Meet Our Team
Mark Plamondon
Executive Director
Mark Plamondon is a seasoned business executive with over 30 years of experience and expertise regarding the management, operation, optimization and financial analysis of mineral processing operations. Mark possesses an engineering degree from the University of British Columbia and an MBA from the University of Alberta. As Executive Director of Alberta’s Industrial Heartland Association, Mark leads the organization’s business development strategy and works with his team to build and enhance relationships with investors, governments, and other stakeholders across the globe.
Business Development
Chris Malayney
Director, Business Development
Chris Malayney is the Director of Business Development at Alberta’s Industrial Heartland Association, where he leads investment attraction initiatives that advance one of the world’s foremost regions for energy, manufacturing, and clean industrial growth. With 15 years of experience spanning economics, finance, regulation and energy markets, Chris is recognized for his ability to bridge economic insight with practical project development strategy—helping shape projects that define the future of Canada’s industrial landscape. He holds a BA in Economics from the University of Alberta and has earned the Energy Risk Professional designation from the Global Association of Risk Professionals.
Jihad Traya
Strategist, Business Development & Feedstock
Jihad Traya has over 20 years of progressive energy markets experience in a wide range of functions including planning, fundamentals analysis, trading, risk management and consultancy. He carries a wealth of short- and long-term forecasting experience in the oil, refined products, natural gas, NGL and LNG sectors. He has undertaken numerous blue-chip client advisory engagements that have covered a wide range of strategic development matters across North America and select worldwide countries.
Christina Kehrig
Manager, Business Development – Sustainability
Christina Kehrig is the Business Development Officer at Alberta’s Industrial Heartland Association. She has over 25 years of experience working in economic development across all three levels of government, and is passionate about helping companies invest and grow in Alberta. Christina holds a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from the University of Alberta.
Sarah Styles
Manager, Business Development – Infrastructure & Diversification
Sarah Styles is a Business Development officer at Alberta Industrial Heartland Association, helping shape and implement AIHA’s ongoing analysis of reginal/provincial/national infrastructure and AIHA’s investment attraction activities. Prior to joining AIHA, Sarah had worked in various industries including petrochemical, energy and railway sectors. Sarah obtained her Master of Science degree in Chemical Engineering from University of Alberta, where she completed her research on an asphalt upgrading project.
External Relations & Government Policy
David MacLean
Director, External Relations
David MacLean is the Director of External Relations at Alberta’s Industrial Heartland Association, where he leads advocacy and stakeholder engagement to advance one of the world’s foremost regions for energy, manufacturing, and clean industrial growth. With 25 years of experience spanning government relations, advocacy, and association leadership, David is known for shaping strategic partnerships and policy approaches that position the Heartland as a global leader in industrial development.
David Howe
Manager, External Relations
David Howe is the Manager of External Relations at Alberta’s Industrial Heartland Association, supporting government and stakeholder engagement initiatives that strengthen the Heartland as a hub for energy, manufacturing, and clean industrial growth. Drawing on a background in government relations, municipal affairs, and business development, David is valued for building practical working relationships that help move priority projects forward and unlock new opportunities for the region.
Communications & Community
Conal MacMillan
Director, Communications
Conal MacMillan is the Director of Communications at Alberta’s Industrial Heartland Association, where he leads communications, marketing, media relations, investor messaging, digital strategy, and reputation management. With 20 years of experience spanning journalism, corporate communications, and executive leadership in the region’s business community, Conal is known for translating complex issues into clear, strategic narratives that strengthen investment confidence and public understanding of the Heartland.