Our Team

Executive Team

Barb Carra

President and CEO

Barb earned her Master's of Science at the University of Calgary and her Doctorate in Geography and Environmental Studies from Wilfrid Laurier University and she previously ran a spatial analytics consultancy. Her favourite thing about working at Cybera is knowing that what she does matters. “Being part of an organization that is improving how technology is accessed and used, for everyone, makes me proud to come to work!” If she's not at her desk, you will find her on the road, working and meeting with Cybera’s member community.

Bill Friedrich

COO

Bill is a senior leader and enterprise architect who flourishes where business and technology meet. He has a BSc (Distinction) in Computer Science, is certified in the TOGAF 9 Enterprise Architecture framework, and holds the CIPS designation of Information Systems Professional of Canada. Prior to joining Cybera, he was the Managing Director of Enterprise Architecture for North America’s largest public bank. If he’s not at his desk, you will find him at a concert or movie, bicycling around town, or snowboarding down a mountain.

Karim Teja

CFO

Prior to joining Cybera, Karim was CFO of one of the fastest growing tech companies in Canada, Imaging Dynamics Company Ltd. His favourite thing about working here is the culture of curiosity: “being a not-for-profit allows for long-term thinking and planning, objectivity, neutrality and being able to pursue ‘doing the right thing'.” If he's not at his desk, you will find him walking his dog.

Joe Topjian

Vice President, Technology

Joe leads the Network, Security, and Technical operations teams. As well as facilitating the vital digital infrastructure used by thousands of researchers, students, and teachers in the province, his teams run ground-breaking technical investigations and pilots, with the goal of improving the lives of everyday Albertans. Joe has 23 years of professional IT experience and is passionate about supporting open-source tools and helping others benefit from technological developments. He is a co-author of the OpenStack Operations Guide, a foundational guide for cloud computing.

Meagan Hampel

Vice President, External Relations

Meagan has a journalism degree from Carleton University, and previously worked as a science reporter, where she was required to write up to 20,000 words a month. She continues to write at Cybera, and enjoys creating blog posts or news updates that raise awareness of the great things Albertans are doing with new technology. If she's not at her desk, you will find her traveling the world, zumba-ing, or working on the office puzzle. Three things she could not live without are cereal, chocolate, and sarcasm.

PROJECT AND PARTNERSHIP DEVELOPMENT

May Lynn Lee

Director of Programs & Services

During her time at Cybera so far, May Lynn has overseen the launch of some of our most important services, including ShareIT and the Pika Federation, and has also led collaborations with government and industry partners. She appreciates the variety of projects at Cybera, as it allows her to continually learn new things. When she’s not working, May Lynn likes to experiment in the kitchen, creating both food and beauty products. An avid traveler, her bucket list includes visiting Morocco, Costa Rica, Peru, Austria, and Japan.

Catherine Farr

Senior Project Manager

Catherine has a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from the University of Alberta, and worked within several technology and education sectors in Alberta before coming to Cybera. Since joining, she says every day brings new adventures, and loves Cyberans’ willingness to jump in, try out something new, and see what happens. If she's not at her desk, you will find her “in the library, with the candlestick...”

Brad White

Project Manager

Brad is well experienced with IT project management, having managed the end-to-end delivery of several solutions architecture, business analysis, and IS projects before joining Cybera. The three things he could not live without are: his outdoor adventuring and world travel partner, his friends and board game collection.

Scott Baker

Project Manager

Scott has worked as technology project manager for years, helping to build solutions for construction and networking companies. A typical day for him involves budgets, managing ad-hoc requests or tasks, and meetings. If he’s not at his desk, you will find him telling bad puns to those willing to listen, or riding on his motorcycle.

SHAREIT

Mary Friedrich

Director, ShareIT

Mary was the first female firefighter in Ontario, and the first to open up a Goodlife Fitness Centre in western Canada. At Cybera, her biggest achievement so far was winning the CUCCIO “Collaboration of the Year” award for a project that's never been done before (ShareIT). Her favourite thing about working at Cybera is being given the trust to steer her own ship. The three things she could not live without are her son, her dog, and her canoe.

