BioAlberta announces new President and CEO

November 1, 2019, Edmonton, Alberta – The BioAlberta Board of Directors announced today that Mr. Robb Stoddard has been appointed BioAlberta’s new President and CEO.  The appointment will take effect January 1, 2020, upon the retirement of current President and CEO, Mel Wong.

Mr. Rick Pawluk and Mr. Keith Gilchrist, Co-Chairs of the BioAlberta Board of Director stated, “The BioAlberta Board is excited to work with Mr. Stoddard as President and CEO.  Since joining BioAlberta in 2018 we have valued Mr. Stoddard’s breadth of knowledge and experience within the technology, health and life sciences sectors.  Coupled with his extensive experience in stakeholder and government relations, Robb is a natural choice for this position.”

“We want to thank Mel for his steady leadership for the past four years.  During that time, Mel transitioned BioAlberta into a strong and self-sufficient industry association that focuses on growth of the life sciences sector in Alberta.  We are pleased that he will continue to be a strong voice for life sciences as a member of our Board of Directors.”

“It has been both my privilege and pleasure to have supported the Life Sciences Industries over the years.  I remain convinced of the powerful contribution they have and can make to the economic well-being of this province and the health of Albertans.  I wish every company success in the days ahead.  I will continue to do whatever I can to contribute to that outcome,” stated Wong.

"I'm delighted to be working closely with BioAlberta’s accomplished Board of Directors at this important stage in our history.  These are exciting and challenging times for life sciences companies as we work to grow our sector and modernize Alberta’s economy.  Our role as an advocate for growth-oriented policies by government at all levels, and as a guide for companies looking for support, investment capital and connections with suppliers and markets, has never been as important as it is today,” stated Stoddard.

Prior to his appointment as President and CEO of BioAlberta, Robb served BioAlberta as Manager, Memberships and Partnerships.  During this time Robb focused on increasing member engagement, regional collaboration and generating advocacy initiatives at both the provincial and federal levels.  Prior to joining BioAlberta, Robb has been a consultant to emerging companies in the technology and health sectors and an executive with numerous technology related companies.   Robb also has extensive executive management experience from more than 15 years public service, including serving Government of Alberta as: Assistant Commissioner, Labour Employment Practices; Corporate CIO and Chief Strategist; and, Director of Operations, Office of the Premier.

Robb is a graduate of the University of Alberta’s Faculty of Business.  He lives in Sherwood Park with his wife, Pam and two children.