Alberta Ecotrust's board of directors reflects the organization's history, vision and mission. Comprised of representatives from Alberta Ecotrust's corporate and non-profit partners, as well as at-large community members, the board ensures that the organization is managed in an effective, responsible and transparent manner.

Paul Godman, Cenovus

(Board Co-Chair, Corporate)

Paul has worked on a wide range of environmental issues associated with the energy sector. He currently works on Cenovus's Environmental Opportunity Fund, a program that provides financial support for the development of innovative clean energy technologies. He has a B.Sc. in Earth Sciences from the University of Waterloo and an M.Sc. in Water Resources Management from the University of Calgary. He lives in Calgary with his wife and two children and enjoys mountain biking, skiing, drumming and very strong coffee.

Cindy Chiasson, Environmental Law Centre

(Board Co-chair, Environment)

Cindy Chiasson studied political science and law at the University of Alberta, obtained her LL.B. in 1985 and was admitted to the Alberta Bar in 1987. Since 1990, she has concentrated her practice on environmental law and policy. Cindy joined the Environmental Law Centre as Staff Counsel in 1997 and was appointed Executive Director in 2002.

Cindy has extensive environmental regulatory experience, has acted as a consultant for the private and non-profit sectors on environmental law and policy matters, has represented Alberta in national contaminated sites initiatives and been involved in legislative drafting, policy development and review, research, and public consultation and stakeholder review. She is the author of three books on contaminated sites and community-based environmental monitoring, as well as numerous articles, briefs and reports on a wide range of environmental topics. She has served on the Board of Directors of the Clean Air Strategic Alliance and Clean Air Canada and the Alberta Environmentally Sustainable Agriculture Council and is currently a member of the NRCB Policy Advisory Group.

Cindy has been a Girl Guide leader for several years and likes to keep physically active and go camping, especially in the mountains.   

Danah Duke, Miistakis Institute for the Rockies

(Grant Review Committee Co-Chair, ENGO)

Danah has been the Executive Director of the  Miistakis Institute for the past 10 years. As ED of Miistakis, Danah oversees multiple projects ranging from the development of conservation planning tools, citizen science, road ecology, wildlife corridors and the facilitation of collaborative initiatives. Danah has a B.Sc. in Biology from McMaster University and a M.Sc. in Ecology and Environmental Biology from the University of Alberta.  Danah has been a member of Alberta Ecotrust's Grant Review Committee since 2009 and recently became Environmental Co-chair of the Grant Review Committee.  Danah lives in Calgary with her husband and two young daughters -- you'll find them enjoying their time exploring in their '73 Trillium.

Patricia Etris, Encana

(Grant Review Committee Co-chair, Corporate)

As Encana's Director for Community Involvement, Patricia works with numerous environmental partners, and she brings a depth of knowledge and experience to the Alberta Ecotrust Grant Review Committee table. Prior to working with Encana, Patricia received a M.Sc. degree in Geology from the University of South Carolina, worked in environmental consultation and regulation, and earned an MBA from the University of Calgary with a specialty in Environmental Management and Sustainable Development.  Patricia lives in Calgary with her husband and two amazing teenage daughters. 

Birgit Becker, Community Member

(Treasurer)

As the Alberta Ecotrust Board Treasurer, Birgit is an experienced administrator and financial officer.  She has worked for the Shastri Indo-Canadian Institute, Heart and Stroke Foundatin, and in the area of oil and gas technology.  Birgit enjoys spending time in the mountains, walking along Calgary's pathways and reading.

Carole Stark, Water Matters

(Secretary)

As the Executive Director of Water Matters, a non-profit charitable organization, Carole leads a talented team in championing the improvement of watershed protection throughout Alberta. Carole's career has spanned working with the Alberta Forest Service, the Banff Centre environmental management programs, educational consulting, and non-profit leadership in community-based conservation and sustainability. In her past role as Executive Director of the Chinook Institute, she worked with rural communities across Alberta to facilitate community and land use planning that protects the natural and cultural values of place. Carole earned a M.Ed. in Adult, Community and Higher Education at the University of Calgary, and a B.A. in Recreation Administration at the University of Alberta. She is a long-time resident of the inspiring mountain community of Canmore.

 Nadine Barber, Devon Canada Corporation

(Chair, Fund Development Committee)

Nadine is the Manager, Public Affairs and Corporate Communications with Devon Canada Corporation. At Alberta Ecotrust she serves as chair of the Fund Development Committee. 

Holly Gibney, Viterra

(Chair, Communications Committee)

Holly Gibney brings 17 years of experience in communications to her role as Alberta Ecotrust Communications Chair. With extensive knowledge in marketing, media relations, digital media, branding and public affairs she has played a key role in creating and promoting an  image for organizations such as the Intact Insurance, TELUS, Calgary Flames, Parks Canada, Canadian Sport Centre Calgary, Pengrowth Energy, City of Calgary and Qualico Communities.

At Viterra, Holly is part of the global strategic communications team and manages media relations for the Northern Hemisphere. Holly's career began as a producer with NBC in West Palm Beach, Florida after receiving a degree in broadcast journalism from Arizona State University. Aside from her work with Alberta Ecotrust, she sits on the Entertainment, Sports and Media Committee for the United Way Calgary and Area, and is Vice President of Save Glenmore Park.