Alberta Aerospace & Defence Summit

Assistant Deputy Minister

Prairies Economic Development Canada, Alberta Region

Michele Evans provides leadership to PrairiesCan, the federal government’s regional economic development agency in Alberta. Michele has been a public servant for nearly 20 years, holding senior leadership positions with the

Government of Alberta in sectors like immigration, workforce, tourism, economic development and health.

Before entering public service, Michele worked in the private sector in the pharmaceutical industry.

Michele holds a Masters of Health Science from the University of Toronto and a Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy from the University of Saskatchewan.

Callie Lissinna co-founded Wyvern, the first company to sell hyperspectral imagery from space. She graduated from the Y Combinator startup accelerator with her co-founders in 2022 and from Creative Destruction Lab (Toronto, space stream) in 2019. She has held various roles in business operations, leadership, engineering, and sales, and has helped the company raise over $24MM in funding to date. Previously she managed the AlbertaSat student satellite program at the University of Alberta. This included leading in-orbit operations of Ex-Alta 1—the first satellite ever made in Alberta—for the last 12 of its 18 months in orbit. Callie holds a BSc. Mechanical Engineering with a mathematics minor from the University of Alberta. In the evenings she teaches dance classes to kids and teens.  

Lieutenant-Colonel Riel Erickson is Canada’s fifth female fighter pilot and a senior officer in the Royal Canadian Air Force. She holds a degree in Chemical and Materials Engineering from the Royal Military College of Canada and earned Top Gun honours during fighter training. Her career includes CF-18 operations, multinational exercises, pilot instruction, and command of 2 Canadian Forces Flying Training School. She currently serves as Liaison Officer to Global Affairs Canada, advancing the Women, Peace and Security agenda and supporting international initiatives that strengthen diversity, leadership, and operational effectiveness in defence

Dr. Meghan Donohoe is rethinking leadership for a world that has outgrown traditional playbooks. She is the co-founder of Pebble and a leadership practitioner and researcher with nearly two decades of experience across industries. With a PhD in Industrial-Organizational Psychology focused on leader stress and well-being, she helps leaders perform, support teams, and navigate complexity simultaneously. Meghan partners with organizations in transition to challenge outdated norms and build sustainable practices. She brings a practical lens to competing demands, strengthening shared leadership and fostering healthier, more intentional ways of working for future generations.

Justin Wright serves as the Member of the Legislative Assembly for Cypress-Medicine Hat in Alberta. With over 20 years of experience in entrepreneurship, business management, and public service, he has established himself as a multifaceted leader. As the founder of Fryer Tuck's Food Truck Inc., Wright successfully scaled the business to eight locations in just 18 months. After his election as MLA for Cypress Medicine Hat in spring of 2023 he handed the running to his business partners. He was recently appointed Parliamentary Secretary of Rural Health-South, Chief Caucus Whip and also serves as the Alberta Government Military Liaison. Wright is actively involved in his constituency, supporting healthcare funding, education, and flood/drought protection projects, and has demonstrated a strong commitment to community mentorship through board service and coaching youth hockey.

Michele Evans is Assistant Deputy Minister for Prairies Economic Development Canada in Alberta, where she leads regional economic growth initiatives and federal investment strategies. With nearly 20 years in public service, she has held senior roles across the Government of Alberta in immigration, workforce development, tourism, and health. Michele brings a strong understanding of cross-sector collaboration and economic policy. Prior to her public service career, she worked in the pharmaceutical industry. She holds a Master of Health Science from the University of Toronto and a Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy.

Félix Meunier is Director General of Civil Aviation at Transport Canada, a role he assumed in 2022. He leads the national civil aviation program, overseeing policy, regulation, and standards governing all aspects of Canada’s aviation system, including aircraft certification, licensing, operations, and infrastructure. Since joining Transport Canada in 2006, Félix has held senior roles across strategic, innovation, and international air policy, and led the RPAS Taskforce. He holds degrees in aeronautical engineering, public administration, and economics from McGill University, ENAP, and the Université de Strasbourg, and a diploma from France’s École nationale d’administration.

