Corporate

New Board working quickly to set up FMWBEDT for 2025 success

Organizational meeting appoints Chair, Vice Chair, and Treasurer

Fort McMurray Wood Buffalo, AB - The newly appointed Board of Directors for Fort McMurray Wood Buffalo Economic Development & Tourism has appointed three members to executive roles: Chair Terry Cooper, Vice Chair Melanie Antoine, and Treasurer Henry Hunter.

In the past two weeks the group has completed an onboarding session, met with Indigenous leaders in Fort Chipewyan, and held their first Board meeting. An interim budget has been approved by the Board, and a strategic planning session is scheduled for February.

This first meeting was very productive. It provides immediate guidance to Interim CEO Lisa Sweet and her team to continue key projects while we hone the strategic vision. This is a well-constructed Board that reflects the complete range of skills, experiences, and qualifications we need to complete the review directed by Council. I’m looking forward to working with all of our members.

Board Chair Terry Cooper

The Board is supported by Interim CEO Lisa Sweet and Board Secretary Gale Williams. FMWBEDT has twelve full-time staff currently working across five business units, including the region’s business incubator Startup YMM.

Fort McMurray Wood Buffalo has such a wealth of business leadership. I’m grateful to each member of the Board for stepping up to provide their insights. All of the staff is excited to hear the strategic vision for the organization.

Interim CEO Lisa Sweet

An Interim Board of Chair Keith McGrath, Vice Chair Stu Wigle, Treasurer Henry Hunter, and ex-officio member Mayor Sandy Bowman conducted a thorough organizational review from April 2024 – October 2024, and all remaining members of Council were added to the Board for the remainder of 2024. As Departing Interim Chair, Councilor McGrath shared inspirational advice to the new Board.

The homegrown talent of this Board, combined with collective global success, positions us to lead the Fort McMurray Wood Buffalo economic development team on behalf of our region and its people.

Many of this Board have generations of roots in this community, making their commitment to our success all the more significant. Our collaboration with Treaty 8 and the Metis Communities will further strengthen our efforts in all aspects of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) mandates.

The Board is diversified with a wealth of knowledge to provide oversight and support to our CEO. I have seen the staff come together and work cohesively with our CEO, who has nearly 20 years of relationship building, which is key and essential to the success of our organization.

By aligning with Council’s direction and reporting directly to Mayor and Council, this Board will enhance our strategic plan, foster strong stakeholder relationships, and grow local procurement of goods and services. This synergy will drive the growth and support of our region's infrastructure.

Councilor Keith McGrath

About Fort McMurray Wood Buffalo Economic Development & Tourism

Fort McMurray Wood Buffalo Economic Development & Tourism (FMWBEDT) drives business and investment attraction, entrepreneurship and innovation, place brand, and tourism for the region. FMWBEDT’s focus is on creating new wealth for the region, measured as economic impact. FMWBEDT is responsible for growing and promoting investment into the region, supporting the growth of startups and existing businesses in the region, and generating tourism and visitation to the region.

 

Media Contact:

Geoff Person
Manager, Marketing & Communications
Fort McMurray Wood Buffalo Economic Development & Tourism

media@fmwb.ca