13, 2026
  - Time: 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM MST
  - (Guests are welcome to stay until 1:30 PM for optional networking)
  - Location: Calgary Petroleum Club
  - Room: Wine Cellar
  - Cost: $50 + fees and GST
  - Attendee limit: 14

Anita Dusevic Oliva

As Executive Vice President, General Counsel, Anita Dusevic Oliva leads the company’s Legal, Internal Audit, Compliance, ERM, AI Accelerator and Transformation Office functions across Canada, the U.S., and Mexico, and serves as a strategic advisor to the CEO and the Board. In this role, she oversees all legal services – including major M&A, divestitures and integrations, corporate finance and securities matters, litigation, regulatory proceedings, and governance. She manages external counsel and budgets, ensures compliance with TSX and NYSE listing and continuous-disclosure requirements, and stewards the company’s ERM program as well as SOX/internal controls over financial reporting. She also leads TC Energy’s AI Accelerator initiatives, advancing responsible, value-creating applications of AI with the right governance and risk oversight, as well as general transformation office work.

Prior to TC Energy, Anita was an Operating Partner in Brookfield’s Infrastructure Group,accountable for enhancing organizational effectiveness and strategic capabilities across global infrastructure portfolio companies. Anita has also held C-suite and senior legal leadership roles in infrastructure and capital-intensive industries, including serving as Chief Operating Officer with full P&L accountability for multiple business units, and earlier as a Senior Vice President, Corporate Services overseeing legal and regulatory affairs; land and stakeholder relations (including Indigenous, government, and community); human resources; information technology; and a company-wide innovation program.

Earlier career roles included Vice President, Legal, Corporate Secretary, Senior Legal Counsel, and Associate at leading organizations in the industry. Anita holds a Bachelor of Laws (LL.B) and a Bachelor of Arts with Distinction, is a member of the Law Society of Alberta, and her recognitions include the Canadian General Counsel Awards – Business Achievement (2023) and Chief Legal Officer of the Year (2015).

TC ENERGY

We’re a team of 7,000+ energy problem solvers working to move, generate and store the energy North America relies on. Today, we’re taking action to make that energy more sustainable and more secure. We’re innovating and modernizing to reduce emissions from our business. And we’re delivering new energy solutions – from natural gas and renewables to carbon capture and hydrogen – to help other businesses and industries decarbonize too. TC Energy’s common shares trade on the Toronto (TSX) and New York (NYSE) stock exchanges under the symbol TRP. To learn more, visit us at TCEnergy.com.

Lunch with a Leader featuring Theresa Jang

Join us for an inspiring afternoon with Theresa Jang, a powerhouse of Canadian corporate leadership and a trailblazer in global sustainability. This exclusive lunch is an opportunity to hear directly from a visionary executive who has spent over three decades driving strategy, growth, and purpose at the highest levels of business.

For 35 years, Theresa has been a defining voice in finance and governance. Currently serving as a board member for Enbridge Inc. and Shock and Trauma Air Rescue Service (STARS), she also served as Executive VP and CFO for Stantec Inc. until her retirement in 2024, following over 25 years navigating the complex North American energy sector, notably as Senior VP and CFO for Veresen Inc.

Theresa’s legacy extends far beyond traditional financial leadership. As a recognized ESG champion, she was the catalyst behind Stantec’s top-ten ranking in Corporate Knights’ Global 100 and proudly represented the organization on the United Nations CFO Task Force. Today, she continues to shape critical industries and community safety as a Board Director for both Enbridge Inc. and the STARS air ambulance network.

Her remarkable career has not gone unnoticed. A Fellow of the Chartered Professional Accountants (FCPA), Theresa’s accolades reflect a career of undeniable impact across multiple industries. She has been recognized as one of Canada’s Top 100 Most Powerful Women by the Women’s Executive Network and named among Canada’s Best Executives by The Globe and Mail Report on Business. Additionally, her visionary financial leadership earned her the prestigious title of CFO of the Year from the Environmental Financial Consulting Group.

Limited seating is available for this intimate and engaging event. Secure your ticket today.

- - Date: July 23, 2026
  - Time: 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM MST
  - (Guests are welcome to stay until 1:30 PM for optional networking)
  - Location: Calgary Petroleum Club
  - Room: Wine Cellar
  - Cost: $50 + fees and GST
  - Attendee limit: 14

Theresa Jang

Theresa serves on the Board of Directors of Enbridge Inc. and Shock and Trauma Air Rescue Service (STARS). With over 35 years of finance, accounting and public company experience, she was Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer for Stantec Inc., a top-tier global engineering and design firm, for six years until her retirement in 2024. During her tenure, Theresa served as Chair of Stantec’s Executive ESG Committee, playing a key role in Stantec’s consistent ranking in the top ten of Corporate Knights’ Global 100 most sustainable companies in the world. She also represented the company on the United Nations CFO Task Force for the Sustainable Development Goals. Before joining Stantec, Theresa spent more than 25 years in the North American energy infrastructure sector, including serving as Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer for Veresen Inc.