Alberta AAD Chair | Air Traffic Controller | Director, Writer, Producer, Only Up | Founder, Elevate Aviation

With 26 years as an air traffic controller, Kendra founded Elevate Aviation, creating national programs that empower women and underrepresented groups, and produced Only Up, a documentary sharing resilience and hope. As Chair of the Alberta AAD she champions investment, collaboration, and workforce development across the sector. Recognized nationally and internationally with awards including the King Charles III Coronation Medal and the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal, she leads with a commitment to building opportunity for the next generation.

Malcolm Bruce is the former Chief Executive Officer of Edmonton Global, During his tenure, Malcolm worked to strengthen the Edmonton Metropolitan Region’s global competitiveness by attracting investment, championing regional collaboration, and bringing together the collective strengths of 14 municipal partners. He recently retired from this role after guiding the organization through its foundational years and establishing a long-term growth vision. A proud Canadian and deeply committed to the future of Alberta, he consistently works toward what will strengthen communities, advance economic resilience, and position the region, and the country, for long-term prosperity.

Myron Keehn is President and CEO of Edmonton International Airport (YEG), bringing over 30 years of global experience across the private and public sectors. During his 17 years at Edmonton Airports, he has led the development of YEG’s Airport City Sustainability Campus, attracting over $1.2B USD in private investment and positioning the airport as a hub for innovation in logistics, manufacturing, and pharma. Previously, he focused on maximizing the economic potential of public and private assets worldwide. He also serves on multiple boards across real estate, healthcare, industry, and philanthropy.

Lieutenant-Colonel Tristan McKee, born in Whitby, Ontario, graduated from the Royal Military College of Canada in 2003 with a degree in Computer Engineering and earned his pilot wings in 2004. He completed fighter training in Cold Lake and served with 425 Squadron in Bagotville, later returning as an Instructor Pilot on both the CT-155 Hawk and CF-18 Hornet. Promoted to Major in 2014, he held key roles including Training Officer and Operations Officer with 401 Squadron. He also served at NORAD Headquarters in Colorado Springs in strategic planning and leadership roles. After completing the Joint Command and Staff Program in 2023, he returned to Cold Lake and now serves as Commanding Officer of 401 Squadron. He deployed twice on Operation IMPACT, accumulating over 200 combat flight hours over Iraq and Syria.

Luc Sabourin is Vice President, Canadian Operations and General Manager at Arcfield Canada, where he leads strategic growth and business development. A former Royal Canadian Air Force officer, he served as Commanding Officer of 1 Air Maintenance Squadron in Cold Lake and later as Director of Maintenance at 1 Canadian Air Division in Winnipeg, overseeing aircraft maintenance operations. After concluding his military career as Commander of the Canadian Armed Forces Recruiting Group, he joined Top Aces in 2020, followed by L3Harris MAS in 2023, supporting CF-18 operations across Canada. He holds a Mechanical Engineering degree from the Royal Military College of Canada and a Master’s in Aerospace Vehicle Design from Cranfield University.

Philippe leads government and defence engagements at De Havilland Canada, advancing specialized aircraft solutions such as the Twin Otter Guardian and special mission Dash 8s, while exploring future defence production opportunities. With 30 years in the Canadian aerospace industry, he brings deep expertise in turboprop aircraft, supporting both commercial and defence programs. He has held senior roles at De Havilland Canada, including Vice President of Sales and Marketing and Asset Management, and previously served as Vice President of Marketing, Commercial Aircraft at Bombardier. Philippe holds engineering degrees from Queen’s University and the University of Washington.

John Edelman is a former Royal Canadian Air Force aerospace engineer with 32 years of tactical, operational, and strategic experience, including deployment to Afghanistan. He has specialized in unmanned systems since 2008, supporting platforms such as the CU-161 Sperwer and CU-170 Heron. Following his military career, John joined CAE, where he has led international training system programs across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. He currently leads CAE’s partnership with General Atomics on Team SkyGuardian, supporting Canada’s remotely piloted aircraft system competition and advancing next-generation defence capabilities.

Andrew Knack is a three-term Edmonton City Councillor representing the west end in Wards 1 and Nakota Isga. A University of Alberta commerce graduate, he previously managed a retail business and served on local community league boards. First elected in 2013, Andrew is known for his collaborative, community-focused leadership and commitment to public service. He has led key initiatives in public engagement, transportation innovation, and accessibility, and championed projects including the Lewis Farms Recreation Centre and Library. Andrew brings an open, optimistic approach while advocating for practical solutions that support residents and strengthen communities.

