Board of Governors

Dr. David Ross is SAIT's 16th president. Under Dr. Ross' leadership, SAIT has become Alberta's third-largest post-secondary institution. SAIT is known internationally for its action-based applied education, solution-focused research and enterprising collaborations with people and partners from around the globe.

Prior to joining SAIT in March 2013, Dr. Ross was President and CEO of Langara College, and Vice President Administration and CFO at Kwantlen Polytechnic University. Dr. Ross brings more than 30 years of post-secondary experience across several provinces to SAIT.

President during SAIT’s centennial in 2016, he has now launched the first strategic plan of the institution’s second century, New World. New Thinking. The plan sets a transformational course for the future and is part of the institution’s proactive approach to rapidly changing job skill requirements.

Most recently, Dr, Ross chaired the Alberta Skills to Job Task Force as the province adapts to new economic realities and develops the next generation of talent. He also chaired the Canadian Bureau for International Education. Nationally, he has been a board participant for the National Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC), Polytechnics Canada and the Business Higher Education — Business Roundtable.

Currently, he is a board member of Colleges and Institutes Canada (CiCan), the Canadian Chamber of Commerce and sits on international boards for the League for Innovation, the Global Education Network and the Global Applied Education Network. In Calgary, his board experience includes Calgary Economic Development and the Calgary Homeless Foundation.

Dr. Ross holds a PhD from the University of Nebraska, a Master of Aquaculture (MAq) from Simon Fraser University, a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Dalhousie University and a Bachelor of Science (BSc) from Dalhousie University.

President and CEO, Berkshire Hathaway Energy Canada and Chief Executive Officer, AltaLink – A Berkshire Hathaway Energy Company

Scott Thon has served as President of Berkshire Hathaway Energy Canada since 2014 and the Chief Executive Officer of its largest Canadian subsidiary, AltaLink, since 2002. For over 30 years Scott has held a variety of senior positions in the energy industry, from operations and engineering to market design and financial management. He has lead the investment and construction of significant energy infrastructure developments in Alberta, Canada and globally.

Mr. Thon was appointed to Aecon Group Inc’s Board of Directors in June 2021. In the community, Mr. Thon sits on not-for-profit boards, as the Chair of the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology’s Board of Governors, a director of Alberta Blue Cross Benefits Foundation, a director of the Calgary Stampede Foundation and the immediate past Chair of Alberta Blue Cross. Mr. Thon is a former Chair of the Canadian Electricity Association’s Board of Directors and maintains a seat on the Board. Additionally, Scott is one of two Canadian representatives on the Electricity Subsector Coordinating Council, a physical and cyber security collaboration between the electricity sector and the governments of Canada and the United States.

In 2017, Mr. Thon was recognized by Business in Calgary magazine with their Leaders award. In 2013, Bow Valley College awarded Mr. Thon their Distinguished Citizen Award honouring his commitment to the College. In 2011, Mr. Thon was recognized by the Calgary Chamber of Commerce for his business and community leadership with the Sherrold Moore Award. In 2005, The Government of Alberta presented Mr. Thon with the Alberta Centennial Medal in recognition of outstanding service to the people and province of Alberta.

Mr. Thon is a registered Professional Engineer with a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from the University of Saskatchewan. He is also a graduate of the Executive Program from the University of Western Ontario's Richard Ivey School of Business. In 2015, Mr. Thon completed the Institute of Corporate Director’s Directors Education Program receiving his ICD.D designation

Tonya Fleming is an experienced corporate lawyer and governance professional. She has acted as general counsel for three publicly traded companies and is currently senior corporate finance counsel to the Alberta Securities Commission, the regulatory agency responsible for administering the province's securities laws. She began her career practicing law with the national firm Osler, Hoskin and Harcourt LLP where she specialized in mergers and acquisitions, securities law and corporate governance matters.

Ms. Fleming has extensive experience leading and managing all of the legal needs of public entities. In addition, with strong experience as a governance professional, she has a comprehensive understanding of the requirements and processes involved in effective board governance and oversight.

Ms. Fleming holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Alberta and a Bachelor of Laws and a Masters of Business Administration from Dalhousie University. She is a member of the Law Society of Alberta. In addition to serving on the SAIT Board of Governors, Ms. Fleming serves as a public member of counsel for the College of Registered Nurses of Alberta.

Cam Bailey was most recently Managing Director, Investment Banking at Altacorp Capital responsible for Oil Field Services, Midstream, and International Exploration and Development. He has had extensive experience as a founder, senior executive and board member, managing the Canadian and international operations of oil field services companies. In addition, Mr. Bailey has relevant experience as a senior executive of public exploration and production companies in North America and emerging markets. He was formerly the founder and CEO of an EandP company operating in South America and founder and Chairman of an oil field services company operating in Canada and the United States.

David Erickson was the President and Chief Executive Officer for the Alberta Electric System Operator (AESO) from 2009 until his retirement in 2019. Mr. Erickson previously served as the AESO’s Chief Operating Officer, Senior Vice-President and Chief Financial Officer (CFO) from 2003 to 2009.

