Meet Economic Development

Airdrie Economic Development works with the Airdrie business community to generate projects, activities and resources that will build the local economy. This includes working one-on-one with new and expanding businesses.

Sara Chamberlain, Team Leader

Sara brings 20 years of experience in economic development and communications to her role, having served the City of Airdrie since 2007. Sara has managed numerous successful projects including Airdrie’s Economic Strategy, the SMARTstart entrepreneurial training program, and award-winning communications initiatives. She has developed positive relationships with many community organizations and business owners. 

She holds national and international designations in economic development, and is one of 40 in Canada to have earned a Fellowship designation. She was a volunteer board member with Economic Developers Alberta for six years, including serving as President of the association.

Chelsie Dowler, Administrative Assistant

Chelsie prides herself on giving Airdrie residents, visitors, businesses and colleagues the best customer service experience possible while providing her team administrative support, strategic communication, and processes for efficiency. Her Journalism Diploma from Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT), combined with her work experience in the print media, commercial construction, restaurant, healthcare, trucking and oil and gas industries, gives Chelsie advanced insight into her customers’ needs. Chelsie is thrilled to work alongside like-minded people passionate about community, people, connection, and business in the community she’s called home for nearly 20 years.

Christa Sanders, Economic Development Officer

A long-time Airdrie resident, Christa has 15 years experience in the corporate legal industry and spent over 10 years in residential real estate gaining experience in internal governance, sales, and operations with prominent residential land developers and home builders. She has a technical Diploma from SAIT, a Diploma in Urban Land Economics from UBC, and a Certificate in Economic Development from the University of Waterloo. She currently serves on the BILD Calgary Region Foundation Board of Governors and a number of other BILD committees. She is passionate about continuous improvement, economic development and Airdrie.

Jessica Williamson, Economic Development Officer

Jessica is an award-winning entrepreneur and strategic marketing manager with a passion for building relationships, programs and ventures. In addition to having 15 years experience as a marketing/business development professional, Jessica was a successful entrepreneur running (and selling!) a storefront clothing business in Saskatchewan, plus she’s worked in developing courses and programs for two post-secondary institutions. Most recently, she was with Bow Valley College Airdrie working to research and begin developing the focus of the Airdrie Entrepreneur Centre. Jessica lives in Airdrie and is excited to continue her work with entrepreneurs in our community.

Shauna Quinn, Tourism Development Officer

Shauna brings a wealth of experience to her role as Tourism Development Officer. For 10 years she worked with various government bodies around the globe, who acted as host communities for the Olympic, Paralympic and Commonwealth Games. After these adventures and before joining the team in August 2018, she produced major events, festivals and strategic initiatives in downtown Calgary. Shauna specializes in place making, public domain management and event production and was the Chair for the successful 2020 Alberta Winter Games, in Airdrie.

Tara Levick, Economic Development Officer

Tara has been with the Economic Development department since April 2011. She holds a Diploma in Administrative Information Management from SAIT and has earned her Economic Development Certificate from the University of Waterloo. She is passionate about working with the Airdrie business community and helping entrepreneurs achieve their dreams. Her responsibilities mainly fall within the Business Development core service helping with business retention and expansion along with entrepreneurial support services. Tara was born and raised in Airdrie and has no plans to leave.