CHAMBER OF COMMERCE EXECUTIVES OF ALBERTA
About CCEA:
Chamber of Commerce Executives of Alberta ("CCEA") is a Chapter of CCEC.
All members of CCEC based in Alberta will automatically receive a complimentary membership with CCEA.
CCEA Rep on the CCEC Board of Directors:
Dawn LeMaistre, Okotoks & District Chamber of Commerce
Chapter Committee:
Chair: Marilyne Aalhus, Airdrie Regional Chamber of Commerce
Vice Chair: Dawn LeMaistre, Okotoks & District Chamber of Commerce
Past Chair: Shelly Nichol, St. Albert and District Chamber of Commerce
Ex-officio: Sacha Knorr, Alberta Chambers of Commerce
Norman Leach, Greater Parkland Regional Chamber of Commerce
Wendy Bosch Thomas, Grande Prairie & District Chamber of Commerce
Jennifer Garries, Leduc, Nisku and Wetaskiwin Regional Chamber of Commerce
Amber Mack, Red Deer & District Chamber of Commerce
Wendy Buyar, Lacombe & District Chamber of Commerce
Alberta Chamber Executive of the Year:
Awarded to the chief staff person of a Chamber of Commerce / Board of Trade for outstanding performance, commitment to the Chamber Network, and community leadership.
This award recognizes exceptional Chamber leaders from across Alberta with proven excellence in:
- Chamber management and operations;
- Membership retention, engagement and growth;
- Delivering innovative programs and services;Â
- Community leadership; and
- Contributing to the Chamber Network
Eligibility:
- Must be the chief staff person of a Chamber of Commerce / Board of Trade in Alberta.
- Must have achieved 3 years of consecutive employment by March 3, 2026.
- Must be a member of CCEA and the Alberta Chambers of Commerce.
- Award nominations must be submitted by a peer. Self nominations are not accepted.
- The current President of CCEA is not eligible.
Chamber executives who are the sole employee are eligible and encouraged to apply!
Important Dates:
Nominations are closed for 2026!
CCEA Chair notifies nominees: March 4 - 6, 2026
Award packages are due: March 27, 2026
Online voting: April 7 - May 1, 2026
For detailed information about the Alberta Chamber Executive of the Year award, view our information package.
CCEA Professional Development Summit:
The Chamber of Commerce Executives of Alberta (CCEA) will be hosting Summit 2026 in St. Albert from June 11-13, 2026!
For more information or to register, visit the CCEA Summit event page here.
Summit Bursary Program
Chambers Plan provides financial assistance for Alberta Chamber professionals to attend the provincial professional development Summit. In 2025, 15 $500 bursaries were provided.
Bursary Eligibility:
- Applicants must be employed with a Chamber of Commerce or Board of Trade in Alberta.Â
- Applicants must be members of CCEA and CCEC. Membership is available free of charge.
- There is a limit of one bursary awarded per Chamber. Chambers that have not received a bursary to attend the professional development Summit in the last 3 years will receive stronger consideration.
- Applicants must have approval to attend the event from their Board of Directors. A letter of support from the Board Chair, or other Board representative must accompany the application.
Eligible Expenses:
The bursaries may be awarded each year, up to a maximum amount of $500 to cover conference registration fees, hotel accommodations and travel expenses. Eligible travel expenses may include flights, parking, meals and fuel. We will not pay mileage, but will accept fuel receipts as an eligible travel expense.
Bursary Application Timeline:
Stay tuned for more information on the 2026 bursary program.
Legacy Bursary Program To Attend CCEC's National Conference:
CCEA and Chambers Plan each provide financial assistance for Saskatchewan Chamber professionals to attend the CCEC national conference. In 2025, 8 $1000 bursaries were provided.
Bursary Eligibility:
- Applicants must be employed with a Chamber of Commerce or Board of Trade in Alberta.Â
- Applicants must be members of CCEA and CCEC. Membership is available free of charge.
- There is a limit of one bursary awarded per Chamber. Chambers that have not received a bursary to attend CCEC in the last 3 years will receive stronger consideration.
- Applicants must have approval to attend the event from their Board of Directors. A letter of support from the Board Chair, or other Board representative must accompany the application.
Eligible Expenses:
The bursaries may be awarded each year, up to a maximum amount of $1000 to cover conference registration fees, hotel accommodations and travel expenses. Eligible travel expenses may include flights, parking, meals and fuel. We will not pay mileage, but will accept fuel receipts as an eligible travel expense.
Bursary Application Timeline:
Stay tuned for more information on the 2026 bursary program.
Legacy Bursaries:
CCEA offers Legacy Bursaries to recognize the outstanding contributions of past Executive Directors or Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) who have made a lasting impact on the organization, the broader business community, and the Chamber Network. Our legacy leaders include:
- Irven Snider (Ponoka and Alberta Chambers)Â
- Pat Tenney (Lloydminster Chamber)
- Peggy Lapinski (Alberta Chambers)
- Cindy Taschuk (Rocky Mountain House Chamber)
- Kelly Carson (Cochrane & District Chamber)
Past Chamber Executive of the Year Award Recipients:
2025 - Dawn LeMaistre, Okotoks & District Chamber of Commerce
2024 - Sarah Freeman, Bow Valley Chamber of Commerce
2023- Shelly Nichol, St. Albert & District Chamber of Commerce
2022- Marilyne Aalhus, Airdrie Regional Chamber of Commerce
2020- Monica Bartman, Lacombe & Marley Henneigh, Drumheller (TIE)
2018- Sharon Anderson, Camrose
2017- Tracy Acorn, ACC
2016- Dionne Chambers, Fort Saskatchewan
2015- Jennifer Garries, Leduc
2014- Pat Tenney, Lloydminster
2013- Sherri Buckle, Cold Lake
2012- Terri Kemball, ACC
2011- Lisa Kowalchuk, Medicine Hat & Tim Creedon, Red Deer (TIE)
2010- Darleen Bohnet, Spruce Grove
2009- Dan Pearcy, Grande Prairie
2008- Cindy Petersen, Rocky Mountain House
2007- Pat Tenney, Lloydminster
2006- Lorna Hunt, Airdrie
2005- Iris Yanish, Leduc
2004- Tracy Gagnier, Cold Lake
2003- Irven Snider, Ponoka
2001- Cindy Mork, Hinton
2000- Pamela Brace, Spruce Grove/ACC
