Deputy Ministers' Council

Dale McFee, Deputy Minister

Executive Council
Appointed: February 2025

Dale brings more than 3 decades of public service and leadership experience to his role as deputy minister with a strong track record of advancing community safety and leading system-wide transformation.

Prior to joining the Government of Alberta, he served as chief of police with the Edmonton Police Service for 6 years, where he focused on strengthening community safety and advancing modern, collaborative policing practices. Before moving to Alberta, he spent 26 years with the Prince Albert Police Service in Saskatchewan, including 9 years as chief of police, before serving as deputy minister of Corrections and Policing with the Government of Saskatchewan, where he led significant system-wide transformation.

Throughout his career, Dale has held multiple leadership roles including president of the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police, the Alberta Association of Chiefs of Police, the Saskatchewan Association of Chiefs of Police, and the Saskatchewan Federation of Police Officers. He has also served as director of the Canadian Police Association and most recently with the Major City Chiefs Association (MCCA), representing large cities across Canada and the United States. His service has been recognized with his appointment as an Officer of the Order of Merit of the Police Forces, a provincial leadership award and recognition as a Governor General Leadership alumnus. Dale has also co-authored publications for Community Safety and Well-Being and transformational systems change. In addition, he is a Law Enforcement and Public Health Fellow and has been recognized with a Technology Leadership Award from the Government Business Executive Forum.

Ron Anderson, Deputy Minister

Executive Council, Operations
Appointed: May 2026

Ron has built a distinguished career in public safety, with a strong focus on advancing the use of data, technology and innovation to support safer communities.

From 2019 until his appointment in May 2026, he served as Chief Innovation and Technology Officer with the Edmonton Police Service (EPS), leading the Innovation and Information Bureau, Analytics and Reporting Division, the Operational Command Division and the 911 centre. In this role, Ron's efforts brought together technology, data and frontline operations – strengthening how information is used to support timely decision-making and more responsive, effective policing.

Before joining EPS, Ron served as assistant deputy minister of Community Safety and Wellbeing with Saskatchewan’s Ministry of Corrections and Policing where, he advanced cross-government analytics, strengthened community safety strategies and supported the development of integrated data systems. At a national level, Ron’s work in police technology and data informed decision-making has positioned him as a respected voice in the field. He regularly shares insights at key forums, including the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police Information and Technology Summit and the Major City Chiefs of Police Annual Conference.

Mark Kleefeld, Deputy Minister

Mark Kleefeld, Deputy Minister
Executive Council, Intergovernmental and International Relations
Appointed: June 2026

Mark joined the Alberta Public Service in 2024 as senior financial officer supporting Treasury Board and Finance, Executive Council, the Public Service Commission, and Communications and Public Engagement. Most recently, he was the deputy minister of Infrastructure.

Prior to joining the Government of Alberta, Mark served in a dual role as chief financial officer and assistant deputy minister responsible for Capital Planning at SaskBuilds, the Government of Saskatchewan’s lead agency for infrastructure planning, delivery, procurement and information technology. Mark also served the Saskatchewan government as the VP of Finance for the province’s water regulator, executive director of Budget Review in the Treasury Board Secretariat, and senior policy advisor to Executive Council.

Mark holds a bachelor of arts in philosophy from the University of Regina and an MBA from Ivey Business School.

David Skene, Deputy Chief

Executive Council, Policy Coordination
Appointed: January 2024

David has built a long-standing career in the Government of Alberta. Supported by a strong academic foundation with a Bachelor of Laws and a Master of Health Services Administration from the University of Alberta. Since 2000, he has held multiple roles across the Government of Alberta, building on his experience as legal counsel with Alberta Justice.

Over time, he moved into senior leadership roles including co-director of Central Legal Services in 2015 and director of health law in 2017, where he led the intersection of law and health policy. He later served as assistant deputy minister of Legislative Review in Executive Council.

Chris Ewert, Deputy Clerk of Executive Council and Deputy Secretary to Cabinet

Executive Council
Appointed: October 2025

Chris has held leadership roles across Energy, Infrastructure and Executive Council since joining the Government of Alberta in 2017.

