Our Team
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Kim King, President and Founder
Kim launched King Strategies after two decades as a senior executive in the private and public sectors, specializing in health, technology, environment, and social services. With deep political and bureaucratic relationships across Alberta, she brings a strategic understanding of government decision-making from her roles as Director of External Relations at Alberta Health Services and Chief of Staff in the Alberta Legislature.
In the private sector, Kim has successfully shaped policy and secured provincial reimbursement for over 30 medicines and vaccines, including Canada’s first cell and gene therapies. She excels in strategic partnerships, advocacy, and negotiation, working across all levels of government to accelerate access to life sciences innovations.
Her non-profit leadership includes advancing sustainable tourism as head of the Association of Mountain Parks Protection and Enjoyment and chairing the alex.62 campaign for the Royal Alexandra Hospital Foundation. With expertise spanning healthcare, environment, and public policy, Kim offers a rare blend of industry insight and government relations expertise.
A University of Alberta Honours Neuroscience graduate and avid outdoors enthusiast, Kim is committed to driving impactful change across multiple sectors.
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Leah Hammond, Manager, Public Affairs
Leah brings more than seven years of experience in clinical research across pediatrics, neuroscience, and medical device innovation. She is skilled in leading complex, interdisciplinary projects and building collaborations between diverse stakeholders. At King Strategies, she applies her analytical and strategic expertise to help clients bridge science, policy, and public impact.
Leah earned both her Master of Science in Medical Sciences (Paediatrics) and Honours Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience from the University of Alberta. Her academic and professional background give her a strong foundation in research design, data-driven decision-making, and stakeholder engagement within health and innovation ecosystems.
Before joining King Strategies in 2025, Leah served as Research Program Manager for Alberta Health Services’ Brain-Computer Interface Program. In that role, she helped secure $1.3 million in funded research projects and fostered multi-stakeholder research collaborations, driving innovation and advancing clinical translation of pediatric brain-computer interfaces.
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Courtney Bachus, Manager, Life Sciences
Courtney is a highly motivated clinical research professional with over seven years of experience in building, communicating, and leading clinical strategies within the life sciences industry, particularly within the medical device sector. Her career is distinguished by a global track record and a proven ability to navigate complex regulatory and market landscapes.
Courtney's educational foundation has been instrumental in her success; she holds a Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Biochemistry and a Master of Biomedical Technology (MBT) degree. With this background, Courtney offers a unique perspective and expertise with a solid grounding in the scientific principles that underpin her work.
Most recently, Courtney served as a consultant for pharmaceutical and medical device companies, creating evidence-based materials to support stakeholder engagement and navigate the provincial reimbursement landscapes. Previously, as Global Director of Clinical Affairs at Orpyx Medical Technologies Inc., she developed departmental strategies, navigated North American regulatory frameworks, and facilitated global clinical research. Additionally, she performed extensive medical writing, led the Clinical Advisory Board, and championed various clinical market research and reimbursement analysis initiatives.
Courtney has built a strong professional network that includes key opinion leaders, healthcare organizations, and clinical professionals in Alberta, reflecting her deep understanding of the local healthcare landscape.
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Katherine Stavropoulos, Senior Consultant, Government Affairs & Events
Katherine Stavropoulos is a senior consultant specializing in government affairs, strategic communications, and large-scale event planning, with a career spanning the public, private, and non-profit sectors. She brings extensive experience supporting senior political leadership, having served as Press Secretary to the Minister of Education under Minister Adriana LaGrange, where she led communications strategy, stakeholder engagement, and media relations on complex policy initiatives.
Katherine further strengthened her expertise in the Premier’s Communications Office, contributing to media engagement and outreach efforts designed to enhance public awareness and build relationships with diverse media across Alberta. Most notably, she served as Executive Assistant and Tour Coordinator to Premier Danielle Smith, acting as a key liaison between the Premier’s Office and Alberta Protocol, Intergovernmental Relations, and mission planning teams. In this role, she supported high level domestic and international engagements, ensuring seamless coordination across government, communications, and public engagement functions.
Prior to her work in government, Katherine founded and operated an award-winning event planning firm, delivering high profile, high impact events. Her portfolio includes major national events such as the Juno Awards and the CFL Grey Cup, as well as corporate clients such as Stantec, Qualico Developments and PCL, alongside numerous non profit fundraisers raising millions of dollars in support of hospitals, specialized medical services, and the community at large.
Katherine has also contributed her expertise through service on various industry and non-profit boards and committees. She holds a Bachelor of Education from the University of Alberta, and is recognized for her strategic approach, extensive network, and ability to deliver results in complex, high-stakes environments.
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Melina Dharma-Wardene, Senior Consultant, Healthcare
Melina Dharma-Wardene is a senior healthcare executive with leadership experience spanning primary care, surgical services, diagnostic imaging, seniors care, and health system transformation. She is recognized for leading organizational change, strengthening healthcare operations, and advancing innovative models of care that improve access and patient outcomes across Alberta.
As Executive Director of the South Calgary Primary Care Network, Melina led a $25 million organization supporting 385 physicians and serving more than 385,000 patients. She provided strategic and operational leadership while working closely with physicians, health system leaders, government partners, and community stakeholders to improve the delivery of integrated primary care.
Melina has also held executive leadership roles with Sante Medical, Canada Diagnostic Centres, and Bethany Care Society, leading initiatives in healthcare operations, strategic planning, business development, digital health, and organizational transformation. Throughout her career, she has successfully bridged strategy and execution, helping organizations navigate complexity and deliver sustainable results.
