Alix Olson

Dr.'s Bio

Dr. Robert Froese grew up in Vancouver, British Columbia surrounded by the forests of Pacific Spirit Park. He has always been drawn to forests and inspired by their relationship with human well-being.

Robert’s core values include the importance of knowledge in informing decisions people make about their place in the natural world and is committed to the role that universities have in promoting wide general good. This commitment has been shaped by his academic and professional experiences in British Columbia, Idaho, Michigan, and Alberta, and is the foundation of Robert’s research and teaching in forest biometrics, modelling, and growth & yield.

Alberta School of Forest Science & Management

Denise's Bio

Denise Beaven has over 35 years of IT experience, mainly in the oil and gas industry. Co-Chair of Girls Talk Tech, which educates, encourages and empowers young girls to consider STEM careers.

ConocoPhillips Canada

Jason's Bio

Jason Krips has been the President and CEO of the Alberta Forest Products Association (AFPA) since April 2020. In his role, Jason works with the Alberta forest industry and policy makers to grow this vitally important renewable and sustainable sector, which currently creates jobs for over 30,000 Albertans.

Prior to joining AFPA, Jason spent nearly 20 years with the Government of Alberta in numerous roles, with his last 6.5 years as Deputy Minister of two different ministries – Economic Development, Trade and Tourism and Agriculture and Forestry. A lawyer by training, Jason has a strong and diverse background in the areas of industry policy, issues management, team building and stakeholder engagement.

Alberta Forest Products Association

Dr.'s Bio

Dr. Kevin Kemball is the Business Development Lead for Forestry and Environmental Sustainability with NAIT Applied Research. In this role Kevin supports project development identifying opportunities and working with researchers and research partners to initiate applied research and training. Kevin is a professional biologist (P.Biol.) in Alberta with a diverse background including degrees in biology, forestry, and ecology.

Areas of practice include ecological impact assessment, analysis, mapping, reclamation of disturbed lands including peatlands, and GHG protocol and project development. Prior to joining NAIT in 2018 Kevin consulted extensively with the oil and gas industry, mining, forestry, and government.

NAIT Applied Research