ICD Chapter

Edmonton

Welcome to our Chapter

We have an engaged and active director community, both regionally and nationally. The Edmonton Chapter provides an opportunity to network with peers and gain leading insights into good governance through information, resources, education, and networking.

Our Chapter consists of nearly one thousand members from public and private corporations, not-for-profit, and Crown corporations. Our objective is to provide timely and relevant content to help directors advance their skills while providing enhanced opportunities for networking and collaboration with members in our community.

On behalf of our ICD Edmonton Chapter Executive Committee, we encourage you to engage with our chapter, either through thought-provoking webinars or in-person networking events. We also encourage you to explore the vast resources at your disposal on the ICD website including the Director’s Register, Director’s Lens and Resource Centre.

Thank you all for building our strong director community! We look forward to connecting with you.

Featured Leaders

Bernie Kollman

ICD.D

Chair, ICD Edmonton Chapter

View Profile

Lindsay Dodd

ICD.D

Vice Chair

Chapter Leadership

Interested in joining?

If you are interested in joining a Chapter committee, please contact Lori Trudgeon, Chapter Administrator at edmontoninfo@icd.ca.

Contact

Member Spotlight

Join Us at the ICD National Director Conference and Fellowship Awards Gala!

Breakdown or Breakthrough: Key Takeaways from the Panel Discussion on March 6, 2025

On March 6, the Edmonton Chapter of the Institute of Corporate Directors hosted “Board Breakdown or Breakthrough,” a thought-provoking discussion on governance challenges and strategies for success. Moderated by Gail Stepanik-Keber, ICD.D the panel featured seasoned directors Linda Heathcott, BEM, ICD.D; Jane Halford, FCA, ICD.D; and Carman McNary, KC, ICD.D., GCB.D, LLD (Hon).

Key Takeaways
• Governance can be a stabilizing force or a source of crisis if mismanaged.
• Board dysfunction can lead to legal issues, reputational harm, or organizational failure.
• Proactive governance and strong leadership are essential for long-term success.

Root Causes of Board Dysfunction
• Role confusion and lack of clarity on board mandates lead to inefficient decision-making.
• Appointments based on status, not skills, weaken governance.
• Conflicts over priorities, lack of trust in leadership, and strategic misalignment cause friction.
• Ignoring diverse perspectives and unclear fiduciary responsibilities stifle effectiveness.
• CEO-Chair challenges arise when former CEOs struggle with governance-focused roles.
• Inactive board members and poor communication with management weaken oversight.

From Passive Oversight to Active Governance
• Boards must challenge, not just support ("Are we too polite?").
• Effective governance takes time, engagement, and deep commitment.
• Approach governance with curiosity, not blame, to foster constructive discussions.

Moving from Breakdown to Breakthrough
• Define the board’s purpose and governance role clearly.
• Ensure board composition aligns with organizational needs, not just personal connections.
• Encourage collaboration, structured term limits, and ongoing professional development.
• Embrace governance as an active, engaged, and adaptable process.

Final Thoughts
While governance challenges are inevitable, they present opportunities for growth and transformation. Boards that embrace strong governance frameworks, open communication, and proactive leadership can turn crises into breakthroughs and drive lasting success.

Thank you to our chapter sponsor Dentons Canada LLP for hosting our event.