Making regionalism
happen.
Karen Wichuk, CEO
With over a decade of experience in executive leadership positions in the public and post-secondary sectors, I’ve led and championed complex initiatives, guided organizations through transition and change, and built long-lasting local, national and international relationships rooted in authentic multi-stakeholder engagement.
As the CEO of EMRB, I work with a diverse, committed and regionally-focused Board and dedicated team of professionals to implement a vision and strategy that recognizes our collective strengths, capitalizes on regional opportunities, tackles our joint challenges and enables our thirteen member municipalities to plan together for shared growth.
I grew up in this Region watching my parents be region-builders: volunteering their time and serving the public as they demonstrated their commitment to our regional prosperity and enhancing the quality of life for our citizens. Just as they did, my family continues to live regionally, enjoying all of the incredible benefits that our distinct communities have to offer.
When I think of the Region, I think of the opportunities to come together around legacy work. I think of the impact of shifting from simply thinking about the future, to taking meaningful and collaborative steps to reimagine our Region for future generations. I am truly proud to be a resident of this Region and to play a role in ensuring a vibrant, prosperous and sustainable future for all.
⦿ Our Staff
But above all else, our greatest assets are people - the regional citizens who work every day to make this region one of the most vibrant, innovative, and attractive communities in Canada.
Sharon Shuya Director of Regional Growth Planning
As a long time Edmontonian, I am passionate about building a legacy for my children and grandchildren through the important work of the EMRB. In my role I provide leadership through dialogue, strategy, strategic oversight of initiatives and simply connecting the dots. In my spare time you can find me reading or exploring different parts of the Region – hiking, biking and dog walking.
Cindie LeBlanc Director of Corporate &
Stakeholder Relations
Originally from a small Francophone hamlet in the Peace Country, I have lived and breathed regional living from an early age. I am a public servant at heart and throughout my career, I have sought and seized opportunities to contribute to collective efforts to improve my community. Ask me about bold ideas, transforming policies into action and ways to engage diverse stakeholders to support my organization and elevate its performance.
Barb Smith Senior Communications Advisor
While I was born and raised in Edmonton, as a young adult I moved to a smaller city in the Region, and eventually ending up in Parkland County, enjoying country living. I’m that tree hugging, don’t waste water and for heaven’s sake… Don’t let your vehicle idle, person. That’s what drew me to working for the EMRB. To me, sustainability is of the utmost of importance. I’m a firm believer that we should all try to leave this world a little better than how we found it. Ask me about where to find information on our latest initiatives.
Charlene Chauvette Operations Manager
Although born and raised in Edmonton, I spend a lot of time in many of the municipalities surrounding Edmonton, whether camping, quadding, boating or shopping, and spending weekends in the Region at the lake or visiting family. In my spare time I can enjoy the great outdoors, honing dog training skills or crafting. I’ve been the EMRB office manager for almost 15 years. The most frequently asked question I get is “do we have money for that?”
Nathan Yue Administrative Assistant
Coming soon.
Raquel Chauvette Executive Assistant
I was born and raised in Edmonton and at our family lake lot in Parkland County. I have played for various hockey teams throughout the Region: Midget AAA for Spruce Grove, Sherwood Park and Edmonton, the MacEwan University team, Junior A in Strathcona County and now in a women’s league in Sturgeon County. I am currently enrolled in NACLAA and when I’m not writing papers I am spending time with my four-legged rescues. Ask me about EMRB documents, calendars, Board meetings, and meeting with our CEO.
Shanshan Wang Manager, Business Intelligence
I was born and raised in China, moved to Canada to pursue a Ph.D. of Civil Engineering at the University of Western Ontario, then moved to Ottawa for my Postdoc research at National Research Council. Eventually, I settled down in Edmonton with my family. In my professional life and my personal Boston Marathon runner life, I am crazy about data and love to collect data, analyze data, and make my decisions/training based on the data. Ask me about the power that the data can bring us.
Stephanie Chai Manager, Regional Projects
I am a born and raised - around the world and back again - Edmontonian. A land use planner by profession, I am passionate about building efficiently, vibrantly, and sustainably for future generations. On evenings and weekends, you'll find me curating urban interventions, engaged in the community, or being chased by my kids. Ask me about the opportunities for regional collaboration and the impact of our strategic initiatives.
Taylor Varro Manager, Regional Projects
Originally from Lethbridge, I dreamed of exploring cities of all shapes and sizes, eventually settling down in the Region five years ago. I’m keen to apply this passion to promote responsible growth and support our natural and cultural assets. On long summer days, you’ll find me taking advantage of the Region’s endless recreation network, busy in my garden, or on a dog-friendly patio with my puppy (Sydney). Ask me about urban design, or why access to high-speed internet is more important than you think.