Theresa is a CPA (CA) and was named a Fellow of the Chartered Professional Accountants in 2020. She has been recognized with several other awards, including being named as one of Canada’s Top 100 Most Powerful Women by the Women’s Executive Network, one of Canada’s Best Executives by The Globe and Mail Report on Business, and CFO of the year by Environmental Financial Consulting Group.

Lunch with a Leader featuring Martha Hall Findlay

Join us for an exclusive lunch discussion featuring Martha Hall Findlay, a highly respected executive, policy expert, and the current Director and Palmer Chair in Public Policy at the University of Calgary’s School of Public Policy.

With a multifaceted career spanning senior corporate leadership, national politics, and international law, Martha offers a rare perspective shaped by her extensive experience in Canada and Europe. Prior to her current role, she served as Chief Sustainability and Chief Climate Officer at Suncor Energy and as President and CEO of the Canada West Foundation. Throughout her career, she has consistently built a reputation for being non-partisan and pragmatic, advocating for solutions driven by thorough research and objective analysis.

Throughout her tenure across both the public and private sectors, Martha has broken new ground in energy, telecommunications, and global trade. Whether serving as a Member of Parliament in the shadow cabinet, advising on Canada-U.S. and Indo-Pacific relations, or sitting on the Board of TELUS, her focus remains on navigating complex global markets and driving sustainable, forward-thinking strategies.

This is a premier opportunity to hear firsthand from one of Canada’s top global energy influencers and recognized Climate Champions on the evolving landscape of international trade, the critical intersection of corporate sustainability and public policy, and her strategies for leading effectively across diverse sectors.

- - Date: June 11, 2026
  - Time: 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM MST
  - (Guests are welcome to stay until 1:30 PM for optional networking)
  - Location: Calgary Petroleum Club
  - Room: Wine Cellar
  - Cost: $50 + fees and GST
  - Attendee limit: 14

Martha Hall Findlay

Martha Hall Findlay serves as the Director of the School of Public Policy at the University of Calgary and holds the James S. and Barbara A. Palmer Chair in Public Policy. Alongside her academic leadership, she holds several key governance and advisory roles, including serving on the Expert Group on Canada-U.S. Relations, sitting on the Board of Directors for TELUS, and acting as a Senior Advisor for Teneo.

Prior to joining the School of Public Policy, Martha Chief Sustainability and Chief Climate Officer at Suncor Energy, and before that served as president and CEO of the Canada West Foundation. She has long had a reputation for being non-partisan, objective, and pragmatic by advocating for public policy solutions based on thorough research and analysis.

As a Member of Parliament, she was a member of the Official Opposition shadow cabinet and served on several House of Commons committees as the critic for International Trade; Finance; Government Works and Public Services; and Transportation, Infrastructure and Communities.

As a corporate lawyer and senior business executive in both Canada and Europe, she developed extensive experience in energy, telecommunications, sustainability, trade (international and internal) and global markets.

She was for several years a member of the Deputy Minister of International Trade’s Trade Expert Advisory Council. She wrote the ‘Energy and Climate Change’ chapter of The Indo-Pacific – new strategies for Canadian engagement with a critical region (2022, Fen Osler Hampson, Goldy Hyder and Tina Park, eds.) She is a member of the Asia Business Leaders Advisory Council, and a member of the Executive Committee of the Canada Korea Forum.

She was named a Canadian Climate Champion in 2021; a top global female oil and gas executive and one of the top 275 global energy women influencers; and was awarded the Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee Medal. She was silver medalist at the 1976 Canadian Alpine Ski Championships, and coached several young skiers who went on to compete in the Olympics. She has served on the Boards of various non-profit and community organizations, including in some cases as Chair.

She has written dozens of essays, articles, book chapters and op eds and is frequently interviewed for national and international print and broadcast media, in both French and English.

Lunch with a Leader featuring Chief Katie McLellan

Join us for an exclusive lunch discussion featuring Chief Katie McLellan, a visionary leader and the current Chief of the Calgary Police Service (CPS).

With a career spanning nearly four decades, Chief McLellan offers a rare perspective shaped by leadership roles in municipal policing, federal enforcement with the RCMP, and executive security in the international oil and gas sector. Since joining the CPS in 1987 after immigrating from Scotland, she has risen through the ranks, from a patrol Constable to the first woman Inspector of the Criminal Operations Section, consistently championing the idea that true public safety requires more than just enforcement; it requires deep-rooted community partnership.

