Red Deer Polytechnic (RDP) is pleased to announce the appointments of Dr. Tristin Brisbois as Vice President, Development and Partnerships, and Blayne Meek as Vice President, Communications, People and Enrolment.
Left to right : Blayne Meek and Dr. Tristin Brisbois.
As Vice President, Development and Partnerships, Tristin will provide strategic leadership to advance Red Deer Polytechnic's growth strategy, in support of its education, training and applied research programming, by cultivating high-impact partnerships, expanding business development opportunities and strengthening revenue-generating initiatives. She will also enhance engagement with donors, industry and community partners in support of RDP's long-term sustainability and strategic priorities.
As Vice President, Communications, People and Enrolment, Blayne will provide executive leadership to advance institutional performance, strengthen RDP's culture, brand and reputation and support continued enrolment growth. With a people-first approach, she will lead organizational change, align strategic communications, marketing, government relations, people and enrolment initiatives, and steward RDP's strategic and business planning framework, in support of the Polytechnic's mandate and long-term success.
"These appointments reflect the strong leadership, strategic focus and momentum needed to advance RDP's next chapter and deliver on our 2030 Strategic Plan," says Stuart Cullum, President of Red Deer Polytechnic. "Tristin and Blayne each bring deep experience, trusted relationships and a clear commitment to our Polytechnic's future. Their leadership will help strengthen our partnerships, support our people, grow our enrolment and enhance RDP's impact across central Alberta and beyond."
A creative strategist with 20 years of experience in brand development, traditional and digital marketing, strategic communications and people change management within the public, corporate and not-for- profit sectors, Blayne most recently served as Associate Vice President, Marketing and Communications at RDP for the past three and a half years. Prior to joining RDP, Blayne served as Director, Marketing & Communications at Olds College of Agriculture & Technology. She holds a Bachelor of Communication from Mount Royal University and is an active community volunteer, engaged with many local organizations.
Tristin brings extensive research and development experience to the role. With over 15 years of experience in the food industry, she held several senior leadership positions with PepsiCo, most recently serving as Senior Director, Global Research and Development, where she led the Life Sciences Living Lab and worked at the intersection of science, innovation and business strategy. A dedicated community builder and former Board Member of RDP, Tristin currently serves on the boards of Red Deer D.R.I.V.E., Westerner Park and Dress for Success Central Alberta. She is also an elected member of Red Deer City Council. Tristin holds a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Nutrition and Food Science from the University of Alberta and a Master of Business and Science (MBS) from Rutgers University.
Blayne will begin in her new role, October 1, 2026. Tristin will begin on October 13, 2026.
