MEET OUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Dave Ludwick
(Chair)
Dave is the Executive Director of Corporate Services for the Legislative Assembly of Alberta. Prior to that he served as an executive director at two primary care networks in Alberta.
Dave graduated from the University of Manitoba as an engineer. He then
completed an MBA (Finance and accounting) at uOttawa and later completed a PhD at the University of Alberta in Health Informatics.
Dave is a road cyclist and tries to ride about 5,000 km per year. He's a musician (piano and guitar) and he also restores vintage cars.
Simranpreet Kaurbhalla
(Treasurer)
Simran is a policy enthusiast and an anthropologist who strives to develop innovative policy solutions with a practical approach. She works as a Manager, Legislative Planning at the Ministry of Affordability and Utilities, Government of Alberta. She holds a Master of Public Administration from the University of Saskatchewan and a Master of Science in Anthropology from Panjab University, India. After completing her MPA, Simran worked as a Manager, Transportation Policy with the Government of Saskatchewan. She enjoys managing complex strategic projects and fostering stakeholder relationships to create impactful public policies. In her leisure time, she loves exploring new trails, meeting new people, and learning about diverse cultures.
Kathryn Andrews
(Vice Chair)
Kathryn Andrews is the Director of Apprenticeship Education and Pathways with Advanced Education in the Government of Alberta. Kathryn has worked in four provincial ministries over the course of her 18 years in the public service focusing on the fields of post-secondary education, regulated occupations, career development and supporting youth. Kathryn graduated from the University of Alberta with a Bachelor of Education degree and has completed additional training in human-centred design, project management, public relations, journalism, and contract management. Kathryn previously served on the Board of Directors with Goodwill Industries of Alberta. Outside of work, Kathryn’s passion is travelling, especially with her family.
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Elvie De Benedetto
(Communications/Secretariat)
With almost 35 years of public service, Elvie De Benedetto has served in numerous multifaceted roles at the City of Edmonton. In her final role as Senior Executive Advisor in the City Operations Department, she provides strategic support to the Deputy City Manager in the delivery of transit, parks and roads, fleet and facilities, and waste services.
During the span of her career, Elvie has successfully led high profile and politically sensitive projects, developed and implemented several external-facing programs, and chaired various committees. While holding positions that focused on everything from children and families, to snow and ice control, Elvie has built a foundation of local government expertise and understanding.
Elvie holds a Bachelor of Arts with Specialization degree in psychology and sociology, and a Human Resources Certificate, both from the University of Alberta. She has completed additional training including the PROSCI Change Management Certification Program, Leadership in Safety Excellence modules, and GBA+ training.
Elvie was born and raised in Edmonton to parents of Italian descent and is scheduled to retire at the end of 2024. She plans to return to University to take a Classics course to learn more about Roman art and archaeology.
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Shane Jaffer
(Member at Large)
Shane Jaffer has had an extensive background in international trade and investment with various organizations including the Government of Alberta and Calgary Economic Development.
Some of Shane’s previous roles include Director of International and Intergovernmental Relations at Calgary Economic Development and Managing Director of the Alberta Southeast Asia and Oceania Office based at the Canadian High Commission in Singapore, which focused on attracting investment into Alberta, encouraging trade relationships between Alberta and Southeast Asia and Oceania, and providing advocacy in the region on issues relevant to Alberta and Canada.
Prior to moving to Singapore, Shane was the Senior Director for Africa, Alberta International Development Office (AIDO) and International Financial Institutions (IFIs) such as the World Bank Group, Asian Development Bank, African Development Bank, and others. Shane was also part of the World Bank Group and Inter-American Development Bank’s Private Sector Liaison Officer (PSLO) Network.
Shane is also a sessional lecturer at Mount Royal University at the Bissett School of Business where he teaches Emerging Markets and Global Business Environment.
Shane has a Master of International Trade from the University of Saskatchewan and other degrees from the University of Alberta including from the Alberta School of Business.
Saheb Dullet
(Member at Large)
Saheb is the Director of Policy & Government Relations with BILD Alberta. As a problem solver, he enjoys collaborating with various stakeholders on complex policy issues to find balanced solutions. As a former public servant, he sees the value in giving back to the community through several volunteering opportunities.”
Jackie Kleiner
(Member at Large)
A native Calgarian, Jackie has been involved with the Calgary IPAC Regional Group for more than 20 years. Before retiring, she worked as a Senior Manager in Human Resources for the Government of Alberta. Now she keeps busy with volunteer work in the history space as well as enjoying arts and music, etc.