(Calgary & Edmonton, Alberta) April 4, 2018... Alberta Innovates is announcing a planned transition of the Board Chair as Judy Fairburn completes an extended term in the role and is succeeded by Brenda Kenny, PhD, effective March 22, 2018.

Ms. Fairburn oversaw the merger and restructuring of four distinct research and innovation crown corporations into Alberta Innovates in 2016. She led the Board during an intense period of operational change and strategic realignment of Alberta Innovates, and was instrumental in guiding the executive search process that brought CEO Laura Kilcrease to the organization in early 2017.

Alberta Innovates Board Chair: Brenda Kenny, PhD

Now stepping into the role as Board Chair, Dr. Kenny brings significant governance experience. She serves on the boards of the Canada West Foundation, Member Council of Sustainable Development Technology Canada and Nature Canada. She also continues to serve on the Emissions Reduction Alberta board, during the transition, and is the past President and CEO of the Canadian Energy Pipeline Association (CEPA), as well as a past member of the University of Calgary Board of Governors.

Dr. Kenny is a member of the Institute of Corporate Directors and holds a Doctorate in Resources and the Environment, a Master of Mechanical Engineering and a Bachelor of Applied Science. Like Ms. Fairburn, Dr. Kenny is a Fellow of the Canadian Academy of Engineering.

"Dr. Brenda Kenny brings a wealth of experience to Alberta Innovates," said Minister Deron Bilous, Minister of Economic Development and Trade for the Government of Alberta. "I want to thank Judy Fairburn for her service, during the time of transition for the organization. I look forward to working with Dr. Kenny as she helps Alberta Innovates continue to support Alberta researchers and innovators create new jobs and diversify our economy."

"I am pleased to join the Alberta Innovates Board at this pivotal time," Dr. Kenny said. "I believe Alberta is poised to lead the country in innovation. The can-do attitude and entrepreneurial spirit in this province will help shape future success, and Alberta Innovates will be a key catalyst in that process."

"An active and supportive Board is key to transformation of an organization, and particularly critical to an innovation and research agency such as ours. We appreciate the commitment our Chair and all Directors make to Alberta Innovates," said CEO Laura Kilcrease.

Alberta Innovates is a Crown corporation with a mandate to deliver 21st century solutions for the most compelling challenges facing Albertans. Building on the province's strengths in health, environment, energy, food and fibre, and platforms such as artificial intelligence, nanotechnology, and omics, Alberta Innovates is working with partners to diversify Alberta's economy, improve environmental performance and enhance human well-being through research and innovation. Find out more: AlbertaInnovates.ca