Leadership Team

Meet the people guiding our mission. 

Bonnie Johnston

Co-CEO

Bonnie began her career as a nurse in an Indigenous community in northern Alberta and went on to hold progressively senior roles within the public health system, before serving 15 years of executive leadership in the nonprofit and social service sectors. Bonnie worked on Alberta’s Human Trafficking Task Force, and co-wrote The Reading Stone Report, the blueprint for the Alberta Centre to End Trafficking in Persons. She is passionate about improving outcomes for vulnerable children, youth, and families through collaborative leadership, strategic systems, and integrated, cross-sector approaches. Bonnie holds a Master’s Degree in Health Services Administration and a Bachelor of Nursing Degree.

Carlene Donnelly

Co-CEO

With over 25 years of experience in executive leadership and consulting within the non-profit and social services sectors, Carlene has been a driving force in creating meaningful change within communities. She is committed to fostering resilience and making a lasting impact through strategic leadership and advocacy. Carlene holds a BA in Psychology, a Master in Education, a Master in Business Administration, and an Honorary Ph.D. in Law, providing her with a strong foundation in organizational leadership, program development, and social impact initiatives.

Linea Xaysana

Regional Operations Director (North)

Linea brings 20 years of experience working in the public safety sector, for both non-profit and Government organizations. As a proud Metis woman with a Masters level education, Linea brings unique views that are informed by years of working with offenders, victims, policy development, and establishing programs/entities.

Paul Brandt

Co-Chair, Governing Board

Leveraging his influential platform, Paul advocates for humanitarian causes, traveling to developing countries to raise awareness for aid organizations and focusing on vulnerable populations. As founder and CEO of a successful anti-trafficking not-for-profit, he chaired Alberta’s Human Trafficking Task Force and co-wrote The Reading Stone Report, the blueprint for the Alberta Centre to End Trafficking in Persons. Recipient of Queen’s Jubilee awards, King Charles III Coronation award, and humanitarian honors, Paul holds honorary doctorates in Fine Arts and Divinity, and an honorary degree in Business Administration. He is the most awarded male Canadian country artist in history.

Angela Adsit

Co-Chair, Governing Board

Advisory Committees

Operational Advisory Committee 

This committee brings together leaders from law enforcement, frontline service providers, government services and community organizations to ensure our efforts are grounded in real-world experience and responsive to emerging issues.

This committee:

  • Provides operational insight on trends, barriers, and opportunities
  • Ensures a trauma-informed, culturally relevant, and survivor-centered approach
  • Strengthens collaboration across sectors to improve outcomes for victims and survivors
  • Helps shape and implement the Alberta Centre’s strategic plan

Lived Experience Advisory Network (LEAN)

The Lived Experience Advisory Network (LEAN) is the cornerstone of the Alberta Centre’s commitment to being survivor-informed at every level. LEAN is made up of individuals with lived experience of human trafficking who contribute their insight, expertise, and leadership to help shape the Alberta Centre’s direction.

LEAN members play a vital role in:

  • Advising on policies, programs, and priorities

  • Ensuring the Alberta Centre’s work reflects the realities and needs of experiential persons

  • Embedding survivor voices into every part of Alberta’s response to trafficking

At the Alberta Centre, survivors are not just heard—they are essential partners in the fight to end trafficking. Their insights and expertise help drive meaningful change.

The Alberta Centre honours survivor voices as foundational to our mission, our vision, and the systems we work to improve.