Opening keynote Address : Irene Lewis President and CEO SAIT Polytechnic

Irene Lewis has been President and CEO of the SAIT Polytechnic since 1998. Her distinguished career in education spans over 40 years, the breadth of Canada's educational system and two continents. A former teacher in primary, secondary and post-secondary systems, she has also authored textbooks and hosted an educational television series.

Prior to joining SAIT, Ms. Lewis was President of a college in Edmonton and led its transition to an independent board-governed institution. She also worked in Singapore for over five years, where she had a central role in planning and developing that country's vision for the development of its workforce.

Ms. Lewis has served in advisory roles to provincial and municipal governments. Currently, she is a member of the Alberta Health Services Board overseeing the transition of Alberta’s nine health authorities to a new structure. She is also a member of the boards of several national and international organizations that include Polytechnics Canada, eCampus Alberta, RC 2020, and the Post-secondary International Network, and is a member of the 2010 Olympics Games Ambassadors Program. She also serves on several provincial and regional committees including the Calgary Airport Authority Business Development Advisory Council, and is Chair of the Alberta Economic Development Authority’s Energy Resource Committee.

Ms. Lewis is an Adjunct Professor at the University of Alberta and a well-respected ambassador for the post-secondary community. She has received numerous awards and recognition for her service to education and to Alberta throughout her career, including:

• University of Alberta Alumni Honour Award 2001
• Queen Elizabeth II Golden Jubilee Medal 2002
• Premier's Gold Award of Excellence 2003
• Alberta’s 50 Most Influential Citizens 2005
• Alberta’s Most Respected Corporate Leaders 2007
• Global Calgary Woman of Vision 2007/2008
• Distinguished Leadership Award, Council for Advancement and Support of Education 2008.
• Consumers’ Choice Award 20090 Woman of the Year
• The Chair Academy’s 2009 International Exemplary Leader Award