Genome Alberta welcomes new Directors Phyllis Clark, Ouray Crowfoot, and Christine Gillies and incoming Chair Geoff Pradella to the Board.
Calgary, Alberta – Genome Alberta is pleased to announce the appointment of three new Directors to its Board, effective June 26, 2025 as well as a transition of the Board Chair. The organization extends our heartfelt thanks to the outgoing Board Chair, Oryssia Lennie, and Board members for their dedication and leadership.
Joining the Board as Directors for three-year terms are Phyllis Clark; Ouray Crowfoot; and Christine Gillies. Each brings a wealth of expertise in their respective fields along with a passion for advancing biotechnology solutions to create impact for Albertan’s health, economy and environment.
Phyllis Clark brings extensive leadership experience from the public and private sectors. She currently chairs the Boards of Royal Canadian Mint and the Edmonton Symphony and Concert Hall Foundation. Her distinguished career includes senior financial roles at the University of Alberta and York University, as well as leadership positions within Ontario’s provincial government.
Ouray Crowfoot was elected Chief of the Siksika Nation in November 2019. He holds a master’s degree in business administration and is a Chartered Professional Accountant. Ouray combines corporate expertise with a deep commitment to community leadership.
Christine Gillies is Chief Product and Marketing Officer at Blackline Safety, with over 25 years of experience leading innovation and technology commercialization across multiple organizations. She is recognized as one of Canada’s Best Executives by The Globe and Mail and serves as a strategic advisor and mentor in the tech community.
In addition, Genome Alberta announces Geoff Pradella, who has previously served as Vice Chair, will be stepping into the role of Chair. Geoff brings a strong record of leadership in strategic planning, governance, health policy, and organizational transformation to this appointment along with over 25 years of experience across business, government, non-profits, and academia. His personal commitment to innovation and advancing ethical, inclusive approaches to research will shape the future direction of Genome Alberta.
Genome Alberta expresses our sincere gratitude to outgoing Board Chair Oryssia Lennie, for her thoughtful guidance and commitment to advancing the power and potential of genomics for our Province. Oryssia served as Board Chair for three years and prior to that as a Board member for five years, generously sharing her experience and acting as a strong champion for the organization’s work.
We would also like to thank former Board members Jason Kripps, and Hilary Rose for their commitment and years of service. Jason and Hilary each served as Board members for three years, offering their valued expertise, support and industry perspective that greatly contributed to the organization’s success.
“Genome Alberta is pleased to welcome Phyllis, Ouray, and Christine to the Board, and to have Geoff Pradella step into the role of Chair. Their leadership and diverse expertise will be instrumental as we look to the future and advance genomics-driven solutions for Alberta’s health, economy, and environment. We also extend our sincere gratitude to Oryssia Lennie, Jason Kripps, and Hilary Rose for their valued service and lasting contributions.”
— David Bailey, CEO, Genome Alberta.”
About Genome Alberta:
Genome Alberta is a publicly funded not-for profit corporation which invests primarily in large-scale genome sciences research projects and technology platforms focused on areas of strategic importance to the province (human health, forestry, plant and animal agriculture, energy, and environment). By working collaboratively with all levels of government, universities, and industry, Genome Alberta is a catalyst for a strong life sciences sector with social and economic benefits for Alberta and for Canada.
