Advisory Council
About
The School of Public Policy’s Advisory Council provides strategic advice, external perspectives and guidance to the School, and in particular to the School’s Director, to support the School’s mission of excellence in education; research, analysis and recommendations; and communications and engagement.
The Council serves as a bridge between the School and the broader policy community, ensuring the School’s programs and initiatives remain relevant, impactful and aligned with public policy needs.
The Council is advisory only. It does not have fiduciary, managerial, or governance authority over the School. Final decision-making rests with the School’s leadership and, as needed, the leadership of the University of Calgary.
Rhona Del Frari
Corporate Director
Mac Van Wielingen
Founder & Chair
Viewpoint Group
Martha Hall Findlay
Director
School of Public Policy
ex-officio
Shannon Marchand
Deputy Minister of Advanced Education
Government of Alberta
ex-officio
Sean Willy
President & CEO
Des Nedhe Group
Hon. John Manley
Former Deputy Prime Minister of Canada
Siu Ming Kwok
Associate Director
School of Public Policy
ex-officio
Sarah Palmer
Corporate Director
ex-officio
Marcia Nelson
Chair, Board of Directors
Alberta Blue Cross
Deborah Yedlin
President & CEO
Calgary Chamber of Commerce
Sandra Davidson
Provost & Vice-President (Academic)
University of Calgary
ex-officio
Valerie Seaman
Philanthropist
ex-officio
Strategic Advice
Offer insights and recommendations on long-term vision, emerging policy trends, and opportunities for institutional growth.
Program Development
Advise on curriculum relevance, experiential learning opportunities, and connections to public, private, and non-profit policy communities.
Student Engagement
Support engagement with and mentorship of the School’s students and alumni.
Public Engagement
Support outreach, events, partnerships, and knowledge mobilization initiatives.
Research Relevance
Provide perspectives on priority policy issues and potential research collaborations.
Promotion
Promote the School and it activities on a local, national and global level, where possible.
External Partnerships
Facilitate connections to governments, industry, NGOs, and international organizations.
Funding and Advancement
Advise on strategies for advancement, including donor engagement and external funding opportunities.
Performance Feedback
Provide annual input on the School’s progress relative to its strategic plan.