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Our Team

The Edmonton Chamber team is an energetic, member-focused group of individuals who are always happy to hear from you. We provide direct support and value by advocating, educating and connecting businesses.

Contact our team if you have questions about membership, policy positions, events or advertising opportunities. We look forward to connecting with members and finding ways to help wherever we can.

Doug Griffiths1

Doug Griffiths, CEO & President

Doug is the CEO & President of the Edmonton Chamber of Commerce. He is passionate about building strong communities. He believes that within strong communities, leadership can succeed, businesses can prosper, and families can find a great quality of life. Simple formula, right? It’s a belief that was developed growing up in a small Alberta community where he learned the value of hard work, critical thinking, and the value of community. 

After a career in teaching, Doug waded into politics and served as an elected Member of the Alberta Legislative Assembly for 13 years. For the past eight years, he has owned and run a consulting company that helps communities and municipalities across North America overcome obstacles, create effective change, and find a path to success. Doug tells it like it is and pulls no punches. He says each of his career choices have prepared him for his new role with the Chamber. He is excited to bring his ideas and pragmatic approach to help to the Chamber and the greater Edmonton business community thrive and succeed. 

Doug’s spare time is spent travelling to new locations with his wife, Sue, and their two sons so they can eat good food, drink good wine, and enjoy good company. On his days off, Doug enjoys gardening and walking. He is also working on writing a new book (his third book!) and cherishes the time when he can just sit and write. 

Heather_Headshot

Heather Thomson, VP of Strategy, Research & Engagement

Heather Thomson is the new Vice President of Strategy, Research and Engagement at the Edmonton Chamber of Commerce. Before taking on this new role, Heather was the Executive Director of the Alberta School of Business - Centre for Cities and Communities. As part of the founding team of the Centre, Heather spent much of her time mentoring the next generation of business innovators while working with leaders in the business community with an emphasis on education, consulting, academic & applied research and industry outreach. 

Prior to her work with the University of Alberta and at 13 Ways, Heather has worked at lululemon athletica, ATB Financial and started her career with McDonalds Restaurants. She is passionate about business success and growing the pool of talent to work in this fascinating industry. Heather is a trusted business advocate and strategist. 

A few highlights include: 

  • Named Edify’s Top 40 Under 40 2023. 
  • Employed hundreds of business students who have worked with more than 3000 organizations in the Edmonton region to build digital infrastructure to support their business. 
  • Has secured 2 million dollars in funding to support the local business community recover from the effects of the pandemic. 
  • Helped create the new University of Alberta’s Centre for Cities and Communities. 
  • Works with national media networks to deliver consumer behaviour research to the country. 
  • Serves on the Edmonton Business Association and past member of Old Strathcona Business Association Economic Recovery Task Force. 
  • Working on her masters in behavioural economics. 

A forward-thinker in every sense, Heather is of the belief that even the most challenging of situations can be resolved from an angle of compassion, understanding and collaboration. Heather is a proud mom of two boys, an avid snowboarder, and an advocate for gender parity and equity in the workforce… especially for working parents. 

Christopher Martin

Christopher Martin, Director of Policy & Government Relations

Christopher Martin is a seasoned professional with over a decade of experience in strategic planning, business administration, public policy analysis, and stakeholder relations. He is deeply passionate about public affairs, relationship building, and collaborative problem-solving, and thrives on strategically addressing policy challenges and opportunities.

As the Director of Policy and Government Relations, Christopher spearheads the research, development, maintenance, and advocacy of policies that serve Chamber members and Edmonton's wider business community. He diligently tracks relevant government initiatives and programs, ensuring the Chamber and its members stay ahead of the evolving political and regulatory landscape. Christopher also serves as the primary liaison for all levels of government, ensuring effective communication and alignment of interests.

Before joining the Chamber, Christopher held leadership positions within the City of Edmonton and the University of Saskatchewan. Originally from Saskatoon, Christopher relocated to Edmonton in July 2022 to advance his career in public policy and legislative services. Christopher has since integrated himself into the local and provincial curling community and forged strong networks with business, municipal, and provincial leaders. Most importantly, he has established a fulfilling long-term relationship, and together with his partner, proudly calls Edmonton home.

Our team is growing - we'll have more to add here soon. Please contact communications@edmontonchamber.com.

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