Kayla Baretta

Lead the University of Alberta's Enterprise Project Management Office within the Office of Strategic Transformation and Delivery, providing executive leadership for enterprise portfolio governance, strategic project delivery, institutional prioritization, and organizational transformation. Partner with senior leadership to align investment decisions, governance, and delivery with institutional strategy while building the capabilities, standards, and teams required to execute complex, cross-functional initiatives. - Established the University's enterprise Institutional Intake framework, creating a standardized governance process for prioritizing and approving strategic initiatives across the institution. - Built and lead the Enterprise PMO, developing organizational standards, project governance, portfolio reporting, and a high-performing team of project and program management professionals. - Lead the planning and mobilization of the University's enterprise ERP Modernization Program, one of the institution's largest and most complex transformation initiatives. - Partner with executive leaders across academic and administrative portfolios to deliver enterprise transformation initiatives focused on digital modernization, operational excellence, and improved institutional service delivery.

Within five months of joining government, I was selected to lead one of Alberta’s AI Maximalist (AIM) teams—a specialized unit accelerating the adoption of scalable, responsible AI in public service. In addition to delivery leadership, I helped shape the program’s direction, team culture, and quality standards. - Initiated the creation of a government-wide “agent factory” to rapidly develop and scale intelligent digital agents. - Initiated a major transformation projected to save $40 million and cut three years from delivery timelines through AI-driven automation and reusable infrastructure. - Co-developed program vision, objectives, and governance structures to guide AIM’s long-term impact. - Mentored fellow team leads and supported a healthy, high-performance culture across delivery teams.

I led seven agile product teams with a combined annual investment of $11.3 million, delivering citizen-centered digital services across seven provincial Ministries. My role bridged government priorities and delivery execution, embedding ethical innovation, accessibility, and agile practices into complex, high-impact initiatives. - Oversaw digital delivery portfolios aligned with Cabinet and legislative mandates across diverse Ministries. - Provided executive-level strategy on product design, policy integration, and service modernization. - Championed ethical AI, digital inclusion, and governance best practices across the product lifecycle. - Partnered with senior public servants to ensure solutions drive measurable public value.

Led the agency through a period of significant growth and operational transformation, overseeing all aspects of strategy, delivery, and organizational health. As the top executive, I scaled the business, modernized internal systems, and positioned the agency for long-term sustainability in a competitive digital landscape. - Directed all business operations and provided strategic oversight of a 32-person team and $4M annual revenue. - Grew revenue by 14% and increased EBITDA by 34% through strategic pricing, process optimization, and service refinement. - Rebuilt the leadership team and implemented the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS), enhancing clarity, accountability, and execution across the agency. - Led the business development function, including sales, pricing, and new client acquisition, to expand market share and deepen client value. - Modernized service delivery by integrating AI tools, ethical frameworks, and user-focused strategies for high-value clients. - Maintained high client satisfaction and strong team performance during a period of major organizational change and repositioning.

Led operational growth and organizational development during a period of rapid scale, expanding the agency from 13 to 30 employees. Built foundational processes, policies, and systems to support sustainable growth, while launching a new consulting line of business that strengthened market position and diversified revenue streams. - Directed daily operations and long-term planning across design, development, and project teams, aligning delivery with client expectations and strategic goals. - Built and formalized core operational infrastructure—including recruitment, employee evaluation, compensation bands, and production workflows—enhancing transparency, equity, and delivery quality. - Launched a new User Experience and Tech Consultancy division, filling a market gap and attracting major clients such as WCB Alberta and the City of Beaumont. - Improved client outcomes and satisfaction by standardizing delivery practices, enhancing usability and accessibility, and ensuring timely, high-quality project execution. - Achieved a turnover rate 20% below industry benchmarks by enforcing sustainable work practices and fostering a wellness-centered team culture. - Positioned the agency for sustained growth by securing government contracts, expanding service offerings, and developing a self-sufficient UX and consulting team.

Executed project management and client servicing tasks while optimizing resource allocation for a team of one Designer and three Developers to achieve successful project completion within deadlines. Coordinated all phases of software, website, and app development, from initial client meetings and requirement gathering to final launches and ongoing refinements. Honed team members' skills through regular coaching, performance reviews, and resolution of work-related issues. Highlights of accomplishments in this role include: •Established efficient user testing procedures, elevating product quality standards and increasing user satisfaction through tailored feature adjustments. •Nurtured the leadership potential of two team members, driving growth and progression into management roles. •Revamped project delivery processes with management tools and techniques, fostering adherence to timelines and budgets.

Oversaw digital content production and strategy, delivering consistent website updates and effective social media outreach. Partnered with various stakeholders to evaluate event needs and donation strategies in line with organizational objectives. Facilitated cooperation with external vendors for media purchasing and advertising efforts to ensure targeted and impactful marketing. Highlights of accomplishments in this role include: •Orchestrated the digital promotion of the "Speaking of Health Event," resulting in exceptional turnout via strategic email campaigns and streamlined sign-up processes. •Led a high-impact campaign for the launch of a major mental health facility, fulfilling all targets and raising public awareness. •Sold out debut participation in a Historic Society Event by leveraging targeted social media promotions and strategic email outreach. •Boosted online presence by planning and implementing advertising campaigns across various platforms, such as Facebook and Google AdWords, culminating in a rise in donor engagement.

Collaborated with client accounts to align marketing strategies with business objectives, aiming to enhance client satisfaction and project outcomes. Organized internal resources and project teams to create customized marketing solutions, refining workflow processes and resource allocation. Administered billing setup and project management processes to foster timely delivery and financial accuracy. Highlights of accomplishments in this role include: •Executed the launch of the Motive for Canadian Western Bank, establishing a new online banking brand aimed at younger users and steering the comprehensive communications and advertising plan. •Deployed a rapid-response marketing campaign for The Brick during the Fort McMurray wildfires, which educated evacuees on essential appliance management, leading to a significant rise in community support and refrigerator sales. •Strengthened clients' digital presence by conducting audits, formulating digital strategic plans, and overseeing integrated marketing campaigns that included web development, advertising, and public relations. •Amplified client revenue streams by implementing marketing solutions tailored to budgetary constraints and strategic objectives.

Spearheaded sales initiatives and handled all client interactions, from initial contact through project execution. Developed project proposals while orchestrating the entire sales process in alignment with client needs and organizational goals. Directed internal team efforts and devised extensive project plans to facilitate timely and successful delivery. Highlights of accomplishments in this role include: •Drove the successful rollout of 60 websites in one day for the Elk Island Public School Division, working closely with team members to standardize site management and editing tools. •Cultivated and sustained positive relationships with a diverse client base, encompassing municipalities, educational institutions, and private corporations, which expanded the company’s market reach and project diversity. •Supervised project teams of up to eight members, managing projects that entailed over 1K hours of work, achieving timely and budget-compliant delivery of digital solutions. •Innovated client communication strategies to streamline project updates and feedback, resulting in heightened client engagement.

Responsible for all business development and volunteer activities of a national level non-profit. Created and executed strategies to procure and retain financial and in-kind sponsorships as well as find business to provide positions for international interns. Managed the intern selection and integration process including governmental and union relations for visas and work permits. Developed and executed plans for the recruitment, development, and retention of volunteers in the organization. Customized products and approaches for the Icelandic market. Planned, executed, and managed large scale events.