Meet the MH Economic Development Team!

Selena McLean-Moore 

“Over the past year, I am most proud of the team I have assembled. They all bring a unique contribution and I can’t wait to see what we will accomplish together.”

As Director of Economic Development, Selena is responsible for developing and implementing the overarching Economic Development Strategy for the City. She has established the City's four pillars of economic development: Workforce Development, Business Development, Investment Attraction, and Investment Growth and Readiness. Her team's work supports each of these pillars, creating a cohesive system that generates the right conditions for our community to thrive. Selena prides herself on being a connector, bringing together municipalities, businesses, industries, and people. Selena enjoys meeting with community champions, businesses and stakeholders to learn more about what excites them about Medicine Hat. In her free time, Selena enjoys spending time with her friends and family and grand dogs, paddle-boarding, camping and reading.

Darren Hall – Business Support

“I enjoy being able to find solutions for an issue, problem, or struggle that someone is facing. If I can say, ‘here is something that can help you,’ then I feel like that’s a win.”

Darren Hall focuses on ensuring Medicine Hat’s current business owners are connected to the resources and information they need to thrive. He regularly meets with business owners throughout the city and spends considerable time building relationships with internal City stakeholders, such as Planning and Development, Land and Real Estate, permitting, and more. Preferring to work in the background, Darren provides support to businesses navigating City processes, helping guide and advocate for them. He also develops incentive programs, relying on insights from his work and the rest of the team, with the goal of aligning the City's needs with those of the business community. Darren is a big sports fan who has spent the last five years coaching middle school basketball. He has also visited 21 different major league baseball stadiums!

Al Sharma – Investment Attraction

“I have been in sales and business development for a long time. I find the whole process exciting; it’s my passion.”

As Manager of Investment Attraction, Al focuses on attracting industry to Medicine Hat. He keeps an ear to the ground for potential opportunities by staying informed about market and industry trends. Al has spent his career working in various aspects of economic and business development and continues to enjoy the challenges this field provides. He loves interacting with clients, learning about their needs and passions, and developing unique solutions to help them meet their goals.

Al recently moved to Medicine Hat from Calgary. He spends his free time walking our extensive trail system and getting to know the sights of our city!

Teresa Schmidt – Accounts and Contracts Coordinator

“There is so much variety in our department. I love being a part of growing the City.”

The longest-serving member of the team, Teresa is affectionately referred to as "the glue that holds it all together." As administrative support, Teresa is responsible for administering the incentives provided by the City. She loves connecting with recipients and seeing their projects start, develop, and finish. Coming from a background in law and finance, Teresa finds the ever-changing nature of her role an interesting challenge. A Medicine Hat resident for 20 years, Teresa enjoys spending time with her husband, six children, and two dogs outside of work.

Brady Schnell – Workforce Development

“Immigration is not the only solution for workforce development. It’s one solution.”

Brady focuses his energy on workforce development. Heading up the Rural Renewal stream alongside Tracy Tawiah, Brady is always looking for innovative solutions to help employers meet their workforce demands. He regularly meets with employers to learn more about their current recruitment efforts and has brought together key local stakeholders in employment to collectively problem-solve to help the region meet its employment needs.

While pursuing his education, Brady became involved in student government, where he developed a fascination with the challenge of working with various stakeholders simultaneously—something he continues to enjoy in his role today. Outside of work, Brady enjoys carpentry and gardening. He is currently fixated on successfully growing corn and hopes this year, the fifth time will be the charm.

Tracy Tawiah – Rural Renewal Coordinator

“I love hearing the stories behind the businesses: how they got their start, what their struggles have been.”

Tracy is primarily responsible for administering the Rural Renewal Program. Working with local employers, employment agencies, and newcomers in Medicine Hat, Tracy, along with Brady Schnell, helps employers meet their needs to retain skilled labour. Tracy loves meeting with employers and employees, building connections, and helping them reach their goals. She is fascinated by the ever-changing field of economic development and loves diving in to learn new things.

Outside of work, Tracy is actively involved with her local church congregation, loves exploring the sights of Medicine Hat, and enjoys taking time to appreciate the little things in life.

Alex Wright – Industry Development

“I LOVE business! I’m so interested in business and supporting businesses. It’s critical to the success of the community.”

Heading up Industry Development, Alex Wright is a policy and data enthusiast who excels at building relationships. Alex collects quantitative and qualitative data to determine “the story the data is telling,” with the goal of creating a clear picture of what is happening in industry in our region. Hailing from a family of lifelong entrepreneurs, Alex brings excitement and passion to her work and the team. She ran her own communications company in Okotoks for seven years and now owns an aerial acrobatics studio in Medicine Hat. Economic development is a place where all her passions come together: continuous learning, supporting businesses, and improving the lives of residents—all to help the community thrive.