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.

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.

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.

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.

Volunteer: Technology Advisor

Mykola Holovetskyi is Chief Executive Officer and Founder of MovEd. He is a tech visionary and community leader dedicated to advancing digital transformation. As the lead of Edmonton Tech Wednesdays and founder of Alberta’s First GovTech Hackathon, he leverages his expertise in AI and machine learning to develop software solutions that transform customer and corporate needs into efficient, automated processes. Mykola is committed to promoting technology as a fundamental force in business strategy and operations, especially in North America, where he sees significant potential for technological leadership. His vision is for technology to be at the core of modern business, ensuring that companies that adopt it thrive, while those that do not will struggle to compete.

He has global experience in stakeholder engagement and partnerships, having held a VP position at an NGO funded by the European Commission that connects industry with academia.

His academic background is in Computer Science, beginning with a role at United States Steel and progressively advancing to technical leadership positions: project manager, manager of data & software development.

Volunteer: Strategic Advisor, Stakeholder Engagement

Colin is an effective, personable and professional communicator with excellent public speaking and writing skills. He’s therefore able to cultivate and maintain mutually productive ties with people of all ages and backgrounds in multiple languages. Furthermore, as a strategic thinker, he is able to analyze and synthesize information with the ability to communicate the results in a clear and concise manner.

With work experience in both the private and public spheres on two continents and five countries, along with an education background of three degrees in three different fields—including a master’s—Colin’s versatility and adaptability have become assets in his professional life.

Volunteer