The Power of Local: Building a Stronger Calgary Together

Robert is a seasoned leader with over three decades of experience in the banking industry. As the Senior Vice President and Region Head for TD Canada Trust’s Alberta Region, he is responsible for the strategic direction and operations of nearly 140 branches across the province. Known for his unwavering commitment to colleague development, customer engagement and relationship building, Robert is a collaborative and results-oriented change agent with a keen focus on delivering exceptional service while driving business growth.

Since joining TD through the Laurentian Bank acquisition in 1991, Robert has held senior positions in various lines of business in Canada and the US, including roles in Branch Banking, North American Customer Operations, Sales Strategy, and Human Resources. He also leads the Indigenous Persons pillar within TD’s Inclusion and Diversity Leadership Council, reflecting his dedication to fostering an inclusive workplace.

Robert is a proud native of Montreal, Quebec and holds a BA from McGill University and an MBA from Dalhousie University. Fluent in both English and French, he embodies TD’s commitment to serving diverse communities across Canada.

Outside of work, Robert is an avid runner and actively contributes to his community. He serves on McGill University’s Western Canada Regional Advisory Board and sits on the Board of Directors for KidSport Alberta, a non-profit organization that provides underprivileged children with opportunities to participate in organized sports. Robert currently resides in Calgary, Alberta with his wife and two daughters, where they enjoy exploring the vibrant culture and scenic landscapes of the region together

Jason Hatcher is the Managing Principal of Navigator Ltd. and leads their Western Canadian operations from Calgary. He specializes in strategic communications, advising clients across multiple sectors, board of directors and business leaders across Canada. As a community leader and passionate volunteer, Jason believes it is important for people to be involved and give back to their community. He was on the Board with United Way of Calgary and Area’s chapter from 2012-2019, including Board Chair from 2018-2019 and represented the Board in the 2018 Campaign Cabinet. Jason joined United Way Centraide Canada’s Board of Directors in 2019 and served as Chair of Board from 2023-2025.  Jason currently chairs the Calgary Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors and serves on various committee roles. Jason’s bilingual education covered Political Science, Business, and Law.

Karen Young (she/her) is President and CEO of United Way of Calgary and Area, a visionary leader who knows the power of partnership and collaboration to achieve a common purpose. Karen joined United Way as Vice President and Chief Operating Officer in 2014 before becoming President and Chief Executive Officer in 2017. Under her leadership, United Way has raised nearly $600 million for the local Calgary community, delivering a profound impact to people who need it the most.   

Prior to joining United Way, Karen worked with The City of Calgary for over 20 years as an award-winning leader. As director of Community and Neighbourhood Services, she was instrumental in securing $480 million to build four new recreation facilities in Calgary and led the Emergency Social Services efforts during the historic 2013 Alberta Floods. Karen worked closely with United Way over the years on many projects, including the Calgary Poverty Reduction Initiative, Calgary AfterSchool, and the Calgary Local Immigration Partnership. 

She has served on several community boards and committees, including the Calgary Homeless Foundation and The City of Calgary’s Mental Health and Addiction Strategy. Karen earned a master’s certificate in Municipal Leadership from York University, and holds a Bachelor of General Studies in Leisure, Recreation and Tourism from the University of Calgary. 

A catalyst for social change, which has been building momentum in communities for most of her career, Karen is driven by her belief that all Calgarians have the right to a good quality of life.  

In 2020, Karen was awarded the inaugural Calgary Influential Women in Business Award in the Social Enterprise category. In 2024, Karen received the George Hart Award for Excellence from United Way Centraide Canada. The award recognizes her lifelong dedication to building stronger communities. In 2025, Karen was awarded the King Charles III Coronation Medal and the Champions for Children Award from Children First Canada. 

Award-winning journalist Linda Olsen is a proud born-and-raised Calgarian who has been part of the broadcast news landscape for decades.  She is a familiar face and trusted journalist who has shared the stories of her hometown and beyond since 1988 when she graduated from the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT).   

Linda recently retired from Global News Calgary after a 36-year career as a journalist and host. 

She has extensive experience as a senior news anchor, reporter, and community advocate and has spent her career highlighting the important and inspiring work being done in this world-class city. 

Linda has been a host, emcee, and keynote speaker for numerous charitable events. She was also host and producer of Global Television’s Woman of Vision series.   For 15 years, she highlighted the stories of inspirational women in the community with monthly television news features and columns in the Calgary Herald, culminating with a gala luncheon every year on International Women’s Day.  

An ambassador and advocate for the community, Linda is a board member with the Calgary Children’s Foundation and served as a board member with Parks Foundation Calgary, and as an honorary board member of Believe in the Gold, a local children’s cancer charity. 

Linda is proud to have received an Honorary Bachelor of Business Administration Degree from SAIT in 2015, as well as SAIT’s Distinguished Alumni Award in 2022. Linda was also recognized with the Honorary Fellow Award at Calgary’s St. Mary’s University in 2020.