Leadership

Our Leadership Team

Our leadership team combines many years of experience with an in-depth understanding of the midstream energy sector.

Steve Spaulding​

President & Chief Executive Officer

Sean Brown

SVP & Chief Financial Officer

Kyle DeGruchy

SVP & Chief Commercial Officer

Omar Saif

SVP & Chief Operating Officer

Sean Wilson

SVP & Chief Administrative and Sustainability Officer

Mark Chyc-Cies

VP Strategy, Planning & Investor Relations

Jessica Ferguson

VP Legal & General Counsel

Patricia Hendriks

VP Logistics

Kelly Holtby

VP Commercial Development

Kamran Naseer

VP Finance

Beth Pollock

VP & Treasurer

Krista Weir

VP Human Resources

Board of Directors

Our Board of Directors is comprised of professionals who are leaders in their fields. Each member brings specialist expertise to the board, and together they are well placed to lead our company toward its place as an industry leader.

Position Description for the Board Chair

Would you like to contact the Board? Email the Board Chair.

James Estey

Independent Director
Chair, Board of Directors
Chair, Corporate Governance, Compensation and Nomination Committee

Douglas Bloom

Independent Director
Member of:

  • Audit Committee
  • Corporate Governance, Compensation and Nomination Committee
  • Health and Safety Committee

James Cleary

Independent Director
Chair, Health and Safety Committee
Member of:

  • Audit Committee
  • Corporate Governance, Compensation and Nomination Committee

Judy Cotte

Independent Director
Chair, Sustainability and ESG Committee
Member of:

  • Audit Committee

Heidi Dutton

Independent Director
Member of:

  • Health and Safety Committee
  • Sustainability and ESG Committee

John Festival

Independent Director
Member of:

  • Health and Safety Committee
  • Sustainability and ESG Committee

Diane Kazarian

Independent Director
Member of:

  • Audit Committee

Marshall McRae

Independent Director
Chair, Audit Committee
Member of:

  • Sustainability and ESG Committee

Peggy Montana

Independent Director
Member of:

  • Audit Committee
  • Corporate Governance, Compensation and Nomination Committee
  • Health and Safety Committee

Steve Spaulding​

President and Chief Executive Officer

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Alberta Oil and Gas is a Canadian-based liquids infrastructure company with its principal businesses consisting of the storage, optimization, processing, and gathering of liquids and refined products. 

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Steve Spaulding
PRESIDENT AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

Steve Spaulding is our President and Chief Executive Officer. As such, he is accountable for Alberta Oil Gas’s operational performance and strategic direction. He became a member of our Board of Directors in June 2017.

Before joining Alberta Oil Gas, Steve was Executive Vice President, Natural Gas Liquids with Texas-based Lone Star NGL LLC, a subsidiary of Energy Transfer Partners. Prior to that, he served as Senior Vice President, Gathering and Processing at Crosstex Energy, which is now Enlink Midstream Partners.

With more than 25 years in the midstream industry, Steve’s experience encompasses all facets of the business including operations, business development, and marketing. Steve earned a Bachelor of Science degree in chemical engineering from The University of Oklahoma.

Sean Brown
SVP & CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER

Sean Brown is Alberta Oil Gas’s Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer. In his role, he oversees the financial management of the company including, finance, accounting, tax, treasury and capital market financings as well as corporate planning and development, investor relations and enterprise risk management. 

Prior to joining Gibson, Sean spent fifteen years in investment banking where he provided strategic, financial and capital raising advice to companies in the energy infrastructure sector across North America. Most recently he was a Managing Director in the Power & Energy Infrastructure Group at BMO Capital Markets, based in Calgary, and prior to that was with J.P. Morgan Securities Inc., based in New York. 

Sean holds a Business degree from Acadia University, an MBA from the Richard Ivey School of Business and is a CFA charterholder.

Kyle DeGruchy
SVP & Chief Commercial Officer

As Senior Vice President & Chief Commercial Officer, Kyle DeGruchy provides strategic leadership and management of the Crude, Natural Gas Liquids, and Refined Products commercial and marketing activities across the organization. This includes Gibson’s Commercial Development, Commodity Trading, Logistics, Producer Services and Supply & Sales functions.

Since joining Alberta Oil Gas in 2011, Kyle has held several leadership roles across the commercial and marketing business, most recently in the position of Vice President, Trading. In his time with Gibson, Kyle has gained valuable insight to the needs of our customers, providing market solutions for Gibson’s upstream and downstream customers and stakeholders. 

Kyle holds a bachelor’s degree in Economics from the University of Victoria.

