Our Team

Jo Mark, MBA

Director, Enterprise Europe Network (EEN) Services

Jo has a background in business development. She has worked in the private, public, and non-profit sectors with entrepreneurs and established organizations. Her achievements range from winning a competitive bid to build a $325M gas compressor to winning a $125K grant to create environmental education programs for children. Jo also has a proven track record of successfully taking “new” programs/projects from concept to implementation. She has a BA in Political Science, an MBA in International Business, both from the University of Calgary, and a Certificate in International Development from the University of British Columbia.

Jo finds it rewarding to witness the growth in organizations and has a keen interest in creating a more sustainable world for future generations.

Dr. Manfred Zeuch

Director, International Partnerships

Dr. Manfred Zeuch is a landed immigrant to Canada who has lived in Edmonton for over 17 years. He grew up and lived in Brazil, Germany, France and Canada. He studied Theology and Law and received his DEA (Master’s) and PhD in Systematic Theology from the University of Strasbourg, France (1997). From 1998-2006, he served as a Professor and Coordinator of Graduate Studies and Research in Theology and Philosophy, and as administrator in the International Department at Universidade Luterana do Brasil, Brazil.

Following his arrival in Edmonton, Dr. Zeuch took up the position of President and CEO of Concordia Lutheran Seminary from 2007-2011. He then joined Concordia University of Edmonton as the Vice-President International. Over the years, his responsibilities evolved, encompassing the management of Concordia’s research portfolio and, subsequently, external affairs and international relations. His tenure in this role concluded in June 2023 after a successful second term.

Dr. Zeuch is passionate about building bridges and collaboration in the world and promoting understanding and respect among people and cultures.

Lucy Haentschel

Manager

Lucy is a dynamic professional with a wealth of experience in international management, strategic partnerships, and project management. As ECCIR’s Manager, Lucy expertly administers the Enterprise Europe Network Canada and network-related activities, develops proposals to secure funding that aligns with organizational goals, and establishes relationships with international stakeholders across Europe.

Lucy’s career journey is marked by significant roles, including her tenure as the International Affairs Manager at the Berlin School of Business and Innovation, where she led the International Affairs Office and built and managed immigration services for a diverse student body.

With a Bachelor’s degree in International Management from IU International University of Applied Sciences, Lucy possesses a solid foundation in intercultural communication, global marketing, and market economics with an international scope. Her academic background complements her practical experience, equipping her with the skills and knowledge needed to navigate the complexities of today’s global business landscape.

Samantha Buryn

Communications Coordinator

As ECCIR’s Communications Coordinator, Samantha manages our social media, monthly newsletter, and webinars. Her passion for international relations stems from her study abroad experiences in Sweden and Scotland, as well as her completion of the University of Alberta’s Certificate in International Learning program.

Samantha graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in English and Political Science from the University of Alberta in 2022. She is currently pursuing a Master of Arts in English alongside her work at ECCIR.

Our Board

Britta Baron

President

Britta Baron is the former Vice-Provost and Associate Vice-President (International) at Western University.

Dr. Martin Truksa

Vice President

Dr. Truksa is Vice-President of Research and Development at 48Hour Discovery.

Dr. Stefan Scherer

Vice President

Dr. Scherer is the Head of Innovation Management at Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research.

Dr. Dietmar Kennepohl

Secretary

Dr. Kennepohl is a Professor of Chemistry at Athabasca University and the Director of the Humboldt Foundation Liaison Office in Canada.

Dr. Carl Amrhein

Board Member

Dr. Amrhein is the Provost and Vice-President (Academic) of the Aga Khan University, and Professor Emeritus in Earth and Atmospheric Science at the University of Alberta.

Celso Boscariol, K.C.

Board Member

Celso Boscariol is the President of the European Union Chamber of Commerce in Canada West and the Italian Chamber of Commerce in Canada West. He is a Partner at Watson Goepel LLP.

Tara Kelly

Board Member

Tara Kelly is the founder, President, and CEO of SPLICE Software Incorporated.

Elisa Park Kim

Board Member

Elisa Park Kim is an entrepreneur and director of business development at Biohubx.

Get Started

Contact our team today to discover how we can help you innovate and grow internationally.

Treaty Acknowledgment

ECCIR respectfully acknowledges that we are located in Amiskwaciwâskahikan on Treaty 6 Territory, a traditional gathering place for diverse Indigenous peoples. We express gratitude and respect for the land we use, pledge to honour the spirit of reconciliation, and commit to moving forward in collaboration with Indigenous nations.