Carolyn Graham FCPA, FCA
Carolyn is a director, executive and community leader. She has extensive governance experience serving on corporate boards, including Capital Power, Doane Grant Thornton and Melcor REIT. Carolyn spent her entire executive career with CWB Financial Group, including serving as Senior Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Chief Risk Officer. During her tenure, CWB transformed from an Alberta/BC based lender with $2 billion in assets to a diversified Canadian financial institution with assets growing to over $40 billion. Carolyn was described by her peers as a passionate leader, collaborative visionary and culture champion.
She has served as the provincially appointed, volunteer board chair of MacEwan University for the past six years and will conclude a cumulative 12 years of board service in 2025. Carolyn has given her time and expertise to numerous community organizations, including the Edmonton Symphony and Concert Hall Foundation, the Institute of Corporate Directors – Edmonton chapter executive, Habitat for Humanity Edmonton and the Canada West Foundation.
Carolyn is a strong champion and ambassador for the profession and created CWB’s CPA training office framework. She is co-founder of Edmonton Women in Finance, an organization committed to build community, promote women in finance, and inspire future female leaders. Carolyn has received recognition for her leadership and community involvement, including receiving Fellowship in the profession in 2011, being recognized in 2017 as one of Canada's Most Powerful Women: Top 100 Award Winner, and awarded the Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee Medal as an outstanding community leader in advancing gender equity.
What was your initial reaction when you heard the news? How do you feel now that a few days have passed?
When I received the news that I would be recognized with a CPA Alberta Lifetime Achievement award, I was humbled and that is the feeling that remains. My CPA designation formed the foundation my career is built upon and opened doors for me to explore multiple opportunities. I didn’t understand the profession or know where this path might take me when I chose to major in accounting and then accepted a co-op position with Deloitte many years ago. There are many deserving Alberta CPAs, including the other LAA recipients, making a real difference in our businesses and communities and I am grateful to be included in this group.
What has driven your commitment to the community and to the profession?
I grew up in small town northern Alberta and my parents, Peter and Kay Gill, were very active in the community. They set the example that each of us have gifts and it is our obligation to use our gifts to support and lift up others in our community.
My volunteer involvement has allowed me to support organizations doing great work in our communities, provided opportunities to interact with outstanding business and community leaders, and introduced me to some of my most influential career mentors. I am a better corporate director, executive and leader because of my experience with volunteer boards. I learned to navigate issues with multiple and diverse stakeholders, influence strategic planning and exercise effective oversight.
Is there anything or anybody that was instrumental in shaping your career and/or your outlook?
My parents were my first mentors and they encouraged me to becoming a lifelong learner, to try new things and always strive to make a difference.
My decision to move into industry and join CWB was a pivotal point in my career. Larry Pollock, CEO of the organization at the time, created an exciting, growth company, always made time to talk business with a junior Finance team member, and encouraged me to always remain true to my values. In CWB, I joined an organization with a strategic CFO at the executive table, who just happened to be female. Tracey Ball, FCPA, FCA set the example that when you bring your talents and energy to an organization with the right culture, your voice will be heard. She also encouraged me to take on complex challenges and never once said no when an interesting transaction was under consideration and I asked, “Can I help with that?”.
I joined the board of Habitat for Humanity Edmonton because I thought I could learn from Mary Cameron, the incoming board chair, and that has definitely been the case. She taught me a phrase that I often use with my mentees: “Why not you?”. Mary continues to encourage me to aim high, dream big and to always put the community or organization ahead of your own self.