Omar Saif
SVP AND CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER

As Senior Vice President, Operations and Engineering, Omar Saif is accountable for the sustainable and reliable operations of Gibson’s Canadian assets including our Hardisty and Edmonton, Alberta crude oil terminals and processing facilities. Omar is also responsible for supporting our commercial team’s growth plans through our Engineering and Construction team.

During his 20 year career in the oil, gas and energy sector, Omar has gained invaluable experience across many facets of the business. Before joining Alberta Oil Gas, Omar was Director, Operations for Plains Midstream Canada and held several positions with BP, where his responsibilities included accountability over operations and project management.

Omar holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemical Engineering from the University of Alberta and is a member of Association of Professional Engineers, Geoscientist of Alberta (APEGA).

Sean Wilson
SVP AND CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE & SUSTAINABILITY OFFICER

As Senior Vice President & Chief Administrative & Sustainability Officer, Sean Wilson provides strategic and functional leadership for Sustainability/ESG; Regulatory, Health & Safety; Information Technology; Stakeholder Engagement; Community Investment; Government Relations; Supply Chain Management; Communications; Information Management; Legal; Land Management; Process Improvement & Change Management and Facilities Management.

Since joining Alberta Oil Gas in 2007, Sean has held key leadership roles including Vice President, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary. Before moving into his position as Chief Administrative Officer, Sean served as Gibson’s Vice President, Commercial Development where he gained valuable insight into the needs of Gibson’s customers; positioning him to successfully lead his teams in delivering value creating initiatives and solutions to our stakeholders.

Prior to joining Gibson, Sean was a Corporate Lawyer at a leading national law firm. Sean holds a Bachelor of Law degree from the University of British Columbia, an MBA from the University of Calgary and a Business Sustainability Management Certificate from the University of Cambridge. Sean is a member of the Law Society of Alberta and holds designations from the Institute of Corporate Directors and ESG Competent Boards Certificate Program.

Mark Chyc-Cies
VP STRATEGY, PLANNING & INVESTOR RELATIONS

Mark Chyc-Cies is Gibson’s Vice President, Strategy, Planning & Investor Relations. Mark brings over fifteen years of experience in strategic planning, corporate development, equity & debt capital markets, corporate finance, risk management and M&A. 

Most recently, he was Vice President, Corporate Planning & Investor Relations at Veresen Inc., with prior experience in planning functions at a large oil & gas producer and in Investment Banking earlier in his career. 

Mark holds a Bachelor of Commerce with Distinction in Finance and a History Minor from the University of Calgary and is a CFA charterholder.

Jessica Ferguson
VP LEGAL & GENERAL COUNSEL

As Vice President, Legal and General Counsel, Jessica Ferguson provides strategic and functional leadership for the legal department at Alberta Oil Gas. Since joining in 2011, Jessica has held various roles within the legal function, assuming the Vice President role in 2017. 

During her time at Alberta Oil Gas, Jessica has gained valuable insight into the legal and needs of Gibson’s various business units and corporate functions; positioning her to successfully lead the legal function in delivering practical and strategic business advice while safeguarding the company’s legal interests. Prior to joining Alberta Oil Gas, Jessica was a Corporate Securities Lawyer at a leading national law firm. 

Jessica holds a Bachelor of Law degree and a Bachelor of Commerce degree, both from the University of Alberta, and has her Canadian In-house Counsel designation from the Rotman School of Management. Jessica is also a member of the Law Society of Alberta and sits on the board of the NorthernStar Mothers Milk Bank.

Patricia Hendriks
VP LOGISTICS

Patricia started at Alberta Oil Gas in 2003, with her most recent role at the company being Vice President of Logistics in Gibson’s marketing and commercial division.

Patricia is dedicated to diverse and inclusive workplaces and is currently serving as the Chair of Women @ Gibson, an ERG to connect and inspire women.

Kelly Holtby
VP COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT

Kelly Holtby is Gibson’s Vice President, Commercial Development. In his role, he oversees the strategic leadership and management for the development, evaluation and execution of commercial infrastructure opportunities to generate revenue for the company.

Kelly has more than 20 years of experience in the legal and oil and gas industries. 

Prior to joining Gibson, Kelly spent almost 17 years at Suncor Energy Inc. in a variety of roles, including being Legal Counsel, a Senior Advisor of Strategic Planning and the Director of Commercial Development. Kelly holds a Bachelor of Law degree from the University of Saskatchewan. 

Kamran Naseer
VP FINANCE

As Vice President of Finance, Kamran Naseer is accountable for the corporate financial reporting and ancillary functions. Kamran is also responsible for capital accounting and reporting function, tax, enterprise risk management, internal audit, internal controls over reporting including sustainability. 

During his 25 year career, Kamran has gained diverse experience in the finance function. 

