Executive in Residence program

Our Executive in Residence program was created to provide our students with access to valuable business insight and to expose them to real-life business experiences. The goal of the program is to encourage new thinking and to support efforts helping students as they start and grow businesses.

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About the program

The executive in residence is an avid ambassador of the Faculty of Business, a well-known and respected business expert, and a business resource and mentor to both our student and alumni communities.

The executive in residence is an important resource supporting the Faculty of Business in enhancing its strategic goals:

• to strengthen ties to industry
• to stay current and relevant in our educational programming
• to produce business-ready graduates who contribute significantly to their communities

Spending time within the Faculty of Business student community is a crucial component for the executive in residence. The executive will:

• provide business intelligence and mentorship
• speak on current business practices and real-life business experiences
• be a business connector

The executive in residence is a volunteer term position of up to 2 years and is reviewed by the Faculty of Business dean annually.

Connecting with the executive in residence

Any student or AU alumni starting or growing a business is encouraged to connect with our executive in residence. Please include the following elements in your email:

• a brief introduction of what you hope to achieve
• idea or plan for discussion
• a business plan (if applicable)
• if seeking advice on financing, where your venture is on the financing continuum
• your current contact information, including email and phone number

Communication between the executive in residence and students and alumni is confidential, as the mentor-mentee relationship may include advice on business ventures, capital investment, intellectual property, and other confidential and proprietary information.

Contact Russell Kalmacoff: russ@rockmountcorp.com

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Current executive in residence

Our current executive in residence is Russell Kalmacoff.

About Russell

Russell Kalmacoff currently leads the Rockmount Group of Companies as President and CEO. Prior to entering a distinguished business career, Russell began his academic studies as a student at the University of Manitoba, graduating with a Bachelor of Commerce degree. He went on to pursue graduate studies at the University of California, Berkeley, where he received his Master of Business Administration.

Following his formal education, Russell charged head-first into the business world, working on Wall Street with the Salomon Brothers and later with A.E. LePage Ltd. in Toronto. Russell went on to design financing models, develop land, and author/co-author numerous books before acquiring Rockmount Financial Corporation.

Russell has supported various government initiatives and continues to advise and serve on numerous boards and committees. He is also currently a member of the Athabasca University Faculty of Business Leadership Advisory Council.

Russell has in-depth knowledge and a vast network in the innovation financing continuum and capital markets.