Marcia Nelson, former Deputy Minister of Executive Council, joins the University of Calgary

It is a pleasure to welcome Marcia Nelson, former Deputy Minister of Executive Council of the Government of Alberta to the University of Calgary effective May 1, 2019 to Oct. 31, 2020. She has accepted an appointment to the University of Calgary as an Executive Fellow in both the Canadian Centre for Advanced Leadership in Business within the Haskayne School of Business, and the School of Public Policy. In this joint appointment she will contribute her extensive knowledge of government, leadership of complex organizations, and various topics in public policy. In her new role, she will remain available to the Government of Alberta in an advisory capacity on matters of public interest.

As evidenced by the Government of Alberta's announcement yesterday, Ms. Nelson has demonstrated leadership over her career and is a highly valued civil servant. She has served in the public sector for more than 30 years and our students and faculty will benefit from her experience and leadership in navigating the relationship between business, government, and advanced education.

Ms. Nelson began her career in public service in the Ontario government working in a variety of policy and planning roles in several ministries. In 2002, Ms. Nelson joined the Alberta public service as assistant deputy minister of strategic services for Alberta Human Resources and Employment. In 2005, she helped establish and served as head of the Policy Co-ordination Office of Executive Council. In 2008, Marcia was appointed deputy minister of housing and urban affairs (2008-2011). She has since served as deputy minister of health (2011 to 2013); infrastructure (2013-2014); and innovation and advanced education (2014-2015).

Her key accomplishments during her time with the Alberta Government include developing Alberta’s first 10 Year Plan to End Homelessness; implementing new models of team-based, community-focused primary health care; developing and implementing government’s 2014-17 Capital Plan; leading initiatives to enhance post-secondary sustainability and economic diversification for Alberta; and providing strategic advice and support to the premier and cabinet to deliver on their mandate including establishing an innovation action plan and a dedicated Digital Innovation Office to lead efforts to deliver simpler, more efficient, and better services for citizens in the digital age.

Ms. Nelson has a Master of Arts in Public Policy and Administration and an Honours Bachelor of Arts in Canadian Studies and Sociology, both from McMaster University. She also received her Institute for Corporate Directors Designation in 2013. Her past volunteer commitments include several executive positions for non-profit social service organizations.

Please join me in welcoming Marcia Nelson to the University of Calgary.

Dr. Dru Marshall
Provost and Vice-President (Academic)