The Jasper Community Team Society has appointed Susan Given as its new executive director, bringing a veteran community health and disaster-recovery leader into the organization’s next phase.

Given, a Jasper resident, began the role Aug. 17 after 30 years working in community-based health and social services, organizational leadership and entrepreneurship. Most recently, she served as senior operating officer with Recovery Alberta, overseeing mental health and addiction services across northern Alberta.

Her previous recovery work includes Slave Lake, Fort McMurray, High Level and Jasper, where she worked with community organizations and government partners and supported psychosocial recovery and funding efforts.

Given also experienced the 2024 Jasper wildfire and its impacts firsthand.

“Jasper is home,” Given said in a JCTS news release, adding that recovery is not only about responding to what has been lost, but also considering “the kind of community we want to build for the future.”

In her first weeks, Given says she will focus on listening and learning, meeting with JCTS staff, board members, community organizations, partners and residents to better understand Jasper’s evolving needs and opportunities.

Jasper Local staff // info@thejasperlocal.com