In addition to her executive leadership experience, Melina serves as a Trustee of Red Deer Polytechnic and is a member of its Audit and Finance Committee. She holds a Master of Public Health in Policy and Management from the University of Alberta, an Executive MBA from the University of Calgary, executive certification in Digital Health from Harvard University, and the ICD.D designation from the Institute of Corporate Directors.
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Jodi Goebel, Senior Consultant, Health AI
Jodi Goebel is a strategic advisor specializing in health artificial intelligence, innovation governance, and public sector transformation. She helps governments, healthcare organizations, and life sciences organizations harness emerging technologies to improve decision-making, strengthen system performance, and accelerate responsible innovation. With more than a decade of executive leadership experience, Jodi is recognized for translating complex policy, technology, and operational challenges into practical strategies that deliver measurable impact.
Most recently, Jodi served as Health Industry Lead at AltaML, where she led the development of the company's Health AI strategy, advised major healthcare organizations on AI governance, and built strategic partnerships across industry, academia, and the public sector. Prior to AltaML, she held several Executive Director roles with Alberta Health, leading initiatives in health system value, research and innovation, health economics, strategic partnerships, and system planning. Her work focused on strengthening evidence-based decision-making, guiding strategic investments, and advancing innovation across Alberta's healthcare system.
Jodi also brings extensive experience leading large-scale transformation initiatives within municipal government, having held senior leadership roles with the City of Edmonton. Throughout her career, she has worked at the intersection of government, healthcare, academia, and industry, helping organizations navigate change, build effective partnerships, and implement innovative solutions to complex challenges.
A recognized thought leader in Health AI, Jodi is the Lead Curriculum Author for the Ethics, Law and Liability module of the University of Alberta's Graduate Certificate in Health AI. She is also a frequent speaker and panel moderator on health AI, innovation governance, and life sciences commercialization.
Jodi holds a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Alberta, a Certificate in Health Law from Osgoode Hall Law School at York University, and completed the Council of Canadian Innovators' Innovation Governance Program. She also serves as Chair of the Industry Advisory Council for the University of Alberta's Department of Biomedical Engineering and as a Digital Health Innovation Advisor with SPARK Alberta.
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Kate Ellis, Senior Consultant, Health Policy and Government Affairs
Kate Ellis has spent her career deeply embedded in Canada’s research and innovation ecosystem. She brings to the table a background in applied health research and more than a decade of experience working to generate impact from health research and innovation. Kate has worked in government, research funding, and in several high impact research and innovation programs across the country. She is a seasoned strategist with ample experience working with diverse stakeholders across academia, industry, non-profits, government, and start-ups. Kate is passionate about the potential of Canadian innovation to improve health, and is uniquely skilled in leveraging this passion into tangible wins for clients.
Kate holds Master’s Degree in Interdisciplinary Studies, a graduate certificate in Clinical Research, and Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology. She has numerous peer reviewed publications and abstracts, and has secured significant investment in grant funding over her career. Kate’s research background coupled with her extensive experience in research and innovation strategy continue to generate impact across the health sector.
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Andre Despins, Senior Consultant, Digital Transformation
With diverse experience spanning the public sector, tech industry and consulting, Andre is passionate about public-private partnerships and policy that enable innovation in government.
Following senior political staff roles in the Government of Alberta, Andre spent six years in program management and government affairs at Drivewyze — one of Alberta's most successful tech companies — prior to its acquisition in the United States. In this role, Andre led interdisciplinary teams to implement new programs for government partners across several states and provinces, and was successful in securing regulatory and legislative changes that opened market access in select jurisdictions.
Most recently, Andre has worked with clients across domains in healthcare, including digital health tech, private service providers, professional associations and non-profit advocacy groups on both government relations and broader corporate strategy initiatives.
Andre holds a BA in Economics and an Executive MBA from the University of Alberta, and has completed the Innovation Governance Program through the Council of Canadian Innovators.
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Rose Lange, Finance
Rose Lang brings 25 years of professional bookkeeping and financial administration experience to her clients delivering the accuracy, reliability, and compliance that organizations depend on. With a proven track record across the construction, nonprofit, government & legislative, and big & small‑business sectors, Rose upholds the company’s commitment to providing high‑quality, transparent, and audit‑ready financial services.
As a core member of the organization, Rose oversees full‑cycle bookkeeping, payroll and human resources administration, accounts payable and receivable, CRA reporting, and monthly and quarterly financial reporting. Their expertise also includes preparing year‑end journals and financials, ensuring a seamless and efficient process for accountants and auditors.
Rose brings specialized industry knowledge to the business sector, including job costing, cost estimating, project‑based reporting, and safety‑certified administrative support. Her experience with nonprofits and government/MLA offices reinforces the company’s reputation for accuracy, accountability, and compliance in highly regulated environments.
She holds a Bookkeeping Certificate, as well as COR & SECOR (OH&S) certification and Construction Safety Training. Rose demonstrates the company's commitment to professionalism and ongoing development. Their technical proficiency includes Simply Accounting, QuickBooks (Desktop & Online), Business Visions, DocuWare, Legislative accounting systems, and advanced Microsoft Office applications.
Through a combination of deep industry experience, strong technical skills, and a commitment to service excellence, Rose supports King Strategies in delivering dependable financial management solutions that helps operate with clarity, confidence, and long‑term stability.
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Chantelle Aubry, Executive Assistant
Chantelle Aubry, MS, is an organizational specialist and educational professional with extensive experience in library science, transaction coordination, and higher education assessment. Known for her meticulous attention to detail and self-directed work ethic, she has successfully managed everything from middle school library ecosystems to international contract work across the UK and Europe. Chantelle holds a Master’s degree in Organizational Leadership and is a passionate advocate for continuing education and process optimization.