He holds a Master of Business Administration from the Sauder School of Business at the University of British Columbia, a Master of Philosophy in Development Studies from the University of Oxford and a Bachelor of Arts in Economics and International Development Studies from the University of Winnipeg. Most recently he served as assistant deputy minister of Executive Operations in the Office of the Deputy Minister of Executive Council supporting corporate operations and decision-making at the centre of government.

Earlier in his career Chris worked in the humanitarian sector, managing international relief and recovery projects in complex environments, including Haiti, Lebanon, Iraq and Afghanistan. This experience shaped his ability to lead in high-pressure settings and navigate global challenges. 

Shannon Marchand, Deputy Minister

Advanced Education
Appointed: June 2024

From 2015 until his appointment in June 2024, Shannon served as deputy minister of Seniors and Housing, Community and Social Services, and Agriculture, Forestry and Rural Economic Development, and Forestry and Parks.

At the centre of government, Shannon was deputy chief of the Policy Co-ordination Office at Executive Council. He served as acting deputy minister of Culture and Tourism and held assistant deputy minister positions in the ministries of Culture and Human Services, where he supported policy development and program delivery across key sectors.

Earlier in his career, Shannon worked in the areas of employment, immigration and intergovernmental relations.

David James, Deputy Minister

Affordability and Utilities
Appointed: May 2024

David James has more than 30 years of leadership experience in the energy, technology, and public sectors. He is responsible for advancing Alberta’s electricity system, including the implementation of the Restructured Electricity Market and the exploration of nuclear energy opportunities.

David has played a key role in shaping Alberta’s long-term energy strategy, contributing to the development of the province’s Natural Gas Vision and Strategy and leading cross-government efforts to ensure reliable, affordable, and sustainable energy systems that support economic growth.

Prior to his current role, David served as deputy minister of Technology and Innovation and deputy minister of Service Alberta where he led major initiatives, including the Alberta Broadband Strategy and the modernization of government services through digital transformation and implementation of the 1GX enterprise system.

Known for his collaborative values-driven leadership style, David builds teams that excel in complex environments. Prior to government, he spent 20 years as an Army Signals officer with the Canadian Forces and is a graduate of the Royal Military College of Canada.

Jason Hale, Deputy Minister

Agriculture and Irrigation
Appointed: October 2022

Jason’s career reflects hands-on experience in Alberta’s energy and agricultural sectors, working in the oil and gas industry and operating a cattle ranch in southern Alberta for more than 30 years. He holds a Chemical Technology diploma from SAIT and worked as a professional bull fighter. His experience as an elected Member for the Eastern Irrigation District and Alberta Beef Producers strengthened his connection to rural communities and industry.

From April 2012 to May 2015, he served on 3 legislative committees as a Member of the Legislative Assembly and was the opposition critic for Energy—contributing to the review of government policy and programs.

As an active member of his community, Jason served on various boards including the Advisory Committee for Medicine Hat College and the Crawling Valley Recreation Society.

Dennis Cooley, Deputy Minister

Assisted Living and Social Services
Appointed: August 2025

Dennis has more than 20 years of executive leadership experience in social service, justice and public safety systems across federal, provincial and territorial governments.

Before moving to Alberta, he served as deputy minister of Justice with the Government of Saskatchewan. Prior to that, Dennis worked with the Government of Alberta from 2017 to 2023, first as associate deputy solicitor general then as deputy minister of Public Safety and Emergency Services.

Dennis began his career in the federal public service, working with Statistics Canada, the Correctional Service of Canada and the Law Commission of Canada. He then moved into senior leadership roles, including deputy minister of Justice with the Government of Yukon from 2004 to 2012 and associate deputy minister of Corrections, Policing and Public Safety with the Government of Saskatchewan from 2012 to 2017.

Lisa Sadownik, Deputy Minister

Children and Family Services
Appointed: June 2023

Lisa has built a long-standing career in the Government of Alberta with experience spanning economic, environmental and social policy areas.

Since joining government in 1998, she has held a range of roles across departments and portfolios. Supported by a strong academic background in Meteorology and Environmental Physical Sciences from the University of Alberta, she has developed broad expertise in policy and program delivery.

