NORTHERN ALBERTA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
NAIT welcomes new chair to lead next chapter at polytechnic

NAIT is pleased to welcome Melanie Bayley who was appointed Board Chair of NAIT's Board of Governors for a three-year term, effective April 30, 2026. Melanie is an accomplished business leader with more than 25 years of experience and a distinguished career as a senior executive across Canada's energy and utilities sector. As CEO and Managing Partner of Energex, Melanie brings a strong track record of leading complex organizations, navigating regulatory environments and delivering practical, sustainable solutions. Her experience aligns closely with NAIT's industry-focused approach to education. 

Throughout her career, Melanie has led large-scale utility operations and worked at the intersection of industry, policy, and innovation. She has guided organizations through change while maintaining a focus on operational excellence, affordability, and customer engagement. Her ability to connect technical expertise with real-world outcomes reflects the kind of leadership that supports student success and industry advancement. Melanie will lead NAIT into an exciting chapter of the institution, playing a pivotal role in advancing transformational initiatives that will impact campus, students, and the province.  

Beyond her corporate accomplishments, Melanie is also a dedicated advocate for inclusive, forward-looking industries. She champions opportunities for women in STEM and actively supports Indigenous reconciliation through meaningful partnerships in business. Her leadership emphasizes collaboration, workforce development and creating pathways for the next generation of skilled professionals. 

Melanie holds a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from the University of Alberta and has completed executive development training at the Ivey School of Business at Western University. Melanie brings a thoughtful, practical perspective to her role, grounded in both industry experience and a commitment to community impact. 

QUOTES 

"On behalf of NAIT, I am pleased to welcome Melanie as our new Board Chair. Melanie brings extensive leadership experience and a strong understanding of the industries we serve. Her expertise, combined with her commitment to innovation, inclusion and meaningful partnerships, makes her an excellent fit for this role. I look forward to working with Melanie to continue strengthening our support to students, their careers and our industry partners." - Laura Jo Gunter, President and CEO 

"I'm honoured to step into this role with NAIT, an organization that has such a strong reputation for hands-on learning and preparing students for meaningful careers in industries that drive Alberta's economy. I'm looking forward to being a part of an institution that is so deeply connected to workforce development, innovation, and community." - Melanie Bayley, Board Chair 
 
"I would also like to acknowledge Yasmin Jivraj as she steps away from the Board Chair role at NAIT. On behalf of everyone at NAIT, I would like to thank her for her many years of service to the institution. Her leadership helped strengthen our collaboration with government, industry and community partners, ensuring NAIT continues to play a vital role in preparing Alberta's skilled workforce. We wish Yasmin all the best in her next chapter." - Laura Jo Gunter, President and CEO on former NAIT board chair, Yasmin Jivraj 

NAIT Board of Governors Quick Facts

• NAIT's Board of Governors comprises 18 people, 12 of whom are public members appointed by the Government of Alberta  
• NAIT's Board of Governors also includes:  
  • 2 students nominated by the council of the students' association  
  • 2 academic staff members nominated by the academic staff association  
  • 1 non-academic staff member nominated by the non-academic staff union  
  • The president of NAIT