Council appoints remaining members to Calgary’s Water Utility Oversight Board
Council’s appointment of four members to Calgary’s Water Utility Oversight Board (The Board) marks an important milestone in strengthening independent oversight of Calgary’s water utility.
Kate Chisholm, Corey Goulet, Edward McCauley and Kim Sturgess will join Stephen Stanley, who was named the inaugural Chair last month. These appointments complete the five-member board being established in response to recommendations from the Bearspaw South Feedermain Independent Review Panel.
“We were looking for people who would bring different perspectives to the table, work effectively together and understand the important governance role of the WUOB,” said Steve Stanley, Board Chair. “Together, we have the breadth of experience needed to provide thoughtful, independent advice while keeping a clear focus on the long-term reliability and sustainability of Calgary’s water utility.”
The members were selected through a skills-based recruitment process supported by an external recruitment firm. It focused on finding individuals with experience in governance, regulatory environments, engineering, critical utility operations, finance, risk management, environmental science and executive utility leadership.
“Independent oversight is an important part of a strong and accountable water utility,” said Michael Thompson, COO - Water Utility. “We welcome the perspective The Board will bring alongside Administration’s operational knowledge and expertise. I look forward to working together to strengthen decision-making and support a water system Calgarians can rely on for generations to come.”
The new members are:
- Kate Chisholm is an experienced corporate director with C-suite experience spanning legal and regulatory matters, risk management, environmental policy, sustainability and communications. A lawyer by training, she has held senior leadership roles with organizations including Capital Power Corporation, EPCOR Utilities and the Alberta Electric System Operator, and brings extensive board experience.
- Corey Goulet is a senior energy infrastructure executive with extensive experience in major capital projects, engineering and operations. A mechanical engineer by training, he has held senior leadership roles with Trans Mountain, TC Energy, Kiewit, Steelhead LNG and Tundra Energy Marketing, and brings significant experience working in regulated environments.
- Edward McCauley is an experienced leader and environmental scientist with extensive governance, research and organizational leadership experience. He has served as President and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Calgary since 2019 and has held leadership roles in water and environmental research, including with the Alberta Ingenuity Centre for Water Research and Alberta Water Research Institute.
- Kim Sturgess is an engineer and business leader with deep expertise in water management, governance and policy. She is the founder and former CEO of WaterSMART Solutions, where she spent more than two decades helping industrial, municipal and government clients improve the management of Alberta’s water resources. She also brings extensive governance experience, including roles with the Alberta Water Council, Alberta Chamber of Resources board, Calgary Airport Authority and National Research Council of Canada.
With the appointments now complete, board members will participate in onboarding and orientation before beginning their formal work. The first board meeting is planned for later this year.