Nicole Merrifield
As director of community engagement and external relations, Nicole helps lead the provincial team that brings the voices of Albertans to Alberta Health Services (AHS) by building a culture that values engagement, supporting engagement projects and tools and both partnering with and equipping leaders across the organization to effectively engage the people they serve.
For two decades Nicole built her career as a communicator — first as a small-town journalist, then as a consultant helping small businesses and non-profits share their story. After moving to Alberta, she found a passion for public education and healthcare philanthropy. In July 2018 Nicole joined AHS to build her skills in public engagement and leadership.
Nicole holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Northern British Columbia, and a master’s from the University of Alberta (conveniently, both Green and Gold). In 2023 she was honored to participate in AHS’ Executive Education Program and earn the Canadian College of Health Leaders’ Certified Health Executive (CHE) designation.
When not working she can be found helping her husband with projects on their acreage, chasing her teenage daughters down the slopes or across gymnasiums, serving on a range of community committees, or planning their next family adventure.
Christine Elmer
Christine Elmer is an award-winning corporate affairs leader and an accredited Strategic Communication Management Professional with more than 20 years’ experience in the public, private and not-for-profit sectors in Australia. Her expertise includes reputation and brand stewardship, media and issues management, strategic communication, engagement (staff, stakeholder and community) and social marketing.
Passionate about professional development and advancing her profession, Christine has served on the IABC board of directors in Victoria where she was chair of the student and academic liaison and global committees. For several years, she has judged the annual IABC Gold Quill Awards.
With degrees in leadership, marketing, communication and professional writing and editing, Christine is at her best when leading communication, marketing and engagement strategies in for-purpose organizations that have a strong mission and alignment with purpose. Currently she is executive general manager, communication and marketing at Burnet Institute and a member of the executive committee.