Harold Berry

Procurement Lead

Harold is a Supply Chain Management Professional who, prior to joining Cybera, spent several years working at the City of Medicine Hat and Mount Royal University. There, he implemented numerous shared services initiatives, including Purchasing Card Programs, and successfully tendered the construction of large buildings focusing on culture and sports. His favourite thing about working at Cybera is “that I go home at the end of the day with a smile on my face because I feel valued and I am making meaningful contributions”.

Charlotte Beauparlant

Senior Project Lead

Charlotte previously worked at Alberta Municipalities in its business services’ department, where she helped leverage economies of scale to support municipalities across the province. When she’s not at work, she enjoys bouldering low, indoor rock climbing. The one place she’d most like to travel to is Bora Bora, to stay in an overwater bungalow and go scuba diving.

Anna Kosmala

Project Lead

Anna has a Bachelor of Science from Western University and is a certified Project Management Professional. She came to Cybera from British Columbia’s transportation infrastructure sector, where she managed various subway, interchange, bridge, and bike lane improvement projects. Anna appreciates ShareIT’s commitment to selflessly serving and supporting Alberta’s postsecondary and K-12 institutions. A wine and viticulture enthusiast, she hopes to one day travel to the Italian countryside.

Erik Krochak

Project Lead

Erik received his Bachelor of Arts from the University of Alberta and previously worked for the Edmonton Public School Board. Erik appreciates being able to connect and learn from tech leaders across the country. When he’s not at work, you can find him on the golf course, unless it’s winter, in which case you can find him at his desk, dreaming about golf.

FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATION

Anna Leung

Controller

Anna received her Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Calgary and is a designated Chartered Professional Accountant. She enjoys building spreadsheets and takes pride in a balanced budget. Outside of work, Anna is an adventurous spirit. She dreams of one day crossing an ocean by sailboat, immersing herself in the vastness of water with no land in sight. Anna also cherishes the companionship of her dog and has a fondness for chicken nuggets, which are a must-have in her life.

Caroline Felsmann

Finance Administrator

Caroline has been with Cybera since it was launched in 1994, helping the company implement its internal systems, procedures, and policies. Her favourite thing about working here is the forward-thinking nature of the company, and the sense that she’s "making a difference in a challenging, fun and flexible environment (with great people)." If she's not at her desk, you will find her in the mountains, or behind her guitar.

Amyn Ramzan

Accountant

Amyn brings 18 years of experience in accountancy / accounts management to his current role. As the person responsible for distributing cheques to employees, Amyn is one of the most cherished and celebrated members of our staff. For his part, he enjoys the friendly, stress-less environment of Cybera. Outside of work, he is an accomplished singer and bagpipe player. His dream holiday is to go on an African Safari.

Alyshia Auston

Senior Human Resources Generalist

A typical day for Alyshia is as follows: "Coffee. Organize. Schedule. Schedule. Organize. Meeting." Her previous non-profit experience includes managing an amateur sporting grant program for the Calgary Flames. Her favourite thing about Cybera is its culture, ambition, flexibility, and people. If she's not at her desk, you will find her at the pottery studio. The one place she’d most like to go is the Great Bear Rainforest in BC: “It looks quiet and peaceful there.”

Meg Smith

Executive Assistant

Meg is an experienced Executive Assistant with over 10 years of supporting C-level executives under her belt, and has worked extensively on Boards of Directors as a Corporate Secretary in the non-profit space. In addition to her main roles, Meg is also Cybera’s office manager and Chair of Cybera’s social committee. Meg’s favorite thing about Cybera is our culture and our people. If she’s not at her desk, you can find her walking her rescue husky, Indy.

Riley Merchant

Human Resources Administrator

Prior to joining Cybera, Riley worked at the Leighton Art Centre, a non-profit museum and art gallery, where she was responsible for developing and organizing an art inventory management process. As well as supporting the general administration of Cybera’s HR, she is also involved in hiring and onboarding new staff. A big fan of art, she hopes to one day visit the Museo del Prado in Spain to check out the great works they have on display.

