Katherine Emberly Announced as New President & CEO of STARS

STARS will welcome a new president & CEO this fall.

Following an extensive search by our volunteer board of directors, we are proud to share that Katherine Emberly, who spent the past 20 years with Shaw Communications, will take the helm in September.

“Effectively leading an organization like STARS takes strong business acumen and experience building and leading highly skilled, geographically distributed teams in a 24×7, mission-critical and high-risk environment.” said Helen Kasdorf, co-chair of STARS’ volunteer board of directors.

“It is clear that Katherine is deeply drawn to the purpose and mission of STARS,“ said Curtis Stange, board co-chair. “We are confident that she is the best leader for the future.”

Emberly said when the opportunity to work at STARS presented itself, the decision was easy.

“The work everyone at the organization does each day saves lives and there is no greater place to bring my energy,” she said. “I am a purpose and values-driven leader and as I considered what I wanted to do next, it was clear that I wanted the opportunity to lead at a purpose-driven organization and to give back to my community that has given me so much.”

STARS current president and CEO, Andrea Robertson announced her intention to retire late last fall.

“The past 12 years as president and CEO at STARS have been more than a job. They have seen some of the most powerful and impactful moments in my career,” said Robertson. “I am thrilled to see Katherine join the organization and I know she will carry on STARS’ incredible legacy of delivering the highest level of care to patients in our communities.”

Emberly spent the past 20 years with Shaw Communications, progressing through more senior roles until she spent the past three years as President, Business. Her educational background includes a Bachelor of Science, Harvard Business School Executive Education, and the Institute of Corporate Directors Program. She has been very involved in the community, including sitting on the board for Alberta Blue Cross, Calgary Economic Development, Viamo, Axis Connects and Ronald McDonald House Southern Alberta.