Type Of Business:
Water and wastewater services provider
Expertise:
Human resources
Major Product/SVS:
Water and wastewater services
Hobbies/Sports:
Golfing; Reading; Football; Dancing; Traveling
Affiliations Awards:
Saskatchewan Association of Human Resource Professionals; Recognition Professionals International
Industry:
Business Management
State/Country of Origin:
ON/Canada
Children's Names:
William R. Matthews; Christina M. Hume; Bruce E. Alexander
Date of Distinction:
1/4/2012
Work History:
Zellers; Dylex; Edscha; Bradshaw-Stradwick; College of New Caledonia; SIAST; Niagara Regional Police Service
If you could have lunch with anyone, dead or alive, who would it be and why?:
Hillary Rodham Clinton, because she admires her intelligence and her tenacity.
Throughout the duration of your career, what was the one highlight that stood out the most?:
The most gratifying aspects of her career are recognizing there are many roles and functions within an organization and the ability to create relationships at all levels. Receiving recognition for the work she does from union members, peers and senior executives has validated the importance of the human resource function.
Number Of Years In Profession:
38
Number Of Years In Current Position:
2
What Does He/She Attribute Success To:
She attributes her success to her great mentors, the challenges and opportunities she encountered, and her parents, who set a foundation for her.
Why did you become involved in your profession or industry?:
She became involved in her profession because as a teenager, she wanted to be a teacher. She began working as a sales associate for a department store, and although she did not want to remain in this position, she observed her environment and the operations of the store. She took this time to begin developing herself professionally and understand what was needed to create an enjoyable workplace. She discovered that the ideal work environment should provide opportunities for recognition and professional development, as well as allow employees to laugh and have fun. She realized that human resources was her niche.
Extended Bio Profile:
Ms. Alexander has worked in various sectors, such as retail, retail distribution, automotive parts manufacturing, apparel manufacturing, education and provincial utilities. She has worked in both the private and public sectors, and brings 25 years of human resources and senior management experience to her current position. Ms. Alexander has been with SaskWater since August 2006. She worked as manager of human resources until she became the acting vice president of business development and corporate services in March 2010. Prior to joining SaskWater, she held senior positions at SIAST in Saskatoon and the College of New Caledonia in Prince George, B.C. She has also worked as the manager of human resources for the Niagara Regional Police Service.
Position Responsibilities and Duties:
Managing units within the corporation, including human resources, finance and accounting, administrative services, legal services, information technology services, policy and planning, corporate communications and business development; Overseeing professional development; Handling strategic planning; Working with the board of directors on various initiatives; Maintaining human resources; Working with shareholders; Serving in three major roles, including chief financial officer, chief human resources officer and chief administration officer; Ensuring alignment with board, shareholder and government initiatives; Bargaining for labor relations; Contributing to cabinet decisions items; Managing internal controls for chief executive officer and chief financial officer certifications
Education Certifications:
Certified Human Resources Professional, Canadian Council of Human Resources Associations; Certification in Adult Education, University of Victoria, British Columbia, Canada; Various Industry-Related Trainings
Awards/Honors:
Canada's Literacy Volunteer Award
Where Will You Be In 5 Years:
In five years, Ms. Alexander plans to grow in her current role and eventually move into teaching, so that she can share her experience and knowledge with others.