John G. Alho, Associate Vice-President, Government Relations, University of Calgary

John Alho is one the longest serving government relations professionals in the Canadian post-secondary sector, currently serving as the Associate Vice-President, Government Relations, at the University of Calgary. John works closely with the President and other members of the university’s leadership team, to further the University of Calgary’s external relations objectives.

He has significant expertise in advocacy, public relations, public policy formulation, strategic communications, marketing, and community engagement.

John came to the University of Calgary from the University of Manitoba. Over the course of his post-secondary career, he has been responsible for leading government relations, community engagement, marketing and communications activities. He also has considerable experience in advancement and alumni relations functions. Prior to joining the post-secondary sector, John worked in senior policy and communications advisory roles with several federal Cabinet Ministers and Members of Parliament in Ottawa.

He holds an MBA (Manitoba) and a BA Honors (Winnipeg), and has also obtained the Institute of Corporate Directors ICD.D certification, as well as completed the CHERD Certificate in University and College Administration. He is fluent in English, Portuguese and has an intermediate level of French language skills.

As an engaged member of the community, John currently serves on the boards of The Hangar Flight Museum (Chair), the McMahon Stadium Society and WinSport. In recognition of his community efforts, John was awarded the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal, and in recognition of leadership in university government advocacy, John is a recipient of the Gillian Wood Award of Excellence in University Government Relations.