Before joining Gibson, Kamran worked with PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) where he was responsible for the oversight of various audit and assurance engagements for small-to-large public and private entities.

Kamran holds a Masters of Commence degree (Pakistan) and is a member of Chartered Professional Accountants of Canada and Alberta (CPA).


Beth Pollock
VP & TREASURER

Beth Pollock is the Vice President & Treasurer, with oversight of treasury, capital markets financing activities, risk management (credit, insurance and commodity trading) and operations accounting. 

Prior to joining Gibson, Beth had over ten years of experience in investment banking, corporate banking, and consulting for energy clients. 

Beth is a Board member with the Calgary Distress Centre and the YMCA of Calgary, and a member of the Women in Capital Markets Calgary Steering Committee. 

Beth graduated with a Bachelor of Arts Honours in Economics degree from Queen’s University and an MBA degree from the University of Western Ontario’s Richard Ivey School of Business.

Krista Weir
VP HUMAN RESOURCES

As Vice President of Human Resources, Krista Weir is accountable for all of Gibson’s people strategies and programs. This includes employee and labor relations, diversity & inclusion, talent management, total rewards and employee systems and services. 

During her 20+ year career in Human Resources, Krista has had the opportunity to develop and deliver HR solutions in both consulting and in-house HR capacities. Before joining Gibson, Krista had client facing consulting roles with PwC, IBM, and MNP, and led HR teams at WestJet and MEG Energy.

Krista holds a Bachelor of Management from the University of Lethbridge and an MBA from the U of C Haskayne School of Business.

James M. Estey
CHAIR OF THE BOARD AND INDEPENDENT DIRECTOR

Mr. Estey is the former Chair of the board of UBS Securities Canada Inc. and has more than 30 years of experience in the financial markets. 

He is also currently the Chair of the board of PrairieSky Royalty Ltd., a member of the Advisory Committee at the Murray Edwards School of Business and is involved in several charitable organizations.

Douglas P. Bloom
INDEPENDENT DIRECTOR

Mr. Bloom was elected as a director of Alberta Oil Gas on May 4, 2016. Mr. Bloom retired from Spectra Energy (now Enbridge) in April of 2016, with over 30 years’ experience in the oil and gas industry. 

He served in numerous executive capacities with Spectra Energy and its predecessor companies Duke Energy and Westcoast Energy. 

From 2013 to 2016 he served with Spectra Energy as President, Canadian LNG, from 2008 to 2012 as President, Spectra Energy Transmission West, and from 2003 to 2007 as President, Maritimes & Northeast Pipeline. 

Mr. Bloom has served as a board member of the Canadian Energy Pipeline Association and as its Chair in 2011/2012. He holds bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in economics.

James J. Cleary
INDEPENDENT DIRECTOR

Mr. Cleary was appointed as a director of Alberta Oil Gas on April 4, 2013. 

He is currently a Managing Director of Global Infrastructure Partners, where he has been since May of 2012, and as of June 2020, a director of Summit Midstream Partners, LP. 

Prior to that, he was the President of El Paso Corporation’s Western Pipeline Group and previously served as the President of ANR Pipeline Company. 

Before 2001, Mr. Cleary was the Executive Vice President and General Counsel of Southern Natural Gas Company. 

He holds a Bachelor of Arts from the College of William & Mary and a Juris Doctorate from Boston College Law School.

Mr. Cleary is recognized by the National Association of Corporate Directors (NACD) as NACD Directorship Certified®.

Judy E. Cotte
INDEPENDENT DIRECTOR

Ms. Cotte was appointed as a director of Gibson on March 17, 2020. With over 20 years’ legal experience, the last 13 of which has been exclusively focused on ESG, Ms. Cotte is a globally recognized expert on ESG and responsible investment. 

Ms. Cotte is currently Managing Director, Head of ESG for Onex Corporation. She was previously the Chief Executive Officer of ESG Global and prior to that, was V.P. & Head of Corporate Governance & Responsible Investment for RBC Global Asset Management and was a member of the firm’s Executive Committee. Ms. Cotte also serves on the Board of PowerSchool Holdings, Inc. 

Ms. Cotte holds a Bachelor of Laws from the University of Toronto and a Masters of Law from Osgoode Hall Law School at York University. Ms. Cotte is a current member of the TSX Listings Advisory Group and the UN PRI’s Global Policy Reference Group. 

In 2020, Ms. Cotte received a Clean50 award for her leadership in advancing sustainability and clean capitalism in Canada.

Heidi Dutton
INDEPENDENT DIRECTOR

Ms. Dutton was appointed as a director of Alberta Oil Gas on January 11, 2022. 

