James McAra started at the Calgary Food Bank 15 years ago in public affairs.

He is now in charge of a staff of 42 plus directing 131 volunteers every day, and he manages an annual budget of $6 million.

"When I first started I was chief cook and bottle washer, and today I am proud to say that I am still the chief cook and bottle washer," he said.

Watching McAra on the sorting line at the food bank, interacting with staff and volunteers, it appears he loves what he does.

But sometimes he gets frustrated the demand is always greater than the supply.

Alice Reimer

Alice Reimer is a successful technology entrepreneur and dedicated community leader and mentor. She co-founded Calgary-based Evoco, leading the innovative SaaS firm from initial concept through to a 2012 acquisition. Evoco’s technology became the standard construction management system for global retailers including Walmart, Home Depot, and Staples. Most recently, Alice was the CEO of Chaordix, a pioneering software leader in the crowdsourcing and open innovation space, with global clients including LEGO, Procter & Gamble, KPMG, and IBM.

Alice was the recipient of PROFIT’s W100 designation as one of Canada’s Top Female Entrepreneurs and was named one of Alberta’s 50 Most Influential People for 2013.  Alice was recently awarded the 2016 Rod Charko Service Award, established to recognize an individual who has gone above and beyond to enhance the technology ecosystem in Alberta.

Dr. Sandip Lalli, ICD.D, FCPA

With a global career that has taken Dr. Lalli from Alberta to Singapore and many other countries along the way, Sandip solidified her home in Calgary when she started as the President and Chief Executive Officer at the Calgary Chamber of Commerce in April 2018.

Prior to taking on this role, various international corporations entrusted her with strategic planning and execution of their most important initiatives. Known for her communication skills and visionary leadership, she has repeatedly been called upon to identify opportunities for growth and assess business risk.

For Cargill Incorporated – largest global privately held company providing food, agriculture, financial and industrial products and services to the world - Sandip steered the financial management from High River, AB to United States operations and advised colleagues in China, Japan, India, Australia, Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia, Brazil, Honduras, England, Switzerland, Amsterdam, Russia, Singapore, Papua New Guinea and Mexico.

At the heart of everything she does is a firm belief that making a contribution to society is fundamental – it is in her DNA. And the unique contribution that Sandip can make to society is rooted in a practical business sense, a belief that a contribution to a strong economy equates to a better quality of life for everyone.

Since starting with the Calgary Chamber, Sandip has led the launch of a new purpose for the Chamber – to build a business community that nourishes, powers, and inspires the world. Sandip is a staunch advocate for the business of business and is leading the development of a united voice for business.

Sandip holds an Institute of Corporate Directors, ICD.D, a Doctorate in Business Administration degree, a Master Business Administration degree and is a Fellow Chartered Professional Accountant.

Scott Bolton comes to the CEO role after serving as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of UFA. Prior to joining UFA in 2014, he spent the bulk of his career at Pricewaterhouse Coopers (PwC) where he was Partner in charge of the Alberta consulting practice and National Energy Leader. Bolton has a proven record of success in the agriculture, oil and gas, and mining sectors.

Born in Edmonton, Alberta, Bolton earned his Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Alberta as well as his Chartered Accountant Designation. He received his Certified Public Accountant Designation in Illinois. With over 30 years’ experience in Canada, US and abroad, Bolton has demonstrated exceptional leadership skills with a long track record of results.