Since 2011, Lisa has served in various executive positions, including assistant deputy minister of Lands at Environment and Parks, Food and Value-Added Processing at Agriculture and Forestry, Social Policy with the Policy Coordination Office of Executive Council and Policy and Community Engagement with Human Services. She later became deputy minister of Service Alberta and Red Tape Reduction and Seniors and Housing, where she led initiatives to improve services and outcomes for Albertans.

Enyinnah Okere, Deputy Minister

Communications and Public Engagement
Appointed: May 2025

Grounded in experience across policy and operations in large and high visibility organizations, Enyinnah brings a strong blend of strategic leadership and practical expertise. He has spent years advising senior decision-makers and leading complex public sector organizations, shaping a results-driven and well-rounded approach. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of Regina and an MBA from Carleton University.

Enyinnah began his career with the Government of Saskatchewan, progressing into senior leadership roles over 9 years. His experience includes serving as Chief of Staff to both the Minister of Justice and Attorney General and the Minister of Economy, as well as Executive Director of Strategic Initiatives and Evaluation.

He later moved to Alberta, joining the Edmonton Police Service as executive director in the Value and Impact Division, before becoming chief operations officer, where he strengthened organizational performance.

Enyinnah is also a TEDx speaker and co-founder of the REET Institute, a non-profit promoting financial literacy among high school students and supporting future leaders.

Lora Pillipow, Deputy Minister

Education and Childcare
Appointed: June 2023

Lora has long-standing experience in the Government of Alberta with a focus on policy, governance and leadership across multiple ministries.

Throughout her career, she has taken on several senior roles, including deputy minister of Advanced Education and deputy minister of Culture and Status of Women, as well as deputy clerk to Executive Council and deputy secretary to Cabinet. Her experience also includes several assistant deputy minister positions across key ministries, including Environment and Parks, Culture and Tourism and Human Services.

In 2025, Lora was appointed vice-chair of 2 Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) bodies through the Council of Ministers of Education, Canada: the OECD Education Policy Committee and the Centre for Educational Research and Innovation Governing Board.

Lora’s breadth of experience supports Education and Childcare’s work to help Alberta’s families and students meet the challenges and embrace the opportunities of the 21st century.

Larry Kaumeyer, Deputy Minister

Strategic Energy Investment and Development, Energy and Minerals
Appointed: June 2026

Larry Kaumeyer has spent the past 25 plus years dedicated to the advancement of the province, by working in finance, energy, technology and strategic leadership for local business, and governance.

Larry has worked for the Alberta government on corporate and economic matters and has also served as the Chief Executive Officer of 4 different organizations over his career. These include a broad range of industries, from manufacturing to energy supply chain, pipeline inspection and earth moving and reclamation.

Most recently, as Acting Chief of Staff and Principal Secretary for the Premier of Alberta, and he has led the strategic execution of key economic files.

Larry has a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Alberta.

Bob Murray, Acting Deputy Minister

Energy and Minerals
June 2026

Bob joined the Alberta Public Service in 2025 as the chief operating officer and assistant deputy minister, Strategy and Market Access in Energy and Minerals.

Prior to joining the Government of Alberta, Bob held senior-level positions in the post-secondary, professional and business advisory services, economic development, think-tank and education sectors. His expertise is reflected in having advised on municipal, provincial, federal and international policy issues both nationally and internationally. He has also held fellowships at numerous think-tanks and research centres and has served as a faculty member at multiple Canadian universities.

Bob holds a PhD in Political Science from the University of Alberta, a Master of Arts in Political Science and a Bachelor of Arts (Hons.) in History from Brock University. In addition, he has published extensively on various topics of international relations and public policy.

Stephanie Clarke, Deputy Minister

Environment and Protected Areas
Appointed: May 2025

Stephanie has served in the Government of Alberta since 2003, gaining experience across Environment and Parks, Municipal Affairs and Energy. 

She holds a Master of Arts in Political Science from Memorial University of Newfoundland, supporting her work in environmental policy, resource management and municipal governance. 

Over the course of her career, Stephanie has taken on a range of senior leadership roles, including deputy minister of Service Alberta and Red Tape Reduction and deputy minister of Affordability and Utilities. 

