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Alberta Grains names first executive director

Alberta Grains has named Michael Flynn as its first executive director.

Flynn brings diverse experience in policy development, stakeholder engagement and operations management to the organization.

The interim board of directors for Alberta Grains believes Flynn is the ideal leader to help Alberta farmers navigate ever-changing environmental conditions, government policies, as well as domestic and international market demands farmers are constantly facing, all while aiming to maximize their yields and profit.

“Michael is the perfect person to lead and represent Alberta Grains as the commission’s first executive director,” says Tara Sawyer, interim chair for Alberta Grains. “His track record of leading multiple, diverse organizations that contribute to Albertans in a positive way, along with his experience collaborating with partners and stakeholders of all levels will allow him to seamlessly transition into the role to provide strategic and operational leadership to the organization.”

With more than two decades of experience as an executive director with multiple organizations in various sectors, Flynn’s career has been defined by his commitment to organizations that positively impact Alberta. As the former executive director of the Calgary Police Commission (CPC) and the Urban Development Institute (UDI), he demonstrated his ability to navigate complex policy development, public education and community stakeholder engagement.

Flynn is eager to leverage his pre-existing experiences and relationships for the benefit of Alberta Grains and explore new opportunities for growth. Most recently, he was the executive director with FireSmart Alberta, after serving as the executive director of the Canadian Association of Petroleum Land Administration.

“I couldn’t ask for a better situation to walk into quite frankly and I’m honoured to build on the historic legacy of the Alberta Wheat and Barley Commissions with the newly amalgamated Alberta Grains,” says Flynn. “My perception of the agriculture sector in Alberta is that it’s coming into its own and rightfully so, being seen as a force and a necessary economic driver nationally and internationally. As the collective voice of over 18,000 grain farmers in Alberta, I think we can not only be the model association in the ag sector but also a champion in the not-for-profit sector with the combined strengths of our amazing staff, delegates and board of directors.”

Flynn’s appointment comes at an exciting time for the future of the newly amalgamated commission, as elections for the first permanent board of directors and delegates will take place at regional meetings, occurring across the province throughout November.