5 November 2021
Kyle Fawcett joined Silvera’s executive team in early October. Here, he talks about his career before joining Silvera and what he hopes to accomplish.
What did you do prior to joining Silvera?
A large part of my career has been spent in elected public office, first as a school trustee, then as a two-term MLA. During my time in the Legislature, I was appointed to several cabinet positions that included Minister of Labour, Minister of Environment, and Associate Minister of Finance. I was appointed Associate Minister of Recovery and Reconstruction after the 2013 floods in southern Alberta.
After my political career, I spent some time in marketing and business development and initiated a few entrepreneurial ventures, including co-founding a renewable energy project development company.
Why did you decide to join the Silvera team?
The draw to Silvera was based on my understanding of how important the organization is in the Calgary community. Older people need to be able to live a life of dignity while accessing safe and secure housing in vibrant communities. Silvera has played that role for a long time in this city and seeing the changes in Calgary’s demographics – an aging population – means this role will become even more important.
What is your educational background?
I’m a born and raised Calgarian, and after high school I received my bachelor’s degree in political science and economics from the U of C. Two years ago, I earned an MBA at the University of Alberta.
Your role at Silvera is a new position. Tell us about the different parts of your portfolio.
The biggest aspect of an external relations function is to ensure communication is happening with all stakeholder groups – it needs to be consistent, strategic, and moving the organizational purpose forward. Silvera needs to do a good job of telling our story with our partners and funding agencies, donors, community partners, internal stakeholders, residents and families. My team helps ensure the Silvera brand is well positioned.
The key parts of my team include Communications, Marketing & Leasing, Donor Engagement and Government Relations.
How do you intend to advocate for seniors through your role?
It’s important to recognize that what Silvera does requires a strong partnership with all levels of government. We need to continue to manage those relationships and ensure the government is properly supporting Silvera, that our communities and operations are well funded, that we’re building necessary housing in the right places while being mindful of the economic realities of our city and province.
What motivated you to get involved with politics at such a young age?
As a child I read a book about Jackie Robinson, the baseball player, and this quote of his stuck with me: “A life is not important except in the impact it has on other lives.” I think that’s what motivated me to get involved in public service. I feel pretty satisfied that some of my efforts have led to making the community a better place. In my role with Silvera, I want to continue that commitment of service and having an impact.
What are your favourite things to do outside of work?
I like to spend time with my wife walking and exploring areas around our downtown neighbourhood. I grew up playing a lot of sports and still watch baseball, hockey and football. Though I’m not in politics anymore, I do quite a bit of reading about current events.