Stephanie also served as associate deputy minister of Natural Gas and Utilities and in assistant deputy minister roles across multiple ministries, including Resource Stewardship, Energy Policy and Municipal Assessment and Grants, where she led work related to cumulative effects management, strategy development and foresight, and municipal sustainability.

Ronda Goulden, Deputy Minister

Forestry and Parks
Appointed: June 2024

Since joining the Government of Alberta in 1997, Ronda has held senior leadership roles across several ministries. Most recently, she served as assistant deputy minister of Consumer, Registry and Strategic Services with Service Alberta and Red Tape Reduction, where she led user-focused registry services and consumer protection.

Previously, Ronda was assistant deputy minister of Policy and Planning with Environment and Parks, where she spent more than 5 years advancing environmental policy related to air, water, land use and climate. She also served as assistant deputy minister of Government Operations with Executive Council and held senior roles in Municipal Affairs and Transportation. She began her career with the Government of Alberta as a lawyer in the Ministry of Justice.

Ronda holds a Bachelor of Laws and a Bachelor of Science from the University of Alberta. She completed executive development through the Judy Project for Women in Leadership at the Rotman School of Management and is a certified executive coach.

Bryce Stewart, Deputy Minister

Hospital and Surgical Health Services
Appointed: May 2025

Bryce joined the Government of Alberta in 2006 and has held several senior roles, including deputy minister of Transportation and Economic Corridors, deputy minister of Mental Health and Addiction and associate deputy minister of Alberta Health where he supported the coordination and delivery of health services across the province.

His collaborative approach is grounded in earlier leadership roles in central agencies and line departments, including assistant deputy minister roles in Treasury Board and Finance, the Public Service Commission, Executive Council’s Policy Coordination Office and Human Services.

Together, this experience shapes his focus on resource stewardship and the achievement of enduring outcomes.

Kim Capstick, Deputy Minister

Indigenous Relations
August 2026

With a career spanning almost 3 decades in the Alberta public service, Kim Capstick has demonstrated exceptional leadership and dedication across various roles and ministries.

Prior to this role, Kim served as the deputy minister responsible for Indigenous Pipeline Engagement, and previously as deputy minister of Arts, Culture and Status of Women where she led the development of Canada’s most comprehensive gender-based violence strategy, drafting of a provincial Music Action Plan, the development of new non-profit grant programs and record-level funding for the Alberta Foundation of the Arts.

Kim also served as the managing director of Communications and Public Engagement throughout the response to the pandemic and immediate recovery. She has held senior leadership positions in the Cannabis Secretariat, the Fort McMurray Recovery Taskforce and the response to the 2013 Southern Alberta Floods. Kim has been recognized with the King Charles III Coronation Medal and the Platinum Jubilee Medal for her service to Albertans.

Darren Hedley, Deputy Minister

Infrastructure
Appointed: June 2026

Darren has been with the Government of Alberta since 1994, building extensive expertise in financial management, policy, regulation and corporate leadership. 

He has held several senior roles, including recently as deputy minister of Treasury Board and Finance, associate deputy minister of Treasury Board and Finance, acting deputy minister and associate deputy minister of Health. Prior to that he was the senior assistant deputy minister of the Treasury Board Secretariat and assistant deputy minister of Financial Sector Regulation and Policy, as well as superintendent of Pensions, Insurance and Financial Institutions. 

Darren is a Chartered Professional Accountant, holds an accounting diploma from Grant MacEwan College and completed the Ivey Senior Public Sector Leader Program.

Christopher McPherson, Deputy Minister

Jobs, Economy, Trade and Immigration
Appointed: June 2023

Christopher has built a career in public service focused on economic policy, government operations and strategic communications since joining the Government of Alberta in 2014. He holds a Master of Business Administration from Athabasca University, supporting his work in advancing economic priorities and managing complex government initiatives. 

Before joining the Government of Alberta, Christopher served as director of Public Affairs and Member Communications with the Ontario Hospital Association and held senior advisor roles with the Government of Ontario. 

He has held several senior leadership roles, including deputy minister of Jobs, Economy and Trade, assistant deputy minister roles across economic policy, operations, machinery of government and strategic communications. He also served as deputy clerk of Executive Council and deputy secretary to Cabinet, where he managed a significant volume of Cabinet business.

