Bruce Heyman is an American businessman, author and former diplomat who served as the U.S. Ambassador to Canada from 2014 to 2017. Before his diplomatic appointment, Heyman was a prominent investment banker, vice president, managing director and partner at Goldman Sachs. A Vanderbilt University alumnus, he’s since co-authored The Art of Diplomacy with his wife, Vicki, detailing their experiences in bilateral U.S.-Canada relations. Heyman remains active in international affairs, co-chairing the Advisory Board to the Canada Institute at the Wilson Center.  

Mark is Vice President and Chief Economist at ATB Financial. Over his 20-year career, Mark has served in key senior economic roles, including as Chief Economist and Assistant Deputy Minister of Economics and Fiscal Policy at Alberta Treasury Board and Finance. He has provided leadership in a range of areas, including economic analysis and forecasting, fiscal analysis and data analytics. Mark previously worked as a senior economist at PwC and as an economist at the Department of Finance Canada. Mark holds a Masters degree in economics from the University of Alberta.

The Honourable Danielle Smith is a proud Albertan.  As Leader of the governing United Conservative Party, she was sworn in as the nineteenth Premier of Alberta in October 2022, and represents the riding of Brooks-Medicine Hat in the Legislative Assembly.

Premier Smith has had a lifelong interest in Alberta public policy and finding the right balance between free enterprise and individual freedom, and the role of government.  She was previously MLA for Highwood and leader of the Official Opposition.

Before re-entering politics, Premier Smith worked extensively in the media and in business, most recently as President of the Alberta Enterprise Group.  Before that she was a radio host with Corus Entertainment for 6 years. 

Premier Smith holds degrees in both Economics and English from the University of Calgary.  She is married to David and proud stepmom to his son.  Premier Smith and her husband own and operate a restaurant.  They live in High River with their two dogs.

Lisa McDonald leads the Everyday Financial Services (EFS) team at ATB Financial, powering possibilities for retail and small business clients. Her portfolio includes oversight of 260 locations and ATB’s Client Care Centre. Lisa’s passion for people is operationalized by putting clients and team members at the center of every decision that is made in EFS, resulting in a highly engaged workforce and exceptional client experiences.

Prior to being appointed Group Head of Everyday Financial Services, Lisa held the position of Chief Risk Officer (CRO) at ATB. In her 10 years in Risk, Lisa played a key role in
managing through a number of crises including, taking lead roles in ATB’s response to COVID-19, supporting clients through the Calgary/High River floods and the Fort McMurray wildfires.

With more than 20 years of professional experience in banking, oil and gas, and pharmaceutical industries, Lisa knows that focus on client experience, a commitment to an inclusive workplace culture, and focus on clear goals, breeds success. She holds an MBA from the Schulich School of Business at York University and a Bachelor of Business Commerce from Memorial University.

Joe Lougheed is a Partner in the Calgary office of the international law firm Dentons, where he has practiced since 1991.  His focus is corporate law, private equity and corporate governance. 

Joe is an active community volunteer and is dedicated to serving his City.  Among his numerous volunteer roles, he is a past Chair & Director of the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT), a past Chair & Director of the Calgary Chamber of Commerce and a former Director of United Way of Calgary & Area. 

In addition to his role as CED Board Chair, Joe also serves as the Hon. Consul for Sweden in Calgary & Southern Alberta.