Alec Szibbo
Alec Szibbo is a co-inventor of the Jostle concept and a co-founder of Jostle Corporation. He is one of the leading counsels in Canada in the fields of Intellectual Property, Technology and Internet Law. For over 30 years Alec Szibbo has represented clients in the acquisition, commercialization, exploitation and sale of technology assets and creative works. His past positions have included in-house counsel for Nortel Networks, Canadian Justice Department Advisor, and partner in several national law firms. He became a member of the Bars of California, Ontario and British Columbia, and also was appointed for many years an Adjunct Professor at the University of British Columbia Law School. He is an author and a frequent lecturer at international venues on the Technology Law, Intellectual Property and the Internet.
Brad Palmer
Brad Palmer is Jostle’s CEO and co-founder. He has more than 30 years of experience leading multidisciplinary teams and driving the commercialization of technology businesses. Most recently he provided overall leadership to OMNEX Controls where he improved strategy, process and leadership to quickly transform the company, thereby creating considerable value. Prior to OMNEX, Brad led Kodak’s ink-jet proofing and colour management businesses, where he successfully consolidated 15 teams from three companies into a unified worldwide operation. At Creo Inc. he served as a Corporate VP and led the inkjet printing and on-press imaging divisions, both of which introduced highly innovative products. Earlier, he founded ThermicEdge Corporation and built it into a public company that custom manufactured high-performance components for the electronics industry. Brad holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemical Physics from SFU.
Don Bell
Don Bell co-founded WestJet in 1996 and played a key role in quickly growing it to become Canada’s second largest airline. Don’s vision, ideas and leadership were instrumental in creating a powerful company culture based on employee engagement and empowerment. By focusing on its people, Westjet was named Canada’s Most Respected Corporation, won an International Entrepreneurship Award for Outstanding Teamwork in 2001, received the Waterstone Human Capital Award for Canada’s Most Admired Corporate Culture in 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008, and led the industry in terms of both growth and profitability. Don served many roles in WestJet including Co-Chief Operating Officer, EVP of Customer Service and as a Boeing 737 Captain. Prior to WestJet, Don spent 18 years as President and owner of a Calgary-based company that developed, installed and supported specialized software systems for enterprises. Don is a much sought after speaker on how employee engagement, commitment and teamwork delivers tremendous market advantages and business results.
Gerard de Leeuw
Gerard (Gerry) de Leeuw is VP, Exploration and Co COO for Devon Canada. His responsibilities include setting the strategic exploration and exploitation direction for the company as well as the allocation of capital and human resources. Prior to joining Devon, he held senior technical and management positions in exploration, marketing and business development positions with Northstar Energy, TCPI, Texaco, Amoco and Esso Resources. Gerry is actively involved in volunteer sporting organizations including past president of Alberta Ski Jumping and Nordic Combined, director of Ski Jumping Canada, director of Nordic Combined Canada, and was the Chief of Distance for Ski Jumping at the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Games. He holds an honour BSc in earth science from the University of Waterloo and an MBA from the University of British Columbia..
Lee Smith
Lee Smith is Senior Manager of the Empress NGL Extraction and Fractionation Facilities for Provident Energy Limited. His responsibilities include ensuring the safe, efficient and effective operation of the world class deep cut turbo expander based cryogenic gas processing facility for the extraction of ethane, propane, butane and condensate from natural gas. Lee has 30 years of experience in the design, construction, staffing and commissioning of grass roots facilities and prior to Provident held similar positions with EnCana and PanCanadian Petroleum. Lee has 25 years of experience building successful teams through employee engagement, empowerment and trust in the Oil and Gas business and with charitable organizations. Lee attended the University of Alberta and Notre Dame University and holds a Bachelor of Science Degree with a major in Management.