The AFA Board of Directors includes arts champions from across the province, appointed by the Government of Alberta.
Chair
Paul R. Baay, Calgary
Paul has more than 25 years of experience as a business leader in the oil and gas sector, with a focus internationally. Further, in addition to his business acumen, Paul also has a passion for art, serving on the Board of the National Gallery of Canada for over 14 years and the Board of the Alberta College of Art and Design (now the Alberta University of the Arts) for 4 years. With his wealth of knowledge and expertise in business and the arts Paul is honoured to serve as the Chair of the Foundation.
Vice Chair
Le Bo, Calgary
Le Bo is a successful entrepreneur who founded and served as the CEO and Chairman of an oil and gas company that was eventually listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange after 15 years of operation. In addition, Le Bo has founded multiple private companies in IT, robotics, and software. Beyond his work in business, Le Bo also has a passion for learning and volunteerism. He actively organizes and leads community events and participates in cultural events and exhibits
Directors
Robert Fernandez, Edmonton
Born and raised in Germany, a passionate and lifelong learner, he worked in a variety of progressive business development and management roles in the private sector across Europe before immigrating to Canada in 2000. Robert also held leadership positions in the Alberta Public Service with Treasury Board and the Alberta Economic Development Authority. He is a former board member on the National Board of Junior Achievement; past Chairman, long-time Director of the Board of Junior Achievement AB-NWT; and past Vice-Chair of the board of directors of the Citadel Theatre. Robert is a classically trained pianist and has maintained his lifelong passion for playing contemporary live music.
Andrea True Joy Fox, Lethbridge/Blood Tribe (Blackfoot)
Andrea True Joy Fox is Blackfoot from Kainai, Blood Tribe. She has a drama and visual arts education degree, and is an accomplished visual and performance artist. Andrea has worked in education as a teacher, District Principal and consultant throughout Alberta. She is now working on her Individualized Multidisciplinary Master of Arts and her thesis is on the healing memoirs of Indigenous female literary artists. Andrea has facilitated Indigenous councils and led strategic planning for Public Education and in First Nations communities. She is the host and producer of the podcast, “Talks With A Fox Podcast.”
Yasmin Jivraj, Edmonton
Yasmin Jivraj is experienced technology and business leader with over 30 years of expertise in growing businesses in the Information and Communications Technology sector. She is a visionary entrepreneur and an engaged business and community leader who consistently demonstrates leadership that makes a difference and management that delivers results.
Nabil Malik, Fort McMurray
A resident of the Wood Buffalo region, Nabil is a progressive and creative contributor to the cultural fabric of his community. In his work as a community development planner by day and an active volunteer by night, he advocates for the vital role the arts play in placemaking, creating vibrant communities, and fostering a sense of identity and belonging. Nabil is excited to bring his passion for the arts, community engagement, and social well-being to the Alberta Foundation for the Arts.
Melody McKnight, Red Deer
Melody McKnight completed her Masters Degree in Oboe Performance at the University of Calgary in 1996, and has been performing as an orchestra musician and soloist since then. Melody is the former Executive Director of the Red Deer Symphony Orchestra, during which time she completed the Rozsa Arts Management Program through the Haskayne School of Business. Melody is currently the Marketing and Research Specialist in Land and Economic Development at the City of Red Deer. She is looking forward to serving artists in Alberta!
Sylvester Ndumbi, Calgary
Sylvester is an award-winning filmmaker with over 12 years of industry experience producing documentaries, short films and TV shows. He was selected as one of only 15 filmmakers to participate in the Alberta Accelerated Producer's Program where he was mentored by Executives from Warner Brothers and Entertainment One. In 2022, Sylvester was selected by NETFLIX for its Diversity of Voices program at the Banff World Media Festival. Sylvester is looking forward to contributing to the vibrant art community in the province.
Shana Yang, Calgary
Shana is a passionate and active member of Calgary’s music and arts communities. Shana received the Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee Medal, and has over 20 years of experience in vocal training and choral conducting. She is currently the Artistic Director of an Alberta registered non-profit choral organization she founded in 2004, and a music instructor at the Mount Royal Conservatory. Shana looks forward to helping local art communities strengthen and flourish.
Board responsibilities
Through their mandate established by the Alberta Foundation for the Arts Act, 1991, the AFA Board of Directors encourages and supports Alberta’s arts community by:
- allocating the annual budget
- approving AFA funding and scholarships
- approving and monitoring the acquisition, exhibition and preservation of works in the AFA Art Collection
- developing and implementing the AFA's strategic plan
Code of Conduct
The AFA Board of Directors operate under a Code of Conduct that reflects a commitment to the AFA's values and provides a framework to guide ethical conduct in a way that upholds the integrity and reputation of the agency. Download the AFA Board Code of Conduct (PDF).
Board Compensation Disclosure
Alberta public sector bodies are now required to post online the names and compensation paid to all board members.