Fidelity is a trusted manufacturing partner across the global aerospace, defense, and energy sectors. With one of the most advanced manufacturing facilities in Western Canada, our work always reaches the highest standard — no matter the challenge.

Arcfield was created to serve a single purpose: to solve the most complex and demanding national security and space-related challenges. Every day, we stand shoulder to shoulder with our government partners across all markets to take on our nation’s most imminent threats. This work isn’t for everyone, but that’s why we do it.

Executive Flight Centre (EFC) is a Canadian aviation service provider that has operated for over 40 years, specializing in aviation fuel, Fixed Base Operator (FBO) services, and airport management across Western Canada. Headquartered in Calgary, EFC maintains a regional network of facilities in Alberta and British Columbia, including multiple terminals at the Edmonton International Airport (YEG).

Fidelity is a trusted manufacturing partner across the global aerospace, defense, and energy sectors. With one of the most advanced manufacturing facilities in Western Canada, our work always reaches the highest standard — no matter the challenge.

Fidelity is a trusted manufacturing partner across the global aerospace, defense, and energy sectors. With one of the most advanced manufacturing facilities in Western Canada, our work always reaches the highest standard — no matter the challenge.

Minister of Jobs, Economy, Trade and Immigration of Alberta

The Honourable Joseph Schow is Alberta’s Minister of Jobs, Economy, Trade and Immigration and serves as Government House Leader. First elected in 2019, he has held senior cabinet roles including Minister of Tourism and Sport. He brings a strong focus on economic growth, trade, and workforce development. Minister Schow holds a Bachelor of Arts in Russian from Dalhousie University and a master’s degree from George Washington University. He is committed to strengthening Alberta’s economy and supporting opportunities for businesses, workers, and communities across the province.

Dr. Junaid OOsman is the CEO and Co-Founder of Waste Parrot Technologies, a NASA-recognized startup rethinking what it means to build for the future —not just efficiently, but responsibly. His work explores how autonomous recycling, AI vision, robotics, and additive manufacturing can transform waste from a problem into a resource, whether on an industrial site in Alberta or on the surface of the Moon.

Validated through NASA's LunaRecycle Challenge 2025–26 and recognized as a Galactic Local Collaborator by the 2025 NASA International Space Apps Challenge, Dr. Junaid's vision goes beyond automation. He believes the next era of intelligent systems must be purposeful — designed to support people, regenerate environments, and operate where infrastructure doesn't exist. With active partnerships spanning AMII and NVIDIA, and deep expertise in computer vision, real-time analytics, and drone-based emissions monitoring, he sits at the intersection of mission-critical engineering and human-centered innovation. From Edmonton's industrial corridors to deep-space missions, Dr. Junaid is building technology that doesn't just function, it stands for the purpose behind it.

Fidelity is a trusted manufacturing partner across the global aerospace, defense, and energy sectors. With one of the most advanced manufacturing facilities in Western Canada, our work always reaches the highest standard — no matter the challenge.

Jamie Fitzpatrick is Business Development Lead for Unmanned Systems and C2 Software, with 20 years of experience in the Royal Canadian Air Force. He served in NORAD and as a Tactical Air Control Party member, specializing in digital integration for Joint Fires, airspace command and control, and situational awareness systems. Jamie has supported international training missions, teaching drone operations and ISR integration to allied forces. His expertise bridges operational defence experience with advanced technology applications, supporting next-generation capabilities in unmanned and integrated defence systems

Chris Pogue is a senior executive with over 20 years of leadership in defence and space innovation. He most recently served as President and CEO of Thales Canada, where he expanded capabilities across naval, land, and digital systems. Previously, he led defence space initiatives at MDA and held leadership roles with General Dynamics and CAE. A retired Royal Canadian Air Force officer with over 3,500 flight hours, Chris is a strong advocate for building innovation ecosystems and connecting Canadian companies to national defence and space priorities.

Geoff Roth is Managing Director of Guardian Chemicals, a specialty chemical supplier based in Alberta serving customers across North America. He leads operations across water treatment, industrial solutions, and wood products. Prior to joining Guardian, Geoff worked in private equity at Siguler Guff in New York and held roles at Aberdeen Asset Management. He holds degrees from the University of California, Berkeley and the University of Cambridge, and is a CFA charterholder. Geoff brings a strong background in finance, operations, and strategic growth across industrial and investment sectors.