Throughout her tenure, Chief McLellan has broken new ground in integrating social development with crime prevention. Whether leading frontline operations in Calgary or managing high-stakes federal investigations into serious and organized crime, her focus remains on building a safe and resilient Calgary through inclusive leadership and cross-sector collaboration.

This is a premier opportunity to hear firsthand from one of Canada’s most seasoned public safety executives on the evolving landscape of urban policing, the critical interface between corporate security and public law enforcement, and her strategies for fostering a healthy, respectful, and inclusive workplace.

- - Date: April 30, 2026
  - Time: 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM MST
  - (Guests are welcome to stay until 1:30 PM for optional networking)
  - Location: Calgary Petroleum Club
  - Room: Trophy Lounge
  - Cost: $50 + fees and GST
  - Attendee limit: 14

Registration Process

Registration for this event is managed by request. Please submit your details below to hold your place in line. Our team reviews all submissions and will be in touch within 48 hours to officially confirm your registration and process payment.

Chief Katie McLellan

Chief Katie McLellan possesses a unique perspective rooted in extensive policing and security experience across both the private and public sectors. Her time as a private-sector security expert reinforced her belief in building safe, resilient communities through partnership and collaboration. Consequently, she remains a strong advocate for crime prevention through social development.

Immigrating to Calgary from Scotland, Chief McLellan joined the Calgary Police Service (CPS) in 1987. For the next thirteen years, she served in the Communications Section and as a patrol Constable and Sergeant in Districts 4 and 3. These foundational years in grassroots community policing taught her that police cannot solve crime in isolation; success requires the support of communities and social agencies committed to improving the lives of all Calgarians.

Chief McLellan’s CPS career has spanned numerous critical areas, including the Professional Standards Section, the Chief Crowfoot Learning Center, and the Emergency Communications Center. Notably, she served as the first Inspector of the Criminal Operations Section. Following her promotion to Superintendent in 2008, she led the Information and Technology Division and the Executive Office of the Chief Constable. In this capacity, she oversaw Professional Standards, Legal Services, Strategic Communications, and Freedom of Information and Privacy.

From 2010 to 2013, as Superintendent of the Field Operations Division, she and her team of commanders led frontline policing for the City of Calgary. In this role, she played a strategic part in advancing the model of community mobilization and engagement. The complexity of social issues encountered during this time furthered her resolve to leverage social service supports to ensure public safety.

In 2013, Chief McLellan retired as Senior Superintendent to join an international oil and gas company as Senior Security Advisor. In the corporate realm, she focused on the critical interface between security and policing, workplace violence prevention, and building inclusive environments. Working alongside Human Resource teams, she performed a strategic leadership role in fostering healthy and respectful workplace cultures.

Driven by a goal to return to public policing, she joined the Royal Canadian Mounted Police in May 2018 as the Officer in Charge of Federal Policing South, Serious and Organized Crime (K Division). In December 2019, she returned to municipal policing to begin the next stage of her career as a Chief of the Calgary Police Service.

Chief McLellan holds a Bachelor of Professional Arts degree in Criminal Justice from Athabasca University and a Corporate Executive Diploma from the University of Alberta. Her professional development includes graduation from the Senior Management Institute for Police and various certificates in Senior Police Management and Leadership. She is also trained as a Hostage Negotiator, an Emergency Operation Centre Lead, and an Incident Management Team Commander.

She is a decorated officer, having received the Police Exemplary Service Medal, Alberta Police Officer Centennial Medal, Alberta Emergency Services Medal, Calgary Police Distinguished Service Medal, and the Queen Elizabeth Diamond Jubilee Medal. Chief McLellan looks forward to enhancing community partnerships and working with all CPS employees to ensure Calgary remains a safe place to live for everyone.

Lunch with a Leader featuring Melinda Park

Prepare for an exclusive afternoon of strategic insights as we welcome Melinda Park, KC—one of Alberta’s most respected corporate lawyers and the 2021 Professional Services honouree at the Calgary Influential Women in Business awards.

As the Regional Managing Partner of Borden Ladner Gervais LLP’s (BLG) Calgary office, Melinda seamlessly balances her executive management role with an active, high-stakes M&A and securities practice. A true trailblazer, she made history as the first woman to serve as Chair of BLG’s Partnership Board, shaping the strategy of Canada’s largest law firm while actively paving the way for the next generation of legal talent.

