OLDS - Al Kemmere, the newly appointed interim chairman of the Olds College of Agriculture & Technology board of governors, says his years of experience as a Mountain View County councillor and reeve has prepared him well for his new position.
Kemmere was appointed interim chairman by the board on Feb. 6 following the resignation of chairman Ted Menzies for personal reasons.
As interim chairman Kemmere will oversee board meetings and will work with the college president, administrators and others.
“I will be the liaison between the board and the president, and will help guide the policies and establish the policies for the president and the rest of the organization to follow through on,” Kemmere told the Albertan.
Kemmere was a Mountain View County councillor from 2004 to 2021, serving as reeve from 2004 to 2010.
He was also a board member on the Rural Municipalities of Alberta Association from 2010 to 2020, including as president from 2014 to 2020.
“I believe that board chair and the board membership are governance roles, and with my background in those two organizations, both as reeve and as president, I’ve developed significant experience with governance and I think that bodes well for where we are going on this,” he said.
Kemmere is also a former board member and executive with the Federation of Canadian Municipalities.
He was appointed to the college’s board of directors in March 2023.
A longtime former farmer outside Olds, Kemmere is himself a former Olds College student.
“The majority of my working life was involved in the farming business, both dairy and beef and various crops,” he said. “I was a student (at Olds College) for three terms. I’ve had a lot of experience with the college over the years.”
Asked if he plans to seek the position of permanent chair, Kemmere said yes.
“I will submit my name with the appropriate paperwork and stuff like that,” he said.
The college board is currently working on the recruitment of the new board chair, who will be appointed by the Minister of Advanced Education following the recruitment selection process and provincial cabinet approval.
“That process could take a month or two,” he said. “It’s hard to understand exactly what the timeline is. I know when I put my name forward for board member last year it took about six weeks.
“These things aren’t done lightly so it takes time.”
Kemmere commended former chairman Ted Menzies of his service to the college.
“Ted was a great leader for us,” he said. “I think he has left the board in a good thought process. We are looking at some major stuff in the future and I think Ted has set us up well for that. I really appreciate his time.”
Mountain View County Reeve Angela Aalbers served with Kemmere on council.
“Al brings a strong governance background and will provide a collaborative working approach that will benefit the board,” Aalbers told the Albertan.
“He also has the ability to effectively chair meetings. Having worked with Al for many years on county council and witnessed his strong leadership in his role as president of the Rural Municipalities of Alberta, I know he will do an outstanding job.”
