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Public & Government Affairs Department Staff

Geoff Pradella
Vice-President, Public & Government Affairs

Provides strategic leadership in the areas of policy research and formulation; building and enhancing profile and reputation as the business forum for policy debate; grant and funding proposals for leading-edge policy and research initiatives; committee support and engagement; and advocacy of members' policy priorities .

Geoff Pradella was appointed to the position of VP, Public and Government Relations for the Chamber in January 2007. Pradella comes to the Chamber with a BA, International Relations, a BA, (Honours) in Law (UK, EU and International Public Law), an LL.M, Medical Jurisprudence & Ethics and International Criminal Law, and an M.A. Law. Pradella is also a Fellow Emeritus, Center for the Study of the Presidency (Washington, DC).

Pradella is published nationally and internationally in the fields of health care policy, medical law and medical ethics. He brings international and federal government relations experience, working abroad and within Canada with all levels of government.


Ben Brunnen
Manager, Policy & Research

Responsible for contributing to the strategic direction of the Chamber's policy initiatives, including primary responsibility for research and policy development on leading and priority issues that measurably contribute to the effectiveness, substance and influence of the Chamber's policy and advocacy efforts, the engagement of the Chamber's members, and the enhancement of the Chamber policy profile.

Ben has five years experience in economic and public policy research and analysis, and has held policy positions with the B.C. Ministry of Municipal Affairs and the Canada West Foundation. Ben holds a Masters Degree in Public Administration from the University of Victoria, and a BA in Economics from the University of Calgary. He has published and consulted in the fields of regional economic development, municipal finance and governance, skilled labour shortages, and Aboriginal education and employment.

Thomas Palak
Policy & Communications Strategist

Supports the Chamber's policy committees and initiatives through research and the development of policy positions and programs, the identification of priority issues, guest speaker and event opportunities, internal and external policy surveys and communications strategies that serve to engage members' interest, and enhance the profile and effectiveness of the Chamber's policy program.

Thomas holds two degrees, a Bachelor of Commerce in International Business and a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology, from the University of Calgary. His communication training includes a Journalism Certificate obtained from the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT), and he is currently enrolled in the Public Relations Certificate at Mount Royal University. In addition to his six years of experience in the Chamber's Public & Government Affairs Department, Tom has previously worked as a freelance writer and an administrative assistant in a small accounting company.

Michael Jankovic
Senior Policy Analyst

Contributes to the identification of policy topics through research and issue monitoring; prepares reports, summaries and recommendations based on policy topics and priorities; and builds and maintains relationships with a range of stakeholders including Chamber members, Chamber committees, Committee Chairs, government, business, the media, and the local policy community.

Mike holds a Master of Arts in political science specializing in political philosophy from the University of Regina, and a Bachelor of Arts in political science from the University of Calgary. Mike has experience in policy and political science as a research assistant for Preston Manning and the Canada Research Chair in Social Justice, Shadia Drury, and as a teaching assistant at the university level. Prior to joining the Chamber, Mike completed an internship in Ecuador where he taught English and basic computer skills to children aged 5-12, and provided graphic design work for local businesses.