Before joining the AESO, Mr. Erickson was the CFO for the former Transmission Administrator of Alberta (ESBI Alberta Ltd). During his time with the Transmission Administrator, he was responsible for executive leadership of the Finance, Human Resources, Legal, and Information Technology departments. Mr. Erickson also worked at TransCanada Energy in Calgary and Arthur Andersen in Calgary, Hong Kong and Kuwait Cit

Mr. Erickson has many years of executive leadership, international financial management and governance experience in the electricity and energy sectors. He is a Chartered Professional Accountant, has a Bachelor of Commerce degree in Management Information Systems from the University of Calgary and has received his ICD.D designation in 2014 from the Institute of Corporate Directors.

Susan V. R. Billington, QC is an Associate Professor at the Faculty of Law at the University of Calgary, and Executive Director of Student Legal Assistance (SLA). Susan joined the Faculty of Law in August 2019 to lead, teach and manage the clinical practice program at SLA. She also teaches ethics and professionalism.

Admitted to the Alberta Bar in 1986, Susan practiced law in both litigation and as a solicitor before she joined the Law Society of Alberta as Counsel in 1994. During her 20 years there, Susan developed policy and program initiatives for the legal profession including: Western Law Societies Conveyancing Project (Protocol); the Continuing Professional Development program; the Fee Mediation program; equality initiatives including the Equity Ombudsperson, the Justicia Project, and the Aboriginal Summer Student program; and access to justice initiatives including the Alternate Delivery of Legal Services Project and the Retention and Re-engagement Task Force. Susan fostered the development of the pro bono community legal clinics throughout the province including in Edmonton (ECLC), Red Deer (CACLC), Lethbridge (LLG) and Grande Prairie. In 2007 Susan was seconded from the Law Society for 2 years to be the founding Executive Director of Pro Bono Law Alberta (PBLA) an access to justice initiative celebrating the 100th anniversary legacy project of the Law Society of Alberta.

From 2014-2019, Susan practiced law with Billington Barristers in the areas of civil litigation and corporate/commercial litigation. Susan also led the management team at Billington Barristers with a focus on fostering excellence in the delivery of legal services.

Susan served as a Municipal Councillor for the Kananaskis Improvement District and an Appeal Panel member for the Real Estate Council of Alberta. Susan holds an LL.B and a BA from the University of Calgary. She holds memberships in the Law Society of Alberta, the Canadian Bar Association, the International Association of Facilitators, and the Calgary Bar Association.

Susan was appointed Queen’s Counsel in 2008. She was awarded a Woman in Law Leadership Award in 2012 by the Association of Women Lawyers and in 2021 was the recipient of the Distinguished Service Award from the Law Society of Alberta and the Canadian Bar Association for contributions to the Legal Profession

Lara Murphy is the co-founder and director of business development and strategy of Calgary’s Ryan Murphy Construction Inc. (RMC), where she has managed numerous multi-million-dollar projects in corporate, commercial, health care and residential construction. RMC is the only female-owned commercial construction firm in the city, and it has been recognized nationally as one of the country’s fastest-growing companies, featured in publications such as Canadian Business, the Globe and Mail, MacLean’s Magazine, Report on Business, Alberta Venture, and Business In Calgary.

Murphy is a public speaker who has participated in numerous panels and regularly gives talks about leadership, entrepreneurship, the construction industry, and women in business. She is also passionate about giving back to her community: Murphy is currently Calgary YWCA’s board chair and a board member of the Calgary Chamber of Commerce. She has donated her time time to SAIT as a Women in Trades and Technology committee, a mentor to students as part of the Social Entrepreneur Capstone Project, Innovation and New Ventures advisory committee member at SAIT’s School of Business, and she recently emceed SAIT’s 2nd Annual International Women’s Day Conference and Celebration.

Peter May is a risk management leader and certified professional with a track record of improving performance, reducing risk, and maintaining a reputation in complex environments. Peter’s experience at an organizational leadership level and in a senior consulting role has been in the fields of health and safety, environmental management, emergency/crisis management, risk management, business continuity, and sustainability. Peter is currently the Practice Area Lead, Health & Safety for Trace Associates Inc.

Peter holds a Master of Business Administration, a Master of Environmental Design (Environmental Science specialty), and an Advanced Certificate in Psychological Health & Safety in the Workplace. Peter is a Canadian Registered Safety Professional (CRSP), a Professional Biologist (PBiol), and an Associate Business Continuity Professional (ABCP).

In addition to his consulting practice and his role on the SAIT Board of Governors, Peter serves on the Board of Directors of the Folk Festival Society of Calgary as the Chair of the Risk Management Committee, and he acts as the Board Secretary for the Foothills Acoustic Music Institute. Peter is also Chair of the Practice Review Committee of the Alberta Society of Professional Biologists.

Janet Annesley is Chief Sustainability Officer at Kiwetinohk Energy, a growing Canadian energy transition company based out of Calgary, Alberta.

Janet has extensive experience in senior public and private sector management in a career spanning 20 years. She most recently served as Senior Vice President of Corporate Affairs and Human Resources at Husky Energy. Janet was also previously Chief of Staff to Canada’s Minister of Natural Resources.

