As President and CEO of Junior Achievement Northern Alberta, Cheryll Watson leads the organization’s mission to inspire and prepare young people to thrive in a global economy through financial literacy, entrepreneurship training, and expanded career opportunities. A passionate advocate for entrepreneurship and youth empowerment, Cheryll’s journey began with Intuit, a global leader in financial software, where she gained an immersive understanding of the critical role small businesses play in economic growth. This experience cultivated her commitment to fostering innovation and financial literacy—core pillars of Junior Achievement's mission. In 2015, Cheryll made a deliberate choice to dedicate her skills and experience to her hometown of Edmonton. As a senior leader at Edmonton Economic Development Corporation, she founded Innovate Edmonton (now Edmonton Unlimited), creating a nurturing environment for locally grown, tech-enabled startups. This effort was driven by her belief that access to resources, mentorship, and skill-building is essential for success—principles she now brings to Junior Achievement. Cheryll’s dedication to building thriving communities led her to run for Mayor in the 2021 election, where she championed economic growth, innovation, and a city that works effectively for its citizens. She later played a pivotal role in launching STEM Collegiate, a public charter school focused on Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) education. Today, she serves as Board Chair, continuing her commitment to education and leadership development. Cheryll is also the Chair and a founding member of the Downtown Revitalization Coalition, an initiative dedicated to fostering a welcoming and prosperous downtown Edmonton. Her community leadership, combined with her experience in entrepreneurship, innovation, and economic development, positions her as the ideal leader for Junior Achievement Northern Alberta. Cheryll, her husband Geoff, and their four adult children are actively involved in contributing to their community, driven by a shared commitment to building a stronger, more resilient future for the next generation.

As Director of Operations and Special Projects, Renée ensures JA runs smoothly behind the scenes by leading key operational functions like finance, IT, HR, and office management. She supports both strategy and day-to-day operations, working closely with staff and stakeholders to ensure operational excellence.

As Director of Engagement, Rochelle leads JA’s fund development strategy, building meaningful sponsorships and partnerships that sustain and grow our impact. She oversees the planning of flagship events, while leading a dynamic development team.

As Director of Programs, Nick oversees the development, execution, and ongoing improvement of all JA programs to ensure they align with the organization’s strategic goals. He leads the program team, builds strong relationships with partners and stakeholders, and works across departments to maximize JA’s impact on youth education across the region.