Stephanie Pace

AI/ML Global Practice Director at Quantiphi

With over 20 years of experience in international business development and strategic partnerships, Stephanie has been a driving force behind cutting-edge AI innovations. Now at Quantiphi, she continues to shape the future of AI and machine learning, making her insights invaluable for anyone looking to understand the future of AI in Manitoba and beyond.

Loretta Kulchycki

SVP Product, AI & Digital Strategy at Canada Life & MAAIP Board Member

Loretta serves as the Senior Vice-President of Product, AI & Digital Strategy at Canada Life, where she is at the forefront of modernizing business processes, products, and capabilities. In her role, she provides leadership and oversight of group life, health, and retirement products, driving AI, digital, and process solutions that enhance insights and user experiences, ultimately supporting the physical, financial, and mental well-being of Canadians.

She brings 25 years of experience in the Canadian financial services industry, with expertise spanning group benefits, marketing, technology, and analytics.As a board member at MAAIP, she is passionate about building a strong community of AI professionals and is dedicated to fostering innovation and collaboration in our province.

Tyler Gooch

Director of Innovation and Technology for the City of Winnipeg

Tyler Gooch has served the City of Winnipeg as Director of Innovation &Technology since 2021. In this role, he leads digital service delivery and enables innovation for city services. He is the executive sponsor of the City of Winnipeg’s Artificial Intelligence (AI) Pilot Program.

Prior to joining the city, Tyler led strategic planning, business transformation, digital services, and a variety of other services in executive roles with the Manitoba Agricultural Services Corporation and the Olds College of Agriculture and Technology.

Tyler is an active promoter of collaboration in digital services across the public and private sectors and has volunteered as a board member with the CIO Association of Canada, Canada’s Big Cities Executive Partnership Digital Table, and Manitoba’s Public Sector CIO Council. Tyler holds a Master of Public Administration from Dalhousie University and a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from the University of Lethbridge.

Jacqueline Keena

Managing Director at EMILI

Jacqueline is Managing Director of EMILI, a Manitoba-based non-profit, working to increase the integration and adoption of intelligent technologies into the agriculture industry. She is a professional agrologist (P.Ag.) and holds degrees in agribusiness and public policy. Jacqueline is also a board director for Assiniboine Credit Union and past Chair of the Manitoba Women’s Enterprise Centre. In 2023, Jacqueline was appointed to serve on the Premier’s Business and Jobs Council in Manitoba, where she chairs the AI, Technology and Jobs committee.

David Gerhard

Department Head, Computer Science, University of Manitoba

Dr. David Gerhard is Head of Computer Science at the University of Manitoba. With over 20 years’ experience in the tech sector, Dr. Gerhard is an award-winning researcher and educator, known for his insights in emerging topics like Augmented Reality, Algorithmic Bias, and Artificial Intelligence. He explores how computers can interpret and enhance creative human activities from athletic to artistic practices, and how our lives and our work are evolving in a world increasingly mediated by software and systems.

Jeff Fettes

Founder/CEO Laivly

Jeff Fettes is the founder and CEO of Laivly, a leading artificial intelligence and automation customer experience (CX) platform, and also is co-founder of IntouchCX, a global customer care solutions outsourcer. Jeff also serves on the boards of directors of a number of tech companies such as Maple and Vetster.