Seeing a lack of safety-first AI education for non-technical adults, Dr. Harris founded Zivo, a Canadian social enterprise dedicated to helping non-technical audiences be confident, informed technology users. She believes nobody should be left behind as new technology transforms how we work, live, and learn. With two decades of international leadership experience in technology, media, and consulting and qualifications in electronics engineering, international marketing management, business administration, and corporate governance, she’s known for translating complex concepts into accessible knowledge. She developed a national curriculum and taught for Code First Girls, and currently serves on advisory boards at two British universities.

Alison is a neurodivergent librarian at MacEwan University, serving as both an English liaison librarian and a collections management librarian. In 2025/26 she ran the study “Frequency, Perceptions, and Experiences of Neurodivergent Academic Librarians in Publicly Funded Canadian Post-Secondary Institutions.” She has a passion for creating space for neurodivergent experiences in the workplace and for increasing accessibility for everyone.

Allison Sivak, Jessica Thorlakson, and Amanada Robinson are members of the Prison Libraries Project, founded in 2007 within the Greater Edmonton Library Association. For 19 years, this group has worked towards the goal of increasing equitable access to information. The many volunteers of the PLP have developed and offered multimodal programs for people incarcerated and reintegrating back into their communities post-release. They have partnered with non-profit groups, academic libraries, and public libraries.

Allison Sivak, Jessica Thorlakson, and Amanda Robinson are members of the Prison Libraries Project, founded in 2007 within the Greater Edmonton Library Association. For 19 years, this group has worked towards the goal of increasing equitable access to information. The many volunteers of the PLP have developed and offered multimodal programs for people incarcerated and reintegrating back into their communities post-release. They have partnered with non-profit groups, academic libraries, and public libraries.

Andrea Johnston is the Subject Librarian for Nursing and Visual Arts at Red Deer Polytechnic. She began her career in public libraries in 2016 before transitioning to academic librarianship in 2023, when she joined the Alberta University of the Arts. In 2024, she brought her experience up the road to Red Deer Polytechnic, where she supports students and faculty across disciplines. Andrea is passionate about information literacy, teaching, and creating positive learning environments. She finds tremendous joy in connecting with students and supporting them on their academic journeys—especially when she can do it with a joke and a smile.

Angela Kublik is a consultant who designs and implements strategic planning and community engagement projects for a variety of libraries, nonprofits, and other organizations. While the projects vary greatly, at the core of the process is always a commitment to listening to stakeholders and providing the client with the data needed to make informed decisions. To this work, she brings 20 years experience working in Alberta’s public libraries, along with a deep commitment to the role of libraries as an integral part of our communities. Megan Ginther is the Library Director of Carstairs Public Library and President of the Library Association of Alberta. With over 26 years of library experience—from page to leadership—she brings a practical perspective to turning strategy into action. Since moving into management less than a decade ago, Megan has focused on making strategic plans usable, aligning staff work with community priorities, and ensuring plans actively guide services rather than sit on a shelf. She is passionate about community-led service and helping teams translate big ideas into meaningful, achievable work. Hailey McCullough is the Director of the Grande Prairie Public Library, where she works to reimagine what a modern public library can be – dynamic, community-driven, and responsive to change. She is passionate about creating inclusive services, building strong teams, and developing programs and spaces that connect people to each other and their community. At home, she is supervised by her bossy tuxedo cat, Meatloaf. Karla Palichuk is Director of Yellowhead Regional Library, a regional system. Karla brings over 25 years of senior leadership experience in public library systems, with expertise in governance, advocacy, strategic planning, and change management. Karla also serves as academic teaching staff with the University of Alberta’s School of Library and Information Studies and is completing doctoral research focused on workplace bullying, engagement and leadership at the University of Portsmouth.

Angie Thom, the Director of Jasper Municipal Library.

Mayor-Bridgitte Coninx
Bridgitte Coninx is the mayor of the Town of Onoway, Alberta.

Cole Boychuk works for The Alberta Library doing records management, event planning, IT, and various other duties. They are a member of the Association of Records Managers and Administrators (ARMA International) and have completed their Essentials of Records and Information Management Course. They enjoy building Gundam models and going dancing when not thinking about information organization.

