Board of Governors

John Kousinioris was the President and Chief Executive Officer of TransAlta Corporation, one of Canada's largest publicly traded power generators, from 2021 to 2026.  John’s prior leadership roles as Chief Legal and Compliance Officer, Chief Growth Officer and Chief Operating Officer, provided him with responsibility for almost every aspect of TransAlta’s business.  Under his leadership TransAlta accelerated the phase-out and conversion of its coal-fired power plants to natural gas, sharply reducing its greenhouse gas emissions, significantly increased its renewables capacity and simplified its organizational and financial structures. John also served as President and a Corporate Director of TransAlta Renewables Inc. from 2017 to 2021.

Prior to joining TransAlta, John was a partner and co-head of the corporate commercial department at Bennett Jones LLP. He has extensive experience in securities law, mergers and acquisitions, and corporate governance.

John is Chair of the Board of Governors of Bow Valley College and a member of the Boards of Directors of Calgary Economic Development, the Calgary Stampede Foundation and Axis Connects. He was awarded the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal in 2023 in recognition of his contributions and service to the Province of Alberta in the field of business, commerce, industry and economics.

He has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Honors Business Administration from the Ivey Business School of the University of Western Ontario, a Master of Business Administration degree from York University, and a Bachelor of Laws degree from Osgoode Hall Law School at York University. He has also attended the Advanced Management Program at Harvard University.

John and his family live in Calgary.

Dr. Misheck Mwaba is Bow Valley College’s 6th president and CEO, commencing his second five-year term November 1, 2025. He has been a proud Calgarian since 2017, bringing extensive knowledge to the college and the Calgary community. He has a breadth of experience across the Canadian post-secondary sector and internationally.

Before joining the college, Dr. Mwaba was the dean of Media, Trades, and Technology at Niagara College. His professional experiences include designing experimental facilities and managing research and development projects at Atomic Energy of Canada Limited, and teaching and research at several post-secondary institutions, including the University of Zambia, Eindhoven University of Technology, Carleton University, University of Ottawa, and Algonquin College.

Dr. Mwaba’s academic journey started as a mechanical engineering student at the University of Zambia. After achieving a master’s and Ph.D., he arrived in Canada in 2003 for a postdoctoral fellowship at Carleton University. After working at Atomic Energy of Canada as a mechanical R&D engineer, he embarked on building a career in post-secondary education, first as a chair of Mechanical & Transportation Technology at Algonquin College. In 2017, he moved west to Alberta, first as vice-president of Academic at Bow Valley College, before being appointed president and CEO in November 2020.

Dr. Mwaba serves on the boards of Vertigo Theatre, and the Prostate Cancer Centre. He previously served as a council member with the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) and as a board director with the Calgary Chamber of Commerce.  He was also previously the chair of the Alberta Comprehensive Community College Presidents and chair of the Government of Alberta’s Foreign Credential Advisory Committee. other board experience also includes vice-chair of the Niagara Industrial Association; chair of the Council of Deans of Trades and Apprenticeship Canada; vice-chair of the Pembroke Regional Hospital Board; member of the Arnprior Regional Health Board; member of Windmill Microlending; and council member of the Ontario Association of Certified Engineering Technicians and Technologists.  

In 2022, Dr. Mwaba was awarded a Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal and an Alberta Newcomer Recognition Award. He was awarded the King Charles III Coronation Medal in 2025.

In her role as CFOO, Kara oversees Travel Alberta’s financial performance, ensuring accurate financial reporting and managing day-to-day operations. She optimizes business processes and ensures efficient resource allocation, adhering to best practices, professional ethics, and governance standards.

Before joining Travel Alberta, Kara played a pivotal role in the growth of three successful Alberta-based companies: Vintage Group, Jugo Juice, and Big Rock Brewery. She has a proven track record of achieving financial and operational goals through cross-functional collaboration and contributes to long-term strategic planning, risk management, and performance monitoring.

Ms. Claypool earned her CMA designation in 2004 after graduating from the University of Calgary with a Bachelor of Commerce degree. In 2015, she was honored with the title of Fellow by the Chartered Professional Accountants (CPA) of Alberta for her exceptional service and distinction. Recently, she graduated from the Institute of Corporate Directors, receiving the ICD.D designation.

Kara’s professional accomplishments have been widely recognized. She was named to Avenue Calgary’s Top 40 Under 40 list in 2011 and Alberta Venture Magazine’s Top 10 Rising Stars Under 40 in 2012. Kara has a history of volunteering on community and association boards and currently serves as Chair of the Board for the Love for Lewiston Foundation, a registered charity. She was recently appointed to the Bow Valley Board of Governors.

Residing in Calgary, Kara enjoys the mountain life in Fernie with her husband, participating in activities such as hiking, downhill mountain biking, and skiing, especially now that her two children are off to university.

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Indira Smith is a Success Advisor in Student Services at Bow Valley College. In this role, she promotes student retention by assisting students with early support, academic coaching strategies, navigating college and community resources, and providing college success workshops. She holds a Community, Family and Child Studies diploma from Camosun College and has recently completed a Certificate in Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion with the University of British Columbia. Indira identifies as a lifelong learner and has now embarked on completing a Bachelor of Arts Degree with Thompson Rivers University. Indira supports the College and her students by advocating for fair and equitable treatment and a community of belonging.

Kerry Sharples is a dedicated educator with 11 years of experience teaching at Bow Valley College, currently serving as Program Chair at the Chiu School of Business. Holding a Master of Arts in Learning and Technology from Royal Roads University, Kerry brings a blend of academic excellence and practical insight to her leadership role. Notably, Kerry's own educational journey includes being a former student at Bow Valley College, creating a deep connection with the institution and its mission. With a commitment to student success and advancing the college's goals, Kerry is poised to contribute meaningfully to the Board of Governors through thoughtful engagement and collaborative leadership.

With a career in investment banking spanning nearly two decades, Emma has advised on a broad spectrum of Alberta-based power transactions from both a financing and M&A perspective.

With more than two decades of experience advising high-net-worth families, entrepreneurs, and foundations, Michael offers deep expertise in financial stewardship, family governance, and legacy planning.

With more than 15 years of senior account management experience at Corus Entertainment and a long record of community leadership, Sherie brings strategic communications expertise and a strong commitment to civic engagement.

As an accomplished business professional with more than 25 years of experience in the telecommunications industry, Sara has led organizations in the development and execution of transformational initiatives.

President of the Students’ Association of Bow Valley College, and a  student in the Health Care Aide program.

David is a passionate student leader committed to advocating for students and enhancing the student experience across campus.

With decades of experience in senior development roles, Cecilia has been instrumental in creating and advising multiple Board-appointed committees.