OLDS COLLEGE
Olds Welcomes Al Kemmere as Board Chair

Olds College of Agriculture & Technology is pleased to announce the appointment of Al Kemmere as the Chair of the Olds College Board of Governors by the Government of Alberta's Ministry of Advanced Education. 

Kemmere, appointed as a public member of the Board in March 2023 and Interim Chair in February 2024, brings extensive experience and expertise in the agri-food sector, public service, governance and educational leadership to Olds College. 

"I am deeply honoured to be appointed as the Chair of the Olds College Board of Governors by the Ministry of Advanced Education," says Kemmere. "Community engagement is one of our top priorities. Olds College has a big influence on the Olds community, and the community has a big influence back on Olds College. My role as Board Chair will be to continue to forge and strengthen relationships between the College, community members, local organizations and governments. Together, the Board and our dedicated leadership team are committed to a prosperous future for Olds College. I am confident that together we can drive innovation and ensure student success both during their Olds College experience and as they move into their career paths."

A former Olds College student and a local resident, Kemmere's family farmed in the Olds area for more than 40 years with a focus on dairy, crops and commercial beef. His decades of public service include roles as councillor and reeve for Mountain View County (2004-2021) and president of the Rural Municipalities of Alberta (2014-2020), as well as board positions with the Alberta Holstein Association, Alberta Milk, the Olds Co-op and the Federation of Canadian Municipalities. He also served on the steering committee that established the Community Learning Campus at Olds College. 

"We are thrilled to have Al appointed as the Board Chair for Olds College," said Debbie Thompson, Interim President, Olds College. "Al is committed to a collaborative working approach that includes the Board, leadership team, staff, faculty and students. His strong background in local governance and decision-making continues to strengthen Olds College as a hub for education, innovation and applied research emphasizing our commitment to excellence. We have an incredible team of faculty and staff who engage in amazing work to support our students and the industries we serve, and the Board provides critical leadership and governance to all of us at the College. Collectively, we have the experience, expertise and creativity to navigate an exciting future for Olds College."

For the past year as Interim Chair, Kemmere has focused on being on campus and building strong connections between the Board, College community and Olds community. Kemmere regularly attends events, meetings and announcements on campus, and expresses deep optimism for the work that the Board and College do together to ensure the sustainability of Olds College long into the future.

The Board plays a vital role in guiding Olds College, a post-secondary institution focused on agriculture and related industries, towards a successful future in academic excellence and applied research while representing the public in its oversight and stewardship of public resources. Olds College looks forward to our continued work with the Board under Kemmere's leadership as Chair.