I am a proud citizen of the Métis Nation of Alberta (MNA), mother and auntie. I am a strategic library leader and professional librarian with a proven track record of managing complex projects, provincial budgets, and high-impact teams. I lead with integrity and a collaborative mindset, focusing on breaking down systemic barriers to create more accessible, inclusive, and efficient library systems. As the Indigenous Public Library Outreach Advisor for the Government of Alberta, I drive provincial strategy to enhance service delivery and operational excellence.

Corrina Chetley‑Irwin is the Executive Director, Employee Experience at Edmonton Public Library. She is an energetic and optimistic leader who is passionate about learning, conversations, and relationships. She has over 30 years of experience in human resources, strategy development and business planning in both the private and public sector in the role of leader, consultant and educator. Her professional experience is supported by an MBA and a B. Comm with a major in Labour Relations. Sharon Day is Executive Director, Customer Experience at Edmonton Public Library where she is responsible for ensuring excellence in the provision of library service to all 21 library branches through the strategic development, innovation and implementation of effective ongoing service delivery. Prior to her current role she held the position of Director, Branch Services and Collections where she provided oversight in the provision of services to branches, as well as the selection, delivery, and circulation of all EPL’s physical and digital collections. Sharon holds a Master’s degree in Library and Information Studies from the University of Alberta, and started her career as Automation Services Librarian at Yellowhead Regional Library. Later positions included Associate Director, then Acting Director of John M. Culaenaere Public Library in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan. She joined EPL as a Branch Manager in 2009.

Dan Hackborn, library researcher

(she/her) Liz is a passionate social activist, horror critic, and unapologetic nerd who has spent the past eight years championing community access and lifelong learning at the Valleyview Municipal Library. When she’s not reviewing the latest spooky media for a popular horror website, she’s diving deep into technology and gaming—her own special interests—and turning that passion into innovative programming for patrons of all ages. Liz is also deeply involved in local advocacy, working tirelessly to support and uplift 2SLGBTQIA+ community members. She brings humor, sarcasm, and a little bit of chaos to everything she does.

Board member, storyteller, author, librarian and educator, Gail de Vos teaches courses on Storytelling, Canadian Children’s Literature, and Comic Books and Graphic Novels at SLIS at the University of Alberta. Gail is the author of ten award winning resource books on storytelling and folklore in popular culture as well as numerous guest chapters on storytelling, monsters, and folklore in popular culture for academic monographs. Board member Sheila Smith has a degree in Occupational Therapy and a Masters of Library Sciences – and worked in direct care, quality and patient experience roles for Alberta Health Services for 35plus years.

Graeme Matichuk is a library consultant with 16 years’ experience as a library staff member, consultant, and volunteer. He is the President of the Friends of St. Albert Public Library and leads Matichuk Insights.

Hailey McCullough is the Director of the Grande Prairie Public Library, where she works to reimagine what a modern public library can be – dynamic, community-driven, and responsive to change. She is passionate about creating inclusive services, building strong teams, and developing programs and spaces that connect people to each other and their community. At home, she is supervised by her bossy tuxedo cat, Meatloaf.

As an experienced library and information professional with over 15 years of leadership in academic, public, and special libraries, I am dedicated to advancing knowledge management, digital initiatives, and inclusive practices. Currently, I serve as the Executive Director of the Northern Lights Library System, overseeing services for 50 independent public libraries across Northeast Alberta. My career has taken me across diverse cultural and professional landscapes, including a transformative period in the Middle East, where I gained invaluable perspectives on global information systems. Closer to home, my work with local Indigenous communities has deepened my commitment to accessible library services and enriched my approach to leadership and service. These experiences have shaped my belief in the strength that comes from diverse voices and perspectives in decision-making and collaboration. In past roles, I’ve led teams through complex projects, including developing institutional repositories, managing digital archives, and overseeing innovative knowledge management systems. My credentials include an Executive MBA, a Master of Library and Information Studies, and certification as a Digital Archives Specialist. Beyond my professional endeavors, I am a passionate ultrarunner and backwoods adventurer, pursuits that reflect my commitment to endurance, exploration, and adaptability. These personal passions mirror my professional ethos: embracing challenges and striving for meaningful growth in every journey. I am always eager to connect with fellow professionals and explore opportunities to enhance information services, knowledge management practices, and cultural understanding in our field.