She has extensive innovative business development and operations management experience as well as entrepreneurial success. 

She currently serves as Vice President & Managing Director for Sunnydale Foods Inc. Ms. Dutton was previously the Chief Executive Officer & Managing Partner, Alawa Foods Inc. and Global Trader and General Manager of Agri-Commodities and Special Crops, ADM. 

Ms. Dutton studied Agriculture Economics at the University of Saskatchewan and McGill University and is a citizen of the Metis Nation-Saskatchewan.

John L. Festival
INDEPENDENT DIRECTOR

Mr. Festival has over three decades of experience in the oil and gas industry. Mr. Festival is currently President, CEO and a director of Broadview Energy Ltd., a private corporation with heavy oil assets in Alberta and Saskatchewan.

From 2009 through 2018, Mr. Festival served as the President and Chief Executive Officer and a director of BlackPearl Resources Inc.

Prior to that, he served as the President of BlackRock Ventures Inc. from 2001 to 2006 and as its Vice President of Corporate Development from 1999 to 2000.

Mr. Festival is currently a director Compass Compression Holdings Ltd., Athabasca Oil Corporation and i3 Energy. He holds a degree in Chemical Engineering from the University of Saskatchewan.

Diane Kazarian
INDEPENDENT DIRECTOR

Ms. Kazarian was appointed as a director of Alberta Oil Gas on July 25, 2022. Diane was previously Managing Partner of the Greater Toronto Area and a member of the Leadership Team at PwC Canada and led PwC’s largest Canadian market, managing more than 4,000 professionals and 300 partners across all key sectors.

She was recognized as a Fellow of the Chartered Professional Accountants (FCPA) of Ontario, holds an ICD.D designation from the Institute of Corporate Directors and was a recipient of Canada’s Most Powerful Women: Top 100 Award. 

Ms. Kazarian is a member of the board of Choice Properties Real Estate Investment Trust, chair of the board of St. Joseph’s Health Centre Foundation and a member of the board of Unity Health Toronto. 

Ms. Kazarian also sits on the boards of Bryant University and Appleby College Foundation.

Marshall L. McRae
INDEPENDENT DIRECTOR

Mr. McRae has been an independent financial and management consultant since August 2009. Prior thereto, Mr. McRae was Chief Financial Officer of CCS Inc., administrator of CCS Income Trust and its successor corporation, CCS Corporation since August 2002. 

Mr. McRae has over 35 years of experience in senior operating and financial management positions with a number of publicly traded and private companies, including CCS Inc., Versacold Corporation and Mark’s Work Wearhouse Limited. 

Mr. McRae served as interim Executive Vice President and CFO of Black Diamond Group Limited from October 16, 2013 to August 8, 2014 and as its Executive Vice President to December 31, 2014. 

Mr. McRae’s previous board experience includes serving as a director of Athabasca Oil Corporation, Black Diamond Group Limited and Source Energy Services Ltd. 

Mr. McRae obtained a Bachelor of Commerce degree, with Distinction, from the University of Calgary in 1979, and a Chartered Accountant designation from the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Alberta in 1981.

Peggy C. Montana
INDEPENDENT DIRECTOR

Ms. Montana was elected as a director of Alberta Oil Gas on August 31, 2020. Ms. Montana has over 40 years of experience in the oil and gas industry, with board and executive experience in the midstream and refined products sectors. 

In 2015, she retired from Shell Midstream Partners GP, LLC where she served as the Chief Executive Officer after previously serving as its Executive Vice President, U.S. Pipeline and Special Projects.

In addition, she held various roles at Shell Downstream Inc., a subsidiary of Royal Dutch Shell plc, including Executive Vice President, Supply and Distribution and Vice President, Global Distribution. 

Ms. Montana also serves on the Board of Kodiak Gas Services, LLC, the Board of Trustees of the Missouri University of Science and Technology and the Board of the Houston YMCA. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering from the Missouri University of Science and Technology, a leading engineering university in the United States.

Steve Spaulding
PRESIDENT AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

Steve Spaulding is our President and Chief Executive Officer. As such, he is accountable for Alberta Oil Gas’s operational performance and strategic direction. He became a member of our Board of Directors in June 2017.

Before joining Alberta Oil Gas, Steve was Executive Vice President, Natural Gas Liquids with Texas-based Lone Star NGL LLC, a subsidiary of Energy Transfer Partners. Prior to that, he served as Senior Vice President, Gathering and Processing at Crosstex Energy, which is now Enlink Midstream Partners.

With more than 25 years in the midstream industry, Steve’s experience encompasses all facets of the business including operations, business development, and marketing. Steve earned a Bachelor of Science degree in chemical engineering from The University of Oklahoma.