Barbara McKenzie
Chief Executive Officer
Metis Settlements Development Corporation (MSDC) (Edmonton, AB)
Ms. McKenzie is a change maker, disruptor and passionate supporter of growing entrepreneurs and leaders. She has over 30 years of experience in leadership, entrepreneurship and corporate growth, and strategic disruption.
She is currently the inaugural CEO of Indigenous investment management firm Metis Settlements Development Corporation. She has previously held roles as CEO and Executive Director at Business Link and the Leduc-Nisku Economic Development Association, as well as several senior leadership positions in marketing and brand at Goodwill Industries of Alberta, ATB Financial, and Alberta Pensions Administration.
Ms. McKenzie has an Executive MBA from the Quantic School of Business and Technology, a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Alberta, and a Diploma in Marketing from the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology. She also holds several certifications in corporate governance, project management, economic development, and more.
Ms. McKenzie has led several of her own successful entrepreneurial ventures and is currently the Managing Director of DB McKenzie Group, which is focused on leading technology in the drone and UAV space to service industries such as construction, energy, agriculture, and utilities.
Ms. McKenzie is known for her innovative thinking, with a passion for disruption and a deep knowledge of community. Ms. McKenzie also gives back to her community and is currently Chair of the Board for the Christmas Bureau of Edmonton, Board Director and Governance Committee Member for the Canadian Council for Indigenous Business and the Chair of the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology School of Business Entrepreneurship Program Advisory Committee.
She is a seasoned public speaker and has won awards for many of her initiatives and projects; and currently teaches a course on innovation and entrepreneurship at the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology.