Calgary’s Water Utility Oversight Board (WUOB) has named its final four members, with the group’s first official meeting slated for later this year.
In a news release issued Friday, the City of Calgary said that Kate Chisholm, Corey Goulet, Edward McCauley and Kim Sturgess will be the appointees.
This completes the five-member panel, with Stephen Stanley named the board’s inaugural chair in September.
“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 WUOB was set up in response to the Bearspaw South Independent Review Panel, which called for external oversight of Calgary’s water system. That group’s report found inadequate risk management and accountability for processes that led to two separate feeder main ruptures.
Stanley said that they were looking for people who brought together different perspectives and who could work effectively together on governance of the board.
“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,” he said.
The members were selected through a skills-based recruitment process supported by an external recruitment firm. They sought governance, regulatory, engineering, utility, finance, risk management and environmental 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.”
Bios for the new appointees
- 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.