Jeremy Dias is a trailblazing human rights advocate and the visionary behind the International Day of Pink. At 21, he won a landmark human rights settlement, which he used to found the Canadian Centre for Gender & Sexual Diversity (CCGSD). With over two decades of experience, Jeremy has developed national programs for 2SLGBTQIA+ safety, education, and legal identity. A recipient of the King Charles III Coronation Medal and the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal, he currently serves as a Senior Policy Analyst with Indigenous Services Canada and continues to lead global anti-bullying initiatives through the Day of Pink.

Manager of Member Services at the Centre for Equitable Library Access (CELA)

Allison Sivak, Jessica Thorlakson, and Amanda Robinson are members of the Prison Libraries Project, founded in 2007 within the Greater Edmonton Library Association. For 19 years, this group has worked towards the goal of increasing equitable access to information. The many volunteers of the PLP have developed and offered multimodal programs for people incarcerated and reintegrating back into their communities post-release. They have partnered with non-profit groups, academic libraries, and public libraries.

James L. Turk is the founder and director of the Centre for Free Expression (CFE) at Toronto Metropolitan University and leads CFE’s work with libraries across Canada in defending and promoting intellectual freedom. Previously, he served as Executive Director of the Canadian Association of University Teachers and formerly taught Canadian Studies at the University of Toronto and headed the labour studies program at University College. He has received numerous awards for his work. In 2024, he was honoured by being named the first recipient of the Canadian Federation of Library Associations Intellectual Freedom Award for outstanding contributions to intellectual freedom in Canada. Previously, he had received the Les Fowlie Intellectual Freedom Award from the Ontario Library Association, and the Milner Memorial Award from the Canadian Association of University Teachers for significant contributions to the understanding and strengthening of academic freedom in Canada.

Katherine received her MLIS from McGill University in Montreal before working at the Richmond Public Library in British Columbia, Canada. After a year and half there she took up teaching English in Japan and finally joined the Edmonton Public Library in 2010. She is the manager of the Capilano location and the lead of Capital City, EPL’s initiative to support local writers, musicians, and artists.

Katrin Sannig, MSc, R.SLP, is a multilingual speech-language pathologist specializing in augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) and supporting individuals with complex communication needs, including autism, cortical visual impairment (CVI), and rare genetic syndromes. Based in Northern Alberta, she works with rural school communities to build capacity support educators, educational assistants, and families. Aiming for meaningful participation across community settings, including schools and public spaces is a core value of her work. Katrin has experience leading a Regional Collaborative Service Delivery (RCSD) team, coordinating interdisciplinary supports across school divisions and service providers. Fluent in German and experienced in supporting newcomer communities, she brings a culturally responsive lens to her work. Her practice is grounded in inclusive, relationship-centered approaches that promote communication autonomy, belonging, and meaningful participation.

Kelli Rae Morning Bull is a Blackfoot member from Piikani Nation and is the Indigenous Service Senior Service Designer at Calgary Public Library. Her educational background in Communications and Television has been instrumental in developing virtual programs during the pandemic and her cultural knowledge and understanding of Treaty 7 has deepened the relationships between the Library and Indigenous communities and populations within the territory.

Experienced public library professional who loves trying new things. I strive to bring out the very best in my team and my community, and take creativity, connection and play very seriously.

Kristen Duke is the Senior Service Designer, Early Learning and Wellness at the Calgary Public Library. Her role is to collaborate with staff and community to enhance programs, training, spaces and services, with a focus on services geared towards children age 0-5 and their caregivers. With a background in early childhood education, her approach to her work is grounded in the understanding that young children learn best through play. She has a passion for community-based research and development, to enhance knowledge of child development in relation to practice – supporting proactive education and prevention. Lisa has 30 years of experience in service, space planning and leadership in public libraries. Lisa joined the Calgary Public Library team as a branch manager in 2004, and has since had roles in Facilities and Service Design, returning to Service Delivery as a Director in 2025. Lisa’s interests include space planning and interior design, universal design in libraries and leadership. Her favorite building projects have been Calgary’s Central Library and the design and installation of the Early Learning Centres at Calgary Public Library.

