ATHABASCA TRIBAL COUNCIL WELCOMES FRED RUSSELL AS CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

(January 17, 2024, Fort McMurray, AB) – The Athabasca Tribal Council (ATC) is pleased to announce the newest addition to its leadership team, Fred Russell, who joined the organization as Chief Operating Officer (COO) on Monday, January 8th, 2024.

With a career spanning over 25 years, Fred has held leadership roles in both the public and non-profit sectors, showcasing his dedication and passion for community development, sustainability, and growth. Fred brings a wealth of experience in post-secondary education, business, administration, and tourism.

For the past 11 years, Fred and his family have called the Wood Buffalo region home, making him familiar with the unique opportunities and challenges facing Indigenous communities in the area. His commitment to fostering positive relationships and building bridges between communities is evident in his extensive involvement in the community. Fred is also Mi'kmaq and a proud member of the Qalipu First Nation.

“The addition of Fred Russell to the ATC Team as Chief Operating Officer is a perfect fit for the organization,” said Chief Allan Adam, President of the Athabasca Tribal Council. “His extensive background in leadership, particularly in the area of post-secondary education, aligns with our mission to empower and support ATC First Nation members and communities. We are confident that Fred's skills, dedication, and deep understanding of the Wood Buffalo region will greatly contribute to the continued success of the ATC.”

Fred comes to ATC from Keyano College, where he most recently served as the Vice President of Strategy and Business Transformation. His tenure at Keyano has provided him with opportunities to work with the regional First Nation communities, where he built positive relationships.

“I am excited to have the opportunity to work with the Athabasca Tribal Council and the regional First Nation communities,” said Fred Russell, Chief Operating Officer of the Athabasca Tribal Council. “Throughout my years in the community, I have had the privilege of getting to know Elders within the region and have learned so much from them. I am excited by ​​the opportunity to continue to learn while using my service leadership style to support the ATC Team and communities.”

Fred’s business and leadership skills and his local and cultural connections are well suited to ATC’s corporate culture and the advancement of strategic priorities in ATC service areas, including Child and Family Services, Employment and Training, Education, Culture and Language, and Health.

“The ATC Team is delighted to welcome Fred Russell as our new COO at ATC,” said Karla Buffalo, Chief Executive Officer of the Athabasca Tribal Council. “With his proven leadership, Fred will play a pivotal role in overseeing day-to-day operations and cultivating meaningful relationships with the communities we serve, further reinforcing our commitment to enrich the well-being, health, and prosperity of the First Nations we serve."

The Athabasca Tribal Council looks forward to 2024 and the growth and success of all Indigenous communities and the Wood Buffalo region.

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About ATC

Athabasca Tribal Council is an organization that serves our First Nations by providing relevant and innovative programs and services that enrich the well-being, health and prosperity of its people. ATC is committed to ensuring the protection of inherent rights, Treaty Rights, and their Traditional Territories while respecting the autonomy of each Nation. For information, visit atcfn.ca.

For more information:

Karla Buffalo
Chief Executive Officer, Athabasca Tribal Council
karla.buffalo@atcfn.ca
Main Office Phone: (780) 791-6538