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New Board Chair appointed

June 14, 2006 -

Brian Heidecker has been appointed by the provincial government as Chair of the University of Alberta Board of Governors effective July 1, 2006 for a three year term. Mr. Heidecker has served as vice-chair of the board for the past two years.

Mr. Heidecker's affiliation with the university extends over many years. He has served on the Board since 2000, was a Senate member for six years and involved in countless other capacities as well. During his board tenure he has a number of accomplishments to his credit including the development of the document "A Case for Investment" that ultimately helped achieve a $4.5 billion commitment to higher learning in the province and a six per cent annual increase in funding for a three year period. While serving on the Senate, Mr. Heidecker was chair of the Senate Task Force on Graduate Employability and vice-chair and co-author of the Senate Task Force Report on Student Financing.

Named as one of Alberta's 50 most influential people by Alberta Venture magazine in 2005, Mr. Heidecker is the founder of the recently sold Drylander Ranch Ltd. in Coronation. He has served and continues to serve on a variety of boards including Alberta Treasury Branches (ATB), past Chair of the Agriculture and Food Council of Alberta, past Board member of the Bank of Canada and past trustee of the Clearview Regional School Division. As an ATB board member, Mr. Heidecker contributed to the strategic planning, business development and risk management processes that resulted in an increase of $1.2 billion over a ten-year period.

Mr. Heidecker succeeds The Hon. Jim Edwards who has served as board chair since March 2002. Of the appointment, Mr. Edwards says "The University of Alberta is a labour of love for Brian. He has served two terms on our Senate and six years on the Board, all involving countless volunteer hours. The university is truly fortunate to have his continued involvement."

President Indira Samarasekera applauds the provincial government's appointment.

"Brian has been a valued and trusted board member since 2000. I have thoroughly enjoyed working closely with him during this past year and I look forward to his wise counsel and leadership in the coming years."

For more information please contact File No: 32

Brian Heidecker, Board Chair-designate, June 14, 2006

University of Alberta, 780-492-4954; or

Sandra Halme, Public Affairs, 780-492-0442.

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