Calgary Chamber welcomes Deborah Yedlin as incoming President & CEO

Calgary, June 3, 2021 – The Calgary Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce that Deborah Yedlin has been appointed as President and CEO, effective July 5, 2021.

Yedlin has been observing, commenting and writing about business and politics for more than two decades, as a journalist for the Financial Post, Globe and Mail and Calgary Herald newspapers. In addition to her writing, she has been a regular commentator for CBC Radio and Television, and CTV since 1996.

Her journey to becoming a business columnist was unique, and included time working on Wall Street and Bay Street, during which she developed a strong understanding of finance and investment. Yedlin holds an undergraduate degree from the University of Alberta in Economics and English and an MBA from Queen’s University.

“We are delighted to welcome Deborah as the new leader of the Calgary Chamber of Commerce,” says Brent Cooper, Chair of the Chamber’s Board of Directors. “After a thorough selection process, Deborah stood out among several qualified candidates, and will bring to the role a strong understanding of Calgary business, policy and politics at all levels of government, and a commitment to improving the Calgary community."

“I believe in this city and I believe in its potential, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to play a role in its economic recovery,” says Deborah Yedlin, incoming President and CEO of the Calgary Chamber. “I am excited to serve the business community at such a critical moment, and look forward to building on the Chamber’s 130-year history of supporting and growing the business community.”

Since moving to Calgary in 1992, Yedlin has been very active in the Calgary community. She continues to serve as Chancellor at the University of Calgary, and was co-chair of the 2016 United Way Campaign, which raised more than $55 million during a difficult economic time for the city.

Deborah has served on a number of the board of a number of arts and community organizations, and currently serves on the boards of the Canada West Foundation, Library and Archives Canada and is co-chairing the $250 million Calgary Cancer Hospital fundraising campaign.

“Deborah adds tremendous value to the university, and similarly, will be an outstanding advocate for the Calgary business community,” says Geeta Sankappanavar, Chair of the Board of Governors at the University of Calgary. “Her roles as both University Chancellor and Chamber President will bring the University closer to the Calgary business community, facilitating a strong innovation and talent ecosystem and making Calgary an even better place to learn, work, and live.”

The Chamber’s Board of Directors would like to extend its heartfelt appreciation to Murray Sigler, who has led the organization as interim CEO since August 2020.

“Leading the Calgary Chamber during such a challenging time for business has been an honour and a privilege,” says Murray Sigler, outgoing President and CEO. “I am confident that under Deborah’s leadership the Chamber will be stronger than ever before.”

Deborah Yedlin will be available for interviews beginning July 5, 2021.

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For media inquiries please contact Ruhee Ismail-Teja, Acting Director of Policy and Communications at media@calgarychamber.com or 403.909.7697.

About the Calgary Chamber

The Calgary Chamber is an independent, non-profit, non-partisan business organization. For 130 years, the Chamber has worked to build a business community that nourishes, powers, and inspires the world.