Melinda brings deep practical and governance wisdom to the table. She is a member of the TSX Venture Exchange Local Advisory Committee and the Calgary Chamber of Commerce, and her exceptional career has earned her prestigious honours, including her 2024 King’s Counsel designation and a place among WXN Canada’s Most Powerful Women: Top 100.

This intimate lunch is your chance to learn directly from an executive who has spent over three decades shaping Canadian boardrooms, navigating complex risks, and redefining corporate leadership.

- - Date: April 15, 2026
  - Time: 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM MST
  - (Guests are welcome to stay until 1:30 PM for optional networking)
  - Location: Calgary Petroleum Club
  - Room: Cardium Room
  - Cost: $50 + fees and GST

Melinda Park, K.C.

Melinda Park is the Regional Managing Partner of the Calgary office of Borden Ladner Gervais LLP (BLG) and a Partner in the firm’s Securities and Capital Markets Group. With more than 30 years of experience in securities, governance, corporate finance and commercial transactions, she is a trusted advisor to clients across Canada and internationally. She regularly counsels boards of directors, public and private companies and not-for-profit organizations on governance, strategic planning, risk and complex transactions. A dedicated mentor and leader within the firm, she previously served as Chair of BLG’s Partnership Board, becoming the first woman to hold the role, and has played a key part in developing the next generation of legal talent.

She currently serves on the Board of Directors of the Calgary Chamber of Commerce and is a member of the TSX Venture Exchange Local Advisory Committee. Her past governance roles include 6 years on the Board of Governors of the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology, where she served as Chair and Vice-Chair. A frequent speaker on public company governance and women’s leadership, she has received numerous honours, including her 2024 appointment as King’s Counsel, the Women’s Executive Network Canada’s Most Powerful Women: Top 100 Award, and the Calgary Influential Women in Business Award for Professional Services, along with longstanding recognition in leading legal directories.

Lunch with a Leader featuring Jim Dewald

Prepare for an afternoon of powerful insights as we welcome Jim Dewald, a leader who seamlessly bridges real-world executive success with academic rigor, and the 2022 Male Champion honouree at Axis Connect’s Calgary Influential Women in Business awards.

Before his transformative 11-year run as Dean of the Haskayne School of Business, where he drove over $100 million in philanthropic funding, built Mathison Hall, and launched the Creative Destruction Lab (Rockies), Jim spent years as a prominent President and CEO for companies like Hopewell Residential Communities and StoneCreek Resorts.

A cornerstone of Alberta’s business ecosystem, Jim brings deep practical and strategic wisdom to the table. He has served on over 30 boards and his community dedication has earned him prestigious honours, including Calgary’s Citizen of the Year and Thought Leader by Alberta Real Estate Foundation.

This intimate lunch is your chance to learn directly from a leader who has spent decades shaping both the boardrooms and the future business talent of our community.

Limited seating is available for this exclusive event—don’t miss out.

- - Date: March 30, 2026
  - Time: 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM MST
  - (Guests are welcome to stay until 1:30 PM for optional networking)
  - Location: Calgary Petroleum Club
  - Room: Wine Cellar
  - Cost: $50 + fees and GST

Jim Dewald, B.Sc., MBA, PhD

Jim Dewald is a professor of strategy and global management at the Haskayne School of Business at the University of Calgary. He earned a BSc in civil engineering and MBA from the University of Alberta, and a PhD from the Haskayne School of Business. He has several research and teaching awards, three books, two book chapters, over 20 academic papers, and over 60 newspaper and practitioner articles.

Prior to entering academia, Jim held several senior executive positions, including President & CEO of Walker Newby & Partners Inc., President & CEO of Hopewell Residential Communities Inc., President & CEO of StoneCreek Resorts Inc., and President of 411HomeNet Inc.

From 2012 to 2023 he served as dean of the Haskayne School, piloting the establishment of the Creative Destruction Lab (Rockies) and six new Centres of Excellence (leadership, entrepreneurship, real estate, corporate sustainability, business futures, and social entrepreneurship). During his tenure, the school grew in funding, programs, and national ranking, attracting over $100 million in philanthropic funding, and added Mathison Hall, a 100,000 square foot student learning centre.

Jim has served on over 30 boards, including Lead Trustee of Boardwalk REIT, Deputy Chair of the SAIT Board of Governors, Chair of the Business Schools Association of Canada, and the Canadian appointee to the Continuous Improvement Review Committee for AACSB.

He was named Calgary’s Citizen of the Year, Thought Leader by Alberta Real Estate Foundation, Honorary Member of the Appraisal Institute of Canada, and 2022 Male Champion in the Calgary Women in Business Awards. He currently serves on the board of Trico Group Inc. and as an Advisor to several organizations.