Irene Lewis, Calgary, Member

Three-year term. President and CEO, SAIT Polytechnic Chair, Alberta Economic Development Authority's Energy Resource Committee

Irene Lewis has a long and distinguished career in the field of education. Since 1998, she has been president and chief executive officer of the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology. She currently is chair of the Alberta Economic Development Authority Energy Resource Committee, and a member of the Calgary Airport Authority Business Development Advisory Council, among other not-for-profit activities.

Ms. Lewis' professional experience includes being a primary, secondary, and post-secondary teacher; hosting an educational television series; serving as president of a college in Edmonton, where she led the transition to an independent board-governed institution. She has also worked in, and helped plan and develop a workforce vision, for the country of Singapore.

Ms. Lewis currently serves in several advisory roles in national, provincial, and municipal levels with organizations including Polytechnics Canada, eCampus Alberta, RC 2020, and the Post-Secondary International Network. She is also an ambassador for the 2010 Olympic Games.

Ms. Lewis is an adjunct professor at the University of Alberta. She has received numerous awards for her work in the education field, including the University of Alberta Alumni Honour Award, Queen Elizabeth II Golden Jubilee Medal, Premier's Gold Award of Excellence, the Alberta Centennial Medal, Alberta's 50 Most Influential Citizens, Alberta's Most Respected Corporate Leaders, Global Calgary Woman of Vision, and Distinguished Leadership Award from the Council for Advancement and Support of Education.

She and her husband Elliotte enjoy free time with son Neil, daughter-in-law Cobie and three grandchildren, Sean 19, Steven 14 and Amanda 6.