DATA SCIENCE

Byron Chu

Director, Data Science

Byron has a PhD in biochemistry, and is a certified project manager. His proudest achievement at Cybera (so far) has been working with Callysto, and introducing new technologies and problem-solving approaches to grades 5-12 teachers and students. If he's not at his desk, you will find him running or spending time with his family.

Zachary Shand

Senior Data Scientist

Zachary has a MSc in Physics from the University of Calgary, and previously led the data science department at a start-up. A typical day at Cybera involves helping teach Albertans about data science, or helping build data science solutions for Alberta companies (and showing them how their data can work for them). If he's not at his desk, you will find him biking along the Bow River. The one place he’d most like to travel to is London, UK, to see his family.

Jiaxin Zhang

Data Scientist

Jiaxin has a MSc from the University of Alberta and previously worked as a consultant in the university’s Statistics Division. One of his greatest career accomplishments (so far) was placing second place in the Case Studies in Data Analysis Poster Competition at the Statistical Society of Canada 2019 annual meeting.

Jordan Swanson

Data Scientist

Jordan holds a Bachelor of Kinesiology and Master of Data Science and Analytics, both from University of Calgary, and previously managed a health research lab at the university. As part of his data science work at Cybera, he enjoys teaching others about the cool ways they can incorporate data science into their everyday lives. A general fixit kind of guy, Jordan is as comfortable under the hood of a car as he is behind a computer.

TECH SERVICES — DEVELOPMENT

Sindhu Srinivasan

Developer Team Lead

Sindhuja holds a Master of Computer Applications from the National Institute of Technology in Karnataka, India. In a previous role, she secured the best employee award from IBM India. A typical day at Cybera is unpredictable, which she appreciates. The one place she would most like to visit is the moon, but if she had to stay on Earth, she would also enjoy going on a submarine ride.

Rulan Lu

Software Developer

Rulan holds a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from the University of Calgary, and has previous experience volunteering with a Calgary non-profit to create an application for recruiting mentors for at-risk youth. Her favourite part of working at Cybera is knowing what she’s doing is making a real difference to others. In her free time, she enjoys making art for friends and family, including pet portraits or designing tattoos.

Jaide Porter

Software Developer

While a student at the University of Calgary, Jaide was the telemetry team lead for the Solar Car team. An active advocate for women representation, she was selected as the team's representative for the International Day of Women and Girls in Science. Her favourite thing about working at Cybera is the ability to work in a fun and inclusive environment, while collaborating with the team on new challenges. If she's not at her desk, you will find her playing board games, listening to music, or drawing.

Derek Walz

Software Developer

Derek holds a Master of Engineering in Software Engineering from the University of Calgary, and previously spent eight years working as a process engineer in oil and gas. A typical day for him at Cybera is spent learning and applying new skills and practices to solve that week’s pressing issues. Outside of work, he maintains a small addiction to accumulating vinyl records, and plays the washboard in a bluegrass band.

TECH SERVICES - Security & Network

Kevin Paul

Director of Cybersecurity Operations

Kevin obtained his Offensive Security Certified Professional designation and leveraged that experience to develop the CPS Advanced Cyber Capabilities (Red) Team and a public-private-public partnership between the Calgary Police Service and the University of Calgary Canadian Cyber Assessment, Training and Experimentation Centre. If he's not at his desk, you will find him at the cabin on the water, or on hackthebox attempting to gain a foothold or elevate privilege.

Luis Novoa

Cybersecurity Analyst

Luis holds a Master’s Degree in Information Technology Security, and started his career in cybersecurity at the Central Bank of Mexico. He appreciates the opportunity to use his knowledge to support the development of the society around him. If he’s not at his desk, you will find him with his family, watching a movie or tv, and, if it is not cold outside, camping, swimming, hiking, biking, or otherwise barbecuing, baking a pizza, or cooking some Mexican food.

Kolby MacDonald

Cybersecurity Analyst

Kolby holds an Information System Security Diploma from SAIT, and previously served as a Corporal in the Kings Own Calgary Regiment. He enjoys working in positions where he can apply his personal interests towards helping others. If he's not at his desk, you will find him working on one of his vehicles, backcountry camping, or writing software.