Janet holds an MBA from Queen’s University, she is a fellow with the Public Policy Forum and the Royal Canadian Geographical Society and sits on the board of Calgary’s Green Line LRT project.

Janet is also an active volunteer with the Nature Conservancy of Canada and Clean Prosperity.

Melinda Park has practiced securities and corporate law for more than 20 years, with a focus on securities, corporate finance and commercial transactions. She is currently a partner in the Securities and Capital Markets Group for Borden Ladner Gervais LLP in its Calgary office.

She recently completed her term as chair of the partnership board and is the first woman in the company's history to hold the position. In November 2017, the Women's Executive Network named Park as one of the 100 Most Powerful Women in Canada. She has also been recognized in the 2015, 2017 and 2018 editions of The Best Lawyers in Canada.

Park holds a Bachelor of Laws from the University of Toronto, Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Saskatchewan and a Hotel and Restaurant Management Diploma from Saskatchewan Polytechnic. She is a member of the Canadian Bar Association, Law Society of Alberta, and TSX Venture Exchange Local Advisory Committee.

Park is also an active member of the community as Director of the Calgary Minor Soccer Association and as a Director on the board of the Sheldon Kennedy Child Advocacy Centre.

Liam Hunter is the President of Southern Alberta Institute of Technology Students’ Association and a second year student, majoring in Mechanical Engineering.

Born in Victoria and trained in Calgary, Alberta is ingrained in the fabric of this young political figure and whose journey thus far has taken him into the halls of government. Liam has been elected to represent Saitsa in the community and to take on challenges to help improve the student experience at every turn

Liam has extensive experience on the Saitsa’s Board of Directors including coordinating lobbying efforts across all branches of government. Liam has also been engaged in the high level governance structure rework resulting in an entirely new board structure for the organization, a delegate to the Alberta Student’s Executive Council during the Alberta 2030 review , and a delegate to the Canadian Alliance of Student Associations where he help guide the creation of a strategic plan representing over 300,000 students.

Through his experience in governance Liam seeks to bring his varied and unique background to his role on the Board.

Dawson Thomas is the Vice President of Southern Alberta Institute of Technology Students’ Association and a first year student studying in Hospitality Management.

Dawson is an experienced leader and advocate with a focus on Exclusivity, Diversity and Inclusion, serving on the SAIT Pride Committee and National Indigenous Advisory Council. A confident communicator and a dedicated volunteer Dawson’s experience and skills will help on his journey as a representative on the Board.

With Dawson’s passion for community involvement he is committed to ensuring students views are represented on the Board.

Stephen Barry is a member of the teaching faculty at SAIT. He currently instructs a variety of Math, Biology and Physics courses in the Bachelor of Science, and Bachelor of Business Administration Degrees.

Nominated by his students on a number of occasions for Instructor Excellence Awards, Stephen has also received a Doctoral Training Award from the National Canadian Research Training Program from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research, The McConnell Entrance Scholarship from McGill University, and the Alexander Rutherford Scholarship from the Government of Alberta.

Prior to joining the faculty team at SAIT, Stephen was an instructor at Grant MacEwan University (Olds College Campus) and Columbia College (Calgary). Prior to this, he worked as a technical writer/editor for numerous biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies, in Montreal.

Stephen holds a Ph.D. in Molecular Virology and a Bachelor of Science from McGill University. Born and raised in Calgary, he is dedicated to the successful integration of science within society. Stephen is fluent in French and English.

Since joining SAIT in 2007 as an instructor in the School of Hospitality and Tourism, Matt has gone on to complete his Master of Education and most recently, Microsoft Certified Educator.

In his current role as an Educational Developer, he provides institutional leadership for teaching and learning. Working closely with SAIT’s faculty members allows for support of academic excellence and student success through roles in educational consolation, coaching, and the facilitation of professional development. Prior to SAIT, Matt worked in leadership positions with distinguished companies such as Disney and Fairmont Hotels.

Matt remains active in his community as a volunteer at Calgary’s Habitat for Humanity Restore and the Calgary Minor Soccer Association. In his free time, Matt plays soccer himself and has a passion for exploring the trails on his downhill mountain bike with his wife and two teenage children.

Mo Keshavjee has more than 30 years' experience in the marketing and print media sector. He is currently the Project Coordinator for Learner Services at SAIT. From 2005-17, Mo was the Marketing and Communications Coordinator for the School of Information and Communications Technologies (ICT) at SAIT. Prior to that, Keshavjee was instrumental in the planning and implementation of marketing and communication initiatives, fund development projects and event planning at the University of Calgary.

Keshavjee has a Professional Marketing Management Certificate from the Schulich School of Business at York University. He has also completed the Architectural Drafting program at Mount Royal College and holds a Journeyman Certificate in Design and Print from the Province of Alberta.

He is an active member of several local and national industry and post-secondary associations. He previously served as a board member with the Canadian Printing Industries Sector Council and was an executive board member with the Printing and Graphics Industry Association of Alberta.