The First Nations Power Authority (FNPA) is pleased to announce the appointment of Rebecca Kragnes as Acting Chief Executive Officer while the organization undertakes the recruitment of its next permanent CEO.
Rebecca Kragnes currently serves as Chair of the FNPA Board of Directors and brings more than 30 years of leadership experience spanning construction, energy, skilled trades, government, Indigenous relations and board governance.
Her appointment as Acting CEO will provide continuity and leadership during this important transition. In this capacity, Rebecca Kragnes will work closely with the FNPA Board, staff, First Nations, industry partners and stakeholders to maintain organizational momentum and advance FNPA’s mandate.
During this interim period, Albert Derocher will serve as Acting Board Chair, ensuring continuity of governance and Board leadership while Rebecca Kragnes fulfills her responsibilities as Acting CEO.
“I am honoured to support FNPA during this transition. Our focus remains on strengthening relationships, creating meaningful opportunities for First Nations participation in the energy sector, and ensuring FNPA is well positioned for its next chapter. I look forward to working alongside our team, First Nations and partners as the Board undertakes the recruitment of FNPA’s next CEO.”
About Rebecca Kragnes
Rebecca Kragnes is a Cree-Métis executive with more than 30 years of experience across construction, oil and gas, skilled trades, government, Indigenous relations and governance. Her career has focused on building trusted relationships among Indigenous Nations, industry, clients and governments and translating commitments into practical approaches to partnerships, employment, procurement, capacity building and economic reconciliation.
She currently serves as Senior Director, Indigenous Relations & Community Engagement, West at Bird Construction, where she leads Indigenous relations and community engagement strategy across Western Canada and provides executive-level counsel on Indigenous relationships, partnerships, risk and project delivery.
Rebecca Kragnes, Acting CEO.
Rebecca Kragnes joined the FNPA Board of Directors in 2024 and became Board Chair in 2026. Her broader governance and leadership experience includes serving as Past Chair and Board Member of the Canadian Apprenticeship Forum, where she became the first Indigenous woman to serve as Board Chair, and as a member of the Alberta Government Métis Women’s Council.
A Red Seal Journeyperson Electrician, Rebecca Kragnes is a graduate of the Indigenous Business Leadership Executive MBA program at Simon Fraser University’s Beedie School of Business. Her leadership and advocacy have been recognized through the Alberta Aboriginal Role Model Award for Business, Esquao Award for Advocacy in Trades and Technology, and Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee Medal.
About Albert Derocher
Albert Derocher is an experienced First Nations leader and governance professional committed to advancing Indigenous participation and leadership in economic development and the energy sector. As a member of the FNPA Board of Directors, he has helped guide the organization’s strategic direction and support its mission of creating sustainable opportunities for First Nations through energy development. As Acting Board Chair, he will provide governance leadership and continuity during FNPA’s executive transition.