Dr. James Hogan is a Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Alberta. He holds the George Ford Chair in Materials Engineering and the Engineering Research Chair in Development and Advanced Manufacturing of Next-Generation Materials. He is also the founding Director of the Centre for Applied Research in Defence and Dual-Use Technologies (CARDD-Tech), where he leads national initiatives to advance sovereign innovation in defence, space, aerospace, and energy. Through CARDD-Tech, he has partnered with more than 30 Alberta-based businesses to drive technology development and commercialization.

Dr. Hogan’s research focuses on advanced manufacturing of materials designed for high-temperature and oxidation-resistant environments. His work emphasizes laser–material interactions, sintering processes, and microstructural control to link processing pathways with performance. He also develops generative AI approaches for multi-functional materials and structural design, and studies how materials behave in extreme conditions such as high-velocity impact, thermal shock, and aero-ablation. Since 2015, he has trained more than 100 graduate students and postdoctoral fellows and published over 100 peer-reviewed papers.

His leadership is positioning Alberta as a national hub for sovereign innovation and future-ready talent development while strengthening collaborations across industry, government, and academia.

Ian Smith is a key contributor to Canada’s defence innovation landscape, building meaningful connections between academic research and national security priorities. As the Director of Business Development in the University of Alberta’s Faculty of Engineering and a founding member of the Centre for Applied Research in Defence and Dual Use Technologies (CARDD Tech), Ian is helping position the University of Alberta as a national leader in defence and dual-use technology development.

Through his vision and leadership, Ian has secured over $28 million in partnerships and manages over $100 million in active proposals, helping to translate research excellence into real-world defence capability. His work is transforming how universities engage with the defence sector, shifting perceptions and establishing academia as a vital engine for Canada’s innovation and security priorities.

Under Ian’s leadership, the University of Alberta has become an active contributor to key national programs. He played a central role in the University’s successful bid to join NATO’s Defence Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic (DIANA) and continues to shape engagement with critical programs such as Defence Research and Development Canada (DRDC), Innovation for Defence Excellence and Security (IDEaS), and numerous industrial collaborations across the dual-use technology sector.

Dedicated to advancing both regional economic growth and national security objectives, Ian Smith has become a key connector within Alberta’s growing defence technology landscape. His leadership exemplifies the spirit of collaboration, service, and strategic impact that defines Canada’s next generation of defence leaders.

Lieutenant-Colonel James Legendre was born and raised in Cole Harbour, Nova Scotia and joined the Canadian Army as an officer in the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineering Corps in 2002. He attended the Royal Military College of Canada and attained a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering. He served in multiple command and staff positions within the Canadian Army and ADM (Materiel), with deployments to Afghanistan in 2009 and to South Sudan on Op SOPRANO in 2018. He has attained two master’s degrees, first in engineering management from the University of Alberta in 2015, and following completion of the Joint Command and Staff Program in 2020, attained his second in defence studies. He is currently the Commanding Officer of 1 Service Battalion here in Edmonton responsible for providing combat service support to 1 Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group

Arjun Grewal is a husband, father, and 20-year veteran of the Canadian Armed Forces, including 13 years in Canadian Special Operations with extensive battlefield experience. He has held senior enterprise leadership roles at IBM across Cloud and Business Analytics. Arjun is currently the CEO and founder of the Arctic Training Centre, a Yukon-based facility focused on Arctic technology validation, operational readiness, and community engagement. He also serves as Defence Innovation and Military Engagement Lead with IMT Group, a Director with ConvergX Xpand and Ari & Co, and a Board member at Liberty Defence and Burnpits 360.

Major “Eddie” Brown, born in Shrewsbury, England, joined the British Army in 1987 as a Royal Engineers blacksmith, later serving as a combat engineer in the Gulf War and Bosnia. He became a Lynx helicopter pilot in 1999, logging 3,500 hours across global deployments. Rising to Warrant Officer 2, he later commissioned and served as an instructor. In 2014, he emigrated to Canada, joining the Canadian Armed Forces and flying Griffon helicopters. He now commands 417 Domestic Response Squadron and holds advanced degrees in physics and international security.