Logan Thies

Systems Administrator

Previous to joining Cybera, Logan worked as a System Administrator in both Oil & Gas and education sectors, before becoming a cybersecurity consultant for a variety of European and North American clients. At Cybera he focuses on a variety of projects ranging from Systems Architecture, Automation, as well as Security Operations. If he's not at his desk, you will find him enjoying the great outdoors.

Mike Norton

Network Administrator

Mike comes from the K-12 IT space, where he experienced the evolution of classroom connectivity from printer access, to dial-up access, to the Alberta SuperNet, to Wi-Fi and beyond. He holds a Telecommunications Engineering Technology diploma from NAIT, and greatly enjoys the important but behind-the-scenes role that network administrators play. If he's not at his desk, you will find him at his other desk, hacking away at random personal projects or playing with music and sound.

Courtney Davis

Network Administrator

Courtney holds an Information Technology: Network Systems diploma from SAIT. Since joining Cybera, she’s learned a lot about the specialized world of R&E networking! Her favourite thing about working here is its focus on enabling and helping our members, not making a profit (and also the people and community). The three things she could not live without are: family, friends, and a stable internet connection.

Alvaro Pereira

Network Administrator

Bio coming soon...

TECH SERVICES - OPERATIONS

Micheal Jones

Technical Operations Manager

From managing our cloud services to now being in charge of the Technical Operations department, Micheal and his team take care of Cybera's cloud services, internal IT, internal infrastructure, and the ever nascent "other tasks as required". As well as brewing a fine cup of coffee for his colleagues, he cites writing his staff bio as his greatest professional accomplishment (so far) in his 10+ years at the organization. His favourite thing about working at Cybera is knowing that he's helping Albertans accomplish so much more than they realize.

Chad Garrovillas

Systems Administrator

Chad holds a Bachelor of Science in Electronics and Communications Engineering from De Salle University in the Philippines. Her favourite thing about working at Cybera is supporting the Rapid Access Cloud, which provides free cloud computing resources to researchers and educators to help with their testing, analysis and experimentation. If she's not at her desk, you will find her cuddling with her fur babies, camping, or travelling with her hubby.

SHARED CISO

Curtis Blais

Shared CISO

Curtis is a multi-discipline certified security and risk expert with a networking and application development background. He finished at the top of his Cyber Risk Management class at Harvard, has a Masters degree in Leadership and Organizational Change and has worked for every level of government and for numerous verticals both in Canada and internationally.

COMMUNICATIONS AND POLICY

Graham Sucha

Public Affairs Specialist

Prior to joining Cybera, Graham was a Member of the Legislative Assembly for Calgary Shaw, where he chaired the Standing Committee on Alberta’s Economic Future. If he's not at his desk, you will find him at a Canadian football game, cheering for the Roughriders or the Calgary Dinos.

Imran Mohiuddin

Policy Analyst

Imran has over 7 years' experience as a policy and political staffer, working in the Legislative Assembly of Alberta and the federal House of Commons. Prior to joining Cybera he served as a policy advisor to a federal representative sitting on the Standing Committee on Industry, Science and Technology, working on a number of federal policy changes in innovation, technology and rural broadband access.

Imran has a B.A in Political Science from the University of Calgary.

Laura Hutchinson

Communications & Design Specialist

Laura holds a B.A. in Mass Communications / Media Studies from Carleton University, as well as diplomas in Integrated Marking Communications and Graphic Design. She has worked extensively in not-for-profit organizations, both as an employee and as a volunteer. Her favourite thing about Cybera is 1) the amazing culture and great staff, and 2) the ability to help improve the lives of Albertans. The three things she could not live without are: tea, wireless headphones, and sleep.

Ishruna Muniyat

Communications Specialist

Ishruna has a Master of Pharmacy degree from the University of Dhaka and a Masters of Science in Chemistry with a specialization in Biophysical Chemistry from the University of Calgary. She is passionate about understanding and communicating concepts in science. When she is not at her desk, you will probably find her playing with her feline companions or making art.

Interested in joining the team? Take a look at available positions!

Career Opportunities