Lisa has 30 years of experience in service, space planning and leadership in public libraries. Lisa joined the Calgary Public Library team as a branch manager in 2004, and has since had roles in Facilities and Service Design, returning to Service Delivery as a Director in 2025. Lisa’s interests include space planning and interior design, universal design in libraries and leadership. Her favorite building projects have been Calgary’s Central Library and the design and installation of the Early Learning Centres at Calgary Public Library.

Dr. Margaret Law is a library consultant who works with public libraries and boards to resolve administrative challenges. She is a former library manager, Director of Parkland Regional Library, and CEO of The Alberta Library.

Megan Ginther is the Library Manager of Carstairs Public Library and President of the Library Association of Alberta. She has worked in libraries for more than 26 years, holding roles from desk clerk to leadership—giving her plenty of experience with performance reviews from both sides of the desk. After spending most of her career being reviewed rather than conducting reviews, Megan moved into management less than a decade ago and quickly realized traditional appraisal systems didn’t fit her collaborative leadership style or the realities of small library teams. She now focuses on practical, employee-centered approaches to feedback that encourage growth, open communication, and stronger teams.

Megan Sellmer (she/her) is the Outreach Coordinator for the National Network for Equitable Library Service (NNELS). She is passionate about accessibility and supporting libraries in providing accessible services for patrons with print disabilities. She has delivered multiple presentations to library staff about the significance of accessibility, including serving patrons with print disabilities across different demographics.

Melissa Ramsey is a Youth Services Research Librarian at the Edmonton Public Library (EPL) and was previously EPL’s Collections & Spaces Intern Librarian. In her current role, she implements research and evaluation initiatives to support programs and services for youth.

Sharon holds a Master’s degree in Library and Information Studies from the University of Alberta, and started her career as Automation Services Librarian at Yellowhead Regional Library. Later positions included Associate Director, then Acting Director of John M. Culaenaere Public Library in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan. She joined EPL as a Branch Manager in 2009.

Board member Sheila Smith has a degree in Occupational Therapy and a Masters of Library Sciences – and worked in direct care, quality and patient experience roles for Alberta Health Services for 35+ years.

Taralyn (Tara) Elwood is the Mayor of the Village of Alberta Beach and serves as Director for Villages West on the Board of Alberta Municipalities. She brings over a decade of municipal governance experience, with a strong focus on board leadership, community engagement, and sustainable public service delivery. Tara has extensive experience in library governance, currently serving in executive and board roles with the Yellowhead Regional Library, as well as contributing to local and regional library boards. Through this work, she supports strategic planning, policy development, and regional collaboration to ensure libraries remain responsive, accessible, and sustainable community hubs. As Mayor, Tara provides strategic leadership to Council, including oversight of municipal services, intermunicipal partnerships, and community-facing infrastructure. She has been a strong advocate for libraries as essential public institutions that support literacy, digital inclusion, lifelong learning, and community connection—particularly in rural and small municipalities. Her governance experience includes advancing intermunicipal collaboration agreements, supporting shared service models, and ensuring fiscal accountability across public boards and committees. She brings a practical understanding of how libraries intersect with broader municipal priorities, including recreation, education, and social development. Tara is recognized for her strength in public engagement and communications, serving as a primary spokesperson for her municipality and championing transparent, community-informed decision-making. Her leadership reflects a commitment to ensuring that public institutions—including libraries—are inclusive, adaptive, and reflective of the communities they serve. A proud member of Kehewin Cree Nation and a descendant of Michel First Nation, Tara is an advocate for Truth and Reconciliation and supports initiatives that elevate Indigenous voices, stories, and cultural understanding within public institutions. Her professional background also includes senior leadership in regulatory and security environments, where she managed large teams, ensured compliance, and developed strong foundations in risk management and operational oversight—skills she brings to her governance roles today. Tara resides in Alberta Beach and remains committed to strengthening library systems, community partnerships, and effective governance across Alberta.

Tom Slater is the Chair of the Friends of Spruce Grove Public Library, previously serving 11 years on the Spruce Grove Public Library Board and a career in environmental management.