Heather Douglas - President & CEO

Heather Douglas was appointed to the position of President and CEO of the Calgary Chamber of Commerce as of October 1, 2005.

Prior to joining the Chamber, Heather Douglas was the Founder and President of Strategic Public Affairs (SPA), a worldwide combination of external and internal affairs and communications professionals. She has more than 20 years experience in journalism and public affairs, has directed media, government, and shareholder relations, crisis communications, and image and reputation management for three major Canadian companies (one a Fortune 500 affiliate).

Douglas is the former Manager, Public and Government Affairs for Mobil Oil Canada where she successfully directed several of Canada's largest public consultation programs - including the Hibernia offshore oil and the Sable natural gas projects. Mobil sent her to run Mobil's Public and Government Affairs Department in the United Kingdom and Norway, assigned her to special projects in the Far East, and brought her to Washington D.C. to work with several Asian embassies.

Douglas has also served as Vice President, Public Affairs and Government Relations with Atomic Energy of Canada (AECL), her duties included building relationships with foreign governments on behalf of the Crown Corporation. She also headed their worldwide media relations, stakeholder relations, crisis communications, and public consultation programs. She was an officer of the Corporation and a member of its Executive Council.
Douglas has co-authored two books and has spoken at numerous seminars and conferences. Her topics range from energy and communications to negotiation strategies. Douglas is currently working toward her doctorate in political science.