November 14, 2024
Blaire Gaalaas’ Departure and Appointment of Interim President
On October 29, 2024, the Beverage Container Management Board (BCMB) announced that Blaire Gaalaas will be stepping down from her role as President. She will depart the BCMB on December 3, 2024, as she transitions to an exciting new opportunity with Circular Materials. Following her departure, Blaire will continue to play an advisory role behind the scenes for the month of December to support BCMB’s continued success.
Blaire has been a key force in establishing Alberta as a national leader in beverage container recycling. Through her leadership, the BCMB has helped Alberta consistently achieve one of the highest collection and recycling rates for beverage containers in Canada. Her commitment to operational and regulatory excellence has strengthened the BCMB and enhanced the sustainability and efficiency of Alberta’s recycling system. We are deeply grateful for her strong leadership, vision, dedication and the positive impact she has had on both the organization and the province of Alberta.
Reflecting on her 14 years with BCMB, Blaire shared, “It has been a true privilege to work with such a talented team and board, dedicated to maintaining a stable and high performing beverage container recycling system for Albertans. Together with committed stakeholders, the BCMB has set new standards for regulation and recycling and I’m confident that in the interim and with the BCMB’s next leader, our regulatory oversight will continue to meet the demands of the system’s stakeholders and the public. I will remain a huge advocate for Alberta’s beverage container recycling system, and I look forward to watching the BCMB’s continued success. I am truly grateful for the journey we’ve shared.”
To ensure continued system strength and stability, the Board of Directors has appointed Andrew Stephens as Interim President of the BCMB. As Board Chair at the BCMB from February 2015 to June 2024, Andrew brings nearly a decade of experience in beverage container recycling in the province. During his tenure as Chair, Andrew played a key role in strengthening the organization’s regulatory role to promote an efficient and accessible system that supports high collection and recycling rates for all Albertans.
Andrew, a seasoned executive in the oil and gas sector brings over 35 years of experience, from Suncor Energy Inc. and its predecessor companies. Before retiring in 2012, he served as Senior Vice-President of Business Services, overseeing information, supply chain, and field logistics services, and contributing to Suncor’s strategic leadership as a member of the Executive Team.
Blaire’s last day in office is December 3, 2024, however she will remain in an advisory capacity to the BCMB up until December 31, 2024. Andrew will start work as Interim President on December 4, 2024, and work alongside the BCMB’s dedicated team and system stakeholders to uphold the organization’s high standards of excellence, accessibility, and sustainability. His focus during this transition is to provide steady and consistent leadership, ensuring that the BCMB’s core operations remain strong and seamless. Andrew is committed to leaving a solid foundation for the incoming President, allowing them to build on achievements and guide the BCMB confidently into the future.
The Board has already begun its search for a permanent President who shares the BCMB’s values. This future leader will ensure Alberta’s beverage container recycling system remains one of the strongest in the country, with a focus on meeting and adapting to technological change, public accessibility, and evolving provincial goals and global standards. The recruitment process will conclude sometime in the first quarter of 2025.
We extend our sincere gratitude to our system’s stakeholders for their continued understanding and support during this transition, and we remain committed to upholding the high standards that Albertans expect. Throughout this recruitment period, the BCMB will ensure open communication and keep stakeholders and the public informed of updates. The BCMB Board looks forward to building on our organization’s strengths and allowing us to confidently transition into a new chapter at the BCMB, focusing on efficiency, collaboration, transparency and servicing the demands of Albertans.
Loren Falkenberg
Board Chair, BCMB