Fort McMurray Wood Buffalo Economic Development & Tourism (FMWBEDT) is naming a new Director of Entrepreneurship and Innovation.

Melonie Doucette, who has worked in the region for over 16 years with the Ministries of Employment and Immigration, Human Services, Labour, Economic Development, Trade & Tourism, and Jobs, Economy, and Northern Development, is looking forward to getting started.

“I’m eager to advance the good work done to date by the team and help entrepreneurs and innovators reach their greatest potential,” says Doucette.

Doucette will oversee Startup YMM, which has over 300 members and aims to build a community of inventors, entrepreneurs, and mentors to inspire each other.

She will also work with community partners to lead the Wood Buffalo Innovation Network, which supports initiatives, programs, services, and events that strengthen the entrepreneurial and innovation community in the region.

Kevin Weidlich, President and CEO of FMWBEDT says they’ve worked closely with Doucette on several key projects in her previous roles.

“We are thrilled to have Melonie join our executive team,” says Weidlich, President and CEO of FMWBEDT.

“Melonie’s leadership and depth of experience will strengthen this important body of work, including our relationships with key stakeholders and rightsholders.”

Doucette will also lead the growth of local business, entrepreneurship, and innovation in the region with FMWBEDT’s Five-Year Economic Development & Tourism Strategy.

She is taking over the Director of Entrepreneurship and Innovation role from Lisa Sweet, who was filling in on an interim basis and is also the Director for Business Investment and Attraction.