SAMANTHA WHALEN
Fort McMurray,AB
Summary
Accomplished Indigenous Business and Economic Development Executive with over 15 years of experience driving strategic growth and economic initiatives. Proven track record in spearheading economic development projects, fostering sustainable economic growth, and enhancing business operations. Adept at building and maintaining strong relationships with stakeholders, government officials, and community leaders. Skilled in financial management, policy development, and program implementation. Recognized for exceptional leadership, innovative problem-solving, and a commitment to community empowerment and economic resilience. Passionate about advocating for Indigenous communities and leveraging unique economic opportunities to drive inclusive and sustainable development.
Overview
24
24
years of professional experience
Work History
CHIEF BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER
FM468FN ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION
06.2018 - Current
- Increased company revenue from $649K in 2018 to $20M+ in 2024, with continued growth projections."
- Increased client base by identifying new business opportunities and cultivating strong relationships with key decision makers.
- Generated new business with marketing initiatives and strategic plans.
- Negotiated favorable terms in partnership agreements, ensuring long-term profitability and stability.
- Drove revenue growth by identifying and securing new business opportunities in untapped markets.
- Developed and maintained strategic partnerships to provide added value to clients and increase competitive advantage.
COUNCIL MEMBER
FM468 FIRST NATION
06.2018 - Current
- Serving second term on FM468 First Nation's Chief and Council as a positive role model to staff, fellow electors, and council members by demonstrating integrity, professionalism, and commitment to public service.
- Establish partnerships with local businesses, fostering supportive environment for economic growth.
- Advocate for economic development initiatives, resulting in job growth and increased investment within community.
- Championed cultural initiatives.
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
FM468 FIRST NATION GROUP OF COMPANIES
11.2016 - 06.2018
- Led company-wide initiatives for growth, resulting in increased sales and customer satisfaction.
- Successfully negotiated contracts with vendors, suppliers, and partners to secure favorable terms for company.
- Reduced operational costs by optimizing resource allocation and eliminating inefficiencies across departments.
- Increased overall revenue by identifying new business opportunities and forming strategic partnerships.
- Established foundational processes for business operations.
- Negotiated favorable contracts with suppliers and vendors, ensuring cost-effective procurement processes.
- Managed partnerships and strategic business relationships by negotiating contract terms and handling conflicts.
- Identified new revenue generation opportunities to maximize bottom-line profitability.
ABORIGINAL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER
WASTE MANAGEMENT COMPANY
06.2013 - 11.2016
- Increased client base by identifying new business opportunities and cultivating strong relationships with key decision makers.
- Expanded customer base by networking at industry events and leveraging social media platforms.
- Drove revenue growth by identifying and securing new business opportunities in untapped markets.
- Established valuable partnerships with complementary businesses, creating mutually beneficial synergies that accelerated growth for both parties.
CHIEF EXECTIVE OFFICER
FORT MCMURRAY GARBAGE DISPOSAL LTD.
06.2000 - 06.2013
- Negotiated favorable contracts with suppliers and vendors, ensuring cost-effective procurement processes.
- Managed partnerships and strategic business relationships by negotiating contract terms and handling conflicts.
- Identified new revenue generation opportunities to maximize bottom-line profitability.
- Streamlined operations for improved efficiency, reducing overall costs and increasing profitability.
Education
BACHELOR OF COMMERCE - MAJOR IN INDIGENOUS BUSINESS
ATHABASCA UNIVERSITY
ATHABASCA, AB09.2026
CERTIFICATE - INDIGENOUS COMMUNITY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
ATHABASCA UNIVERSITY
ATHABASCA, AB09.2025
DIPLOMA - BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION
KEYANO COLLEGE
FORT MCMURRAY06.1997
Skills
- Business Development and Planning
- Relationship Building and Management
- Revenue Generation
- Strategic Partnerships
- Networking strength
- Territory Management
- Stakeholder Communication
- Business Intelligence and Analysis
- Mergers and Acquisitions
- Brand Development
- Strategic Planning
- New Business Development
Languages
English
Full Professional
Timeline
CHIEF BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER
FM468FN ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION
06.2018 - Current
COUNCIL MEMBER
FM468 FIRST NATION
06.2018 - Current
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
FM468 FIRST NATION GROUP OF COMPANIES
11.2016 - 06.2018
ABORIGINAL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER
WASTE MANAGEMENT COMPANY
06.2013 - 11.2016
CHIEF EXECTIVE OFFICER
FORT MCMURRAY GARBAGE DISPOSAL LTD.
06.2000 - 06.2013
BACHELOR OF COMMERCE - MAJOR IN INDIGENOUS BUSINESS
ATHABASCA UNIVERSITY
CERTIFICATE - INDIGENOUS COMMUNITY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
ATHABASCA UNIVERSITY
DIPLOMA - BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION
KEYANO COLLEGE
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