Traci Bednard is the President and CEO of Explore Edmonton. She has spent her career promoting Edmonton. She joined Explore Edmonton in November 2021 after two decades at Edmonton International Airport, where she served on YEG’s executive leadership team leading a variety of portfolios including Strategy, Sustainability, Marketing and Sales, Corporate Communications, Passenger Experience, and Air Service Development.

Traci earned her Bachelor of Arts degree, majoring in Political Science, from the University of Alberta (UofA) and her Harvard Professional Leadership Certificate from Harvard Business School. 

In her current role as CEO of Explore Edmonton, she oversees the development of Edmonton’s visitor economy, marketing the city as a destination, attracting business, sport and cultural events, operating the Edmonton Convention Centre and the Edmonton EXPO Centre, and producing Canada’s fourth largest annual summer fair, K-Days. Additionally, Explore Edmonton leads robust agricultural and agri-food programs including the Edmonton Urban Farm, the national Canadian Finals Rodeo, and Farm Fair International.

Traci also holds an ICD.D designation. In addition to her executive role, she has served on a number of Boards, including the Covenant Health Foundation, Youth Emergency Shelter, and as a founding member of Edmonton Global. She currently sits on the MacEwan Means Business Cabinet.

Traci is a Queens Jubilee Recipient in recognition of her work to promote the Edmonton region internationally, including building international passenger and air services to Edmonton.