News Release - Backgrounder

April 27, 2010

Biography – Jodi L. Abbott, PhD

Dr. Jodi Abbott has had an exciting and diverse career in Western Canada. Being close to community has always been important to her, and is evident in her employment and volunteer contributions.

Jodi’s career began with the Canadian Paraplegic Association in Edmonton where she developed strong relationships with clients and partner organizations, becoming a dedicated advocate for people with disabilities. She continued to pursue her interest in the area of disabilities through her work with Catholic Social Services where she was Vice-President of Family Service.

Over the past 11 years Dr. Abbott has held various executive management roles primarily in the health-care system. As Executive Director with the Canadian Diabetes Association, Prairies Area, she created a crucial partnership with the Government of Alberta and improved services available to Albertans with diabetes. Dr. Abbott also supported collaborative work in the area of chronic disease management as a pioneering member of the Alberta Health Living Network. This work was recognized by the World Health Organization in 2003–2005. Outside Alberta, Dr. Abbott was a member of the Ministers Advisory Committee on Diabetes in the Province of Manitoba and assisted the national body of the Canadian Diabetes Association in key governance revitalization. Even today, the association calls on her for expert advice regarding policy and program development.

Dr. Abbott’s career continued with Executive Director roles in Alberta Health and Wellness where she was involved in monitoring communicable disease in Alberta, managing physician compensation and developing key policy direction for the Department. During her time with Alberta Health and Wellness, Dr. Abbott participated in the Deputy Ministers Committee on Pandemic Planning and the Assistant Deputy Ministers Committee on Academic Medicine.

In 2007, Dr. Abbott joined Capital Health as Vice-President, Operational Policy and Integration. With the inception of Alberta Health Services she focused her work in the areas of system redesign, quality, patient safety and performance improvement. Notable achievements include raising awareness of the complexity of system integration including the development of relationships with several international universities who study clinical integration, coordinating a publication on integrated care, co-leading the development of a quality dashboard to measure system performance, and establishing a province-wide approach for patient safety. Dr. Abbott joins NorQuest in July from her current position as Senior Vice President, Quality Performance Improvement. While serving with Alberta Health Services, Dr. Abbott also had the privilege of participating on the Edmonton Nominating Committee for the Premier’s Council for Economic Strategy.

Dr. Abbott has been fortunate to have had inspiring mentors to guide her career. As a result, she takes pride in building relationships and mentoring students, staff and volunteers as they develop technical and leadership skills. As a visionary leader, Dr. Abbott inspires others to “go the extra mile” to achieve the goals and objectives of the organization. This leadership style has allowed her to excel as an executive manager.

About NorQuest College

NorQuest College is the Edmonton region’s community college and the largest community college in Alberta. NorQuest serves 10,000 learners each year at campuses in Edmonton, Wetaskiwin and Stony Plain, at seven community learning sites and online in over 200 Canadian communities.

NorQuest offers diplomas and certificates in health, human services, business and industry career programs. The College has expertise in adult literacy, academic upgrading, ESL, Aboriginal education, and learner supports for students with disabilities. NorQuest is the regional steward for the Edmonton region – encompassing an area from Camrose to Jasper and Drayton Valley to Whitecourt – ensuring access to post-secondary education. For more information, visit www.norquest.ca.

 

For more information on this release please contact

Martin Schuldhaus Communications Manager NorQuest College Office: 780-644-5924      Mobile: 780-722-9919 martin.schuldhaus@norquest.ca