Malcolm Lavoie, KC, Deputy Minister and Deputy Attorney General

Justice
Appointed: January 2024

Malcolm has built a career in law, academia and public service, with recognized expertise in public law, constitutional law, property law and Indigenous legal issues. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from the University of British Columbia, a Master’s degree in Political Theory from the London School of Economics, Bachelor of Civil Law and Bachelor of Laws degrees from McGill University and a Master of Laws and Doctor of Juridical Science from Harvard Law School, where he studied as a Frank Knox Fellow. 

Prior to his appointment, Malcolm was a Professor of Law at the University of Alberta and practiced with a national law firm. He previously served as a law clerk for the Hon. Justice Frans Slatter of the Alberta Court of Appeal and for the Hon. Justice Rosalie Abella of the Supreme Court of Canada.

Malcolm has made numerous contributions to the community, including as a former member of the boards of the Edmonton Bar Association and the Centre for Constitutional Studies, and as a former member of the Alberta Judicial Council.

Evan Romanow, Deputy Minister

Mental Health and Addiction
Appointed: June 2023

Evan has extensive experience in policy, strategy and program delivery, with a focus on complex health and social systems across government.

Since joining the Government of Alberta in 2011, he has taken on a range of senior leadership roles, including assistant deputy minister positions in Mental Health and Addiction, Health, and Seniors and Housing. In these roles, he contributed to shaping policy and advancing program delivery in areas that directly impact Albertans.

Earlier in his career, Evan worked across several ministries, including Executive Council, Innovation and Advanced Education, Human Services, and International and Intergovernmental Relations, where he advised on policy and led strategic and operational initiatives. He holds undergraduate and master's degrees in Political Science from the University of Alberta.

Jonah Mozeson, Deputy Minister

Municipal Affairs
Appointed: May 2025

Jonah brings senior leadership experience across public administration, law, strategic planning, and communications.

Prior to his appointment as deputy minister of Municipal Affairs, Jonah served as managing director of the Department of Communications and Public Engagement, leading the department’s work on government-wide communications, planning, and public engagement. He previously served as executive director of Communications and Planning in the Office of the Premier, and as chief of staff to the Minister of Justice and Solicitor General and the Minister of Jobs, Economy and Innovation.

Before joining the Government of Alberta, Jonah practised corporate law. He is a member of both the Law Society of Alberta and the Law Society of Manitoba.
Jonah holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Alberta and a Juris Doctor from the University of Manitoba.

Matt Torigian, Deputy Minister

Primary and Preventative Health Services
Appointed: June 2025

Matt is an internationally recognized leader in public policy, with a 40-year career dedicated to strengthening community safety and well-being.

Throughout his career, he has worked at the intersection of policing, public policy and system transformation. His experience includes senior leadership roles in both government and law enforcement, including Ontario’s deputy solicitor general and chief of police for the Waterloo Regional Police Service. In these roles, he advanced significant reforms in community safety, including leading a comprehensive transformation through the Safer Ontario Act.

He continues to contribute to public policy and leadership development as a distinguished fellow at the Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy, where he facilitates symposiums and mentors graduate students. Prior to joining the Government of Alberta, he was chief strategy officer for a Canadian-based global software company.

A published author, Matt holds a Master of Public Administration and is a graduate of the FBI National Academy and Executive Institute, and a recipient of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Award.

Justin Krikler, Deputy Minister

Public Safety and Emergency Services
Appointed: June 2025

Justin has built a career focused on public safety, legal oversight and leadership in policing environments.

He was appointed deputy minister of Public Safety and Emergency Services in June 2025. Prior to joining the Government of Alberta, he held senior roles with the Edmonton Police Service and the Edmonton Police Commission, including general counsel, chief of staff and chief administrative officer.  

Justin has also contributed to broader public safety initiatives through his involvement with the Alberta Association of Chiefs of Police – Law Amendments Committee and the Major Cities Chiefs Association – Member Wellness Committee. He has instructed senior public safety officials on topics including professional regulation, civilian oversight and civil liability. He holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Alberta and a Juris Doctor from the University of Calgary.

