02June05 - Phil Ponting Announced as New Chair of Board at The Banff Centre

Alberta Learning has appointed Philip G. Ponting chair of The Banff Centre Board of Governors. He replaces Margot Kitchen who has served for three years as chair, effective June 18, 2002.

Ponting, a partner with McLennan Ross Barristers and Solicitors in Calgary, has been a board member since 1996. He has served as vice-chair of the Board, as well as chair of the campus development committee, and is currently chair of The Banff Centre Foundation. Mr. Ponting’s commitment to furthering the arts in Alberta is evidenced in his numerous volunteer positions in the field. He has served as director of the Edmonton Symphony, chairman of the Edmonton Concert Hall Foundation, vice-chair of the Alberta Performing Arts Stabilization Fund, and a trustee of the Grace Foundation. "Mr. Ponting has demonstrated a strong commitment to the success of The Banff Centre and its contribution towards Alberta's post-secondary system," says Learning Minister, Dr. Lyle Oberg. "His experience and leadership abilities will serve The Banff Centre and Alberta's post-secondary system very well."

Philip G. Ponting
Chair of the Banff Centre Board

Ponting’s dedication to post-secondary learning is also impressive. He graduated from the University of Alberta with a bachelor of commerce in 1968 and a bachelor of laws from Queen’s University in 1972. He was admitted to the Alberta Bar in 1973 and appointed Queen’s Counsel in 1985 by the Government of Canada. In 1989, Ponting received his Chartered Arbitrator designation. Maintaining a strong relationship to his alma mater, Ponting is now a member of the advisory councils of the Faculty of Business at the University of Alberta, and the Faculty of Law at Queen's University. In 1997, he was named a Paul Harris Fellow by Rotary International, and in 1998 he was inducted into the City of Edmonton Cultural Hall of Fame.

"I am delighted Phil is my successor as chair," says Margot Kitchen. "He has an incredible passion for The Banff Centre and is committed to its future success. I have no doubt his leadership will be a valuable asset to the organization."

After serving nearly nine years on the Board, Margot Kitchen finishes her term on June 17, 2002. "Margot has been inspirational in her leadership," says Banff Centre president and CEO Mary Hofstetter. "We will greatly miss her presence on the Board, but look forward to Margot’s continued involvement with the Centre in other ways."

For background information on Phil Ponting, please click here.

For more information on the President & Governance of The Banff Centre, please click here.

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The Banff Centre is Canada's only learning centre dedicated to the arts, leadership development, and mountain culture. Programs are designed to enrich professional practice beyond the realm of traditional education. The Centre's unique mountain setting and multidisciplinary environment foster a commitment to personal growth and lifelong learning.