Melonie Doucette Appointed as the New Director of Entrepreneurship & Innovation

Fort McMurray Wood Buffalo Economic Development & Tourism (FMWBEDT) is pleased to announce Melonie Doucette's appointment as the Director of Entrepreneurship and Innovation. Melonie will lead the growth of local business, entrepreneurship, and innovation in our region in concert with FMWBEDT’s Five-Year Economic Development & Tourism Strategy.

“We are thrilled to have Melonie join our executive team,” said Kevin Weidlich, President and CEO of FMWBEDT. “Melonie’s leadership and depth of experience will strengthen this important body of work, including our relationships with key stakeholders and Rights holders. We’ve worked closely with Melonie on several key projects in her previous roles, and we look forward to building on that momentum to create an even greater impact.”

As part of the Entrepreneurship and Innovation portfolio, Melonie will oversee Startup YMM, the region’s first business incubator, accelerator, and technology makers space. Operated by FMWBEDT, Startup YMM has over 300 members and aims to build a community of inventors, entrepreneurs, and mentors to inspire and scale local business success. Melonie will also lead the Wood Buffalo Regional Innovation Network (WRIN) Committee and work with community partners Keyano College, Fort McMurray Wood Buffalo Chamber of Commerce, Community Futures Wood Buffalo, Alberta Innovates, and Pathways Alliance. The WRIN supports initiatives, programs, services, and events that strengthen the entrepreneurial and innovation community in the region.

“Thank you to Kevin and the executive team for trusting me with this important portfolio,” said Melonie Doucette, incoming Director of Entrepreneurship and Innovation. “For more than 16 years, I’ve worked in-region on many provincial economic development files with the Ministries of Employment and Immigration, Human Services, Labour, Economic Development, Trade & Tourism, and most recently with Jobs, Economy, and Northern Development. I’m eager to advance the good work done to date by the team and help entrepreneurs and innovators reach their greatest potential.”

Melonie assumes the role of Director of Entrepreneurship and Innovation from Lisa Sweet, who was serving as the interim Director, while also serving as the Director for Business Investment and Attraction. Lisa continues in her role as Director of Business Investment and Attraction where she leads investment attraction and business expansion efforts.

Melonie also joins Terri Nielsen, Director of Tourism, who is leading the development of Fort McMurray Wood Buffalo’s visitor economy and tourism, and Andrea Haley, Director of Brand, Marketing, and Communications, who is leading the development and stewardship of region’s Place Brand and all marketing, promotions, and communications for the region and the organization.

Melonie Doucette Appointed as the New Director of Entrepreneurship & Innovation

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