Heather Caltagirone, Deputy Minister and Public Service Commissioner

Arts, Culture and Status of Women and the Public Service Commission
Appointed: June 2026

Heather has dedicated almost 25 years to public service, most recently serving as deputy minister of Culture and as assistant deputy minister with Alberta Education.

She has a wealth of senior leadership experience in the areas of learning and development, organizational transformation, leadership, systems thinking and human and organizational development.

Born and raised in Alberta, Heather holds both a master's degree and PhD in human and organizational systems from Fielding Graduate University.

Brandy Cox, Deputy Minister

Service Alberta and Red Tape Reduction
Appointed: May 2025

Since joining the Government of Alberta, Brandy has held roles in municipal affairs and corporate strategy.

She holds a Master of Arts in Political Science from York University, joined the Government of Alberta in 2003 and spent more than a decade with Municipal Affairs before moving into executive leadership roles across government. Her experience includes senior roles in Infrastructure and Executive Council, as well as executive director positions in the Cabinet Coordination Office and External Relations within the former Alberta Innovation and Advanced Education.

Brandy went on to hold the role of deputy minister of Municipal Affairs and has also worked as assistant deputy minister in Consumer, Registry and Strategic Services and Shared Services at Service Alberta, contributing to service delivery and corporate initiatives across departments.

Janak Alford, Deputy Minister

Technology and Innovation
Appointed: October 2024

Janak Alford has nearly two decades of experience in the federal public service, where he held senior roles with the Canada Border Services Agency, Correctional Service Canada and FINTRAC.

His work has spanned complex regulatory and operational environments, shaping a multidisciplinary approach grounded in both policy and practice. With a background in architecture and experience in technology and innovation, Janak brings a unique perspective to advancing digital transformation and strategic growth in the public sector.

Alongside his public service career, he is also an accomplished author and entrepreneur, supporting the start-up ecosystem in Ottawa and eastern Ontario from 2011 to 2020.

Paul Lamoureux, Acting Deputy Minister

Tourism and Sport
April 2026

Paul brings more than 24 years of leadership experience across government, with work spanning sport, tourism, education and culture.

His career spans a range of senior roles across ministries, developing a broad perspective on program development and service delivery. Since June 2023, he has held the role of assistant deputy minister of Sport, Tourism and Recreation within Tourism and Sport, where he supports initiatives that contribute to Alberta’s communities and economy. 

His earlier experience includes senior leadership roles in Education, Transportation and Economic Corridors, and Culture, reflecting a career shaped by collaboration across sectors.

Paul Smith, Deputy Minister

Transportation and Economic Corridors
Appointed: August 2025

Paul has held senior leadership roles across the country, with extensive experience in transportation, infrastructure, finance and health systems.

Before becoming deputy minister of Transportation and Economic Corridors, he was assistant deputy minister responsible for Capital Planning, Grants and Engineering Services. He joined Alberta Health in 2021 as assistant deputy minister responsible for Health Workforce Planning and Accountability.

Earlier in his career, Paul spent more than 30 years with the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, where he was acting deputy minister of Finance subsequent to holding assistant deputy minister roles across multiple departments.

He holds a Bachelor of Commerce from Memorial University of Newfoundland and is a Chartered Professional Accountant.

Liam Stone, Deputy Minister

Treasury Board and Finance
Appointed: June 2026

Liam has built a career in government focused on economic growth, investment and advancing Alberta’s interests domestically and internationally.

He first joined the Government of Alberta in 2003 and has since held a range of senior leadership roles, including serving as deputy minister of Intergovernmental and International Relations with Executive Council, assistant deputy minister of the Economic Strategy and Investment Division with Jobs, Economy and Trade, where he supported economic growth and investment across the province before being appointed.  

Earlier in his career, Liam held several senior roles within Executive Council, including assistant deputy minister in the Policy Coordination Office, Alberta’s acting senior representative to the United States and managing director of the Alberta Washington, D.C. office, where he advanced Alberta’s interests internationally. He was also chief of staff to the deputy minister of International and Intergovernmental Relations. At the federal level, Liam worked as senior policy advisor to the Minister of Environment and the Minister of Intergovernmental Relations and Western Economic Diversification.