Christine Hanson has built a distinguished public service career spanning more than two decades in Canada and internationally. An accomplished international lawyer, diplomat, and senior executive, she has shaped policy, negotiated agreements, and fostered collaboration among global leaders. With Global Affairs Canada, she held senior roles in Ottawa, at Canada’s Mission to the United Nations, and in Washington, D.C. She later served as Regional Director of International Trade for Atlantic Canada. Christine holds degrees from Dalhousie and Georgetown and was appointed NATO DIANA’s North American Regional Director in 2025.

Patrick Duxbury advocates for nation building through Inuit-led development. He brings 24 years of experience delivering advice and operational support to Indigenous and northern organizations and businesses. His experience includes mining, defence, contaminated sites, and infrastructure sectors. Since 2018, he has served as Executive Director of the Inuit Development Corporation Association, advancing Arctic prosperity by creating business opportunities for its seven development corporations. Patrick holds degrees from the University of Guelph and McGill University, and has lived in Nunavut, the Northwest Territories, Montreal, Southwestern Ontario, and Ottawa with his family.

Jim Landon leads ATCO Frontec, ATCO’s Operational Support Services Division, delivering facilities operations, maintenance, and workforce housing services to government and commercial clients across North America and for NATO in Europe. Frontec partners with Indigenous businesses, including Nasittuq, supporting the North Warning System, and Inuvialuit Frontec Services, building a Polar Over the Horizon Radar for DRDC. A former British Army officer with global deployments, Jim was educated at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst and holds a law degree and a master’s in international liaison and communication studies.

Major Jose Areekadan was born and raised in Edmonton and has dedicated much of his professional life to public service, leadership, and education. He joined the Canadian Armed Forces as a reserve infantry soldier while attending high school and currently serves as the Deputy Commanding Officer for the 4th Canadian Ranger Patrol Group. Major Areekadan has an extensive background in academia, having taught at post‑secondary institutions in Canada, Bahrain, China, and Russia. He has also held senior academic leadership roles, including Associate Dean positions at Coast Mountain College, the College of New Caledonia, and Kwantlen Polytechnic University in British Columbia.

Co-Founder and CEO at Alta ML

Chief Information Security Officer at CyberAlberta and Assistant Deputy Minister,
Cybersecurity Division at the Ministry of Technology and Innovation

National Security Council of Ukraine

Callie Lissinna is Co-Founder of Wyvern, a company pioneering hyperspectral imaging from space. She has played a key role in scaling the company, securing over $24 million in funding, and advancing commercial space capabilities. A graduate of Y Combinator and Creative Destruction Lab, Callie brings experience across engineering, operations, and leadership. She previously managed the AlbertaSat program, leading in-orbit operations of Alberta’s first satellite. Callie holds a Mechanical Engineering degree from the University of Alberta and is passionate about innovation, entrepreneurship, and advancing Canada’s role in the global space economy.

Chris Pogue is a senior executive with over 20 years of leadership in defence and space innovation. He most recently served as President and CEO of Thales Canada, where he expanded capabilities across naval, land, and digital systems. Previously, he led defence space initiatives at MDA and held leadership roles with General Dynamics and CAE. A retired Royal Canadian Air Force officer with over 3,500 flight hours, Chris is a strong advocate for building innovation ecosystems and connecting Canadian companies to national defence and space priorities.

Dr. Emma Spanswick is an award-winning space physicist, Associate Professor and Tier II Canada Research Chair at the University of Calgary, where she directs the Space Remote Sensing Lab and co-leads Space and Defence Technologies Alberta. Her research drives the innovation and development of next-generation dual-use sensing capabilities for the Arctic space environment, operating a network of over 120 sensors across northern Canada engaging partners across NASA, ESA, the Canadian Space Agency, and DRDC. The instrumentation, foundational knowledge and inversion methods her program develops serve a dual purpose: advancing space environment characterization while enabling the detection and attribution of natural and man-made threats in the HF domain — contributing to multi-domain awareness and resilience across the Arctic.

Colonel Alfred Maynard is the Deputy Commander, 3rd Canadian Space Division in Ottawa, Canada, and serves as the Canadian Armed Forces Deputy Joint Forces Space Component Commander. His division delivers space warfighting expertise across conflicts, employing advanced capabilities to secure strategic advantage in space. He joined the Air Force in 2004, later transferring to the Space Force in 2020. His career spans global operations, command, and staff roles, including deployment to Qatar supporting major missions abroad, and leadership at Space Delta 13. He lives with his wife and two sons.