Kurt Archer, Program Coordinator

Born in Alberta, Kurt has been working to develop leadership skills in young people for the past 9 years. His passion for sustainability began with the simple question "why don't we recycle paper here?" and has taken him on a tour of South Asia where he documented various grassroots sustainaiblity initatives in 2008. Previous to this in 2005, Kurt co-founded DAMU, a network of young change makers and filmed a documentary on youth challenges in Kenya, which he used to motivate thousands of youth from over 15 countries. Subsequently in 2008, Kurt founded My World, My Choice! as a way to spread sustainability literacy amoung young people, now with a presence in Calgary, Guelph and Bangalore, India. Kurt looks forward to building the momentum of young people to positively impact the environment in their communities across Alberta.

Birgit Becker, Administrator

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

Kim Kiel, Program Manager, Grants & Capacity Building

Kim  is pleased to bring her passion for Alberta's natural resources to Alberta Ecotrust Foundation.  She has over twelve years of experiences within Alberta's environmental community in a range of capacities.  From working as a foam-head-wearing (and award-winning) nature interpreter, to the Education Director for a national environmental charity, Kim has gained a variety of environmental non-profit perspectives and insights that she will bring to this position.  Kim also enjoys sharing her love of music, theatre, travel, and the great outdoors with her lovely and terrible two-year old.

Pat Letizia, Executive Director

Pat is known for her enthusiasm and candor, and is an ardent champion for the environment and the voluntary sector. She has been with the foundation since 1996, prior to which she completed a Bachelor of Science Honours degree at the University of Calgary while raising 3 young children, carpooling, volunteering for several organizations and holding down a part-time job. She inherited some of her drive and independent spirit from several generations of Alberta homesteaders. Under her leadership, Alberta Ecotrust has grown significantly in both financial assets and community impacts.

Always active in the community, Pat is a founding director and past chair of the Canadian Environmental Grantmaker's Network and the Calgary Chamber of Voluntary Organizations, past chair of the City of Calgary's Environmental Advisory Committee and member of the Round Table for imagineCalgary where she and 34 other community leaders created a 100 year vision for the City of Calgary. She has significant experience in local, provincial and national arenas of environmental philanthropy and non-profit program development, and is regularly invited to contribute her ideas and expertise in a range of advisory and leadership roles.

Bart Robinson, Manager, Communications

Bart brings a long and distinguished career in communications, conservation and community stewardship to the position.  In former years, he was an award-winning journalist, a founding editor of Equinox Magazine, the Executive Director of the Yellowstone to Yukon Conservation Initiative (and recipient of the 2003 Wilburforce Foundation Award for Outstanding Conservation Leadership), and a Fortune 500 business consultant with Business Design Associates. More recently, he has been a Senior Associate with The Natural Step Canada and the Program Director of the Bow Valley Sustainability Hub. In 2007, he completed a two year stint as a Research Associate at the Yale School of Forestry and Environmental Studies, where he studied the policy sciences and large-scale conservation.

Wanda Spooner, Manager, Partner Development

With Alberta Ecotrust since 2003, Wanda brings a variety of work, life and volunteer experience to her position.  An ardent supporter of "community," Wanda's journey in the voluntary sector began over 20 years ago and has included a rich diversity of employment.  She has coordinated communications for the local tourism bureau; managed media relations on a brain injury awareness tour;  directed corporate and individual major gift solicitation in the arts; and is now leading a partner development program supporting the environment. 

As a volunteer Wanda has contributed in both member and board capacities to organizations focused on advancing local and international development, music and culture, and disaster and social services.  Most recently, Wanda received the five year milestone award from the Regional Council of the Canadian Red Cross for volunteer service ranging from member at large to past president. Wanda has temporarily taken a hiatus from volunteer activities as well as her love of travel and adventure as she acquaints herself with the newer and much more challenging position as mother of two young children.