Dakota Joba

As Director of Communications and External Relations, Kiersten leads PARA’s communications strategy and oversees the association’s media, public and government relations portfolios. Since joining PARA in 2016, she has focused on clear, purposeful messaging and building strong relationships with members, partners and external stakeholders.

Kiersten is dedicated to creating content that informs, connects and advocates for Alberta’s resident physicians. She brings a strategic lens to every project, with a focus on meaningful engagement and continuous improvement.

Outside of work, Kiersten enjoys baking, traveling, reading and spending time with her husband and two young children.

Dr. Michael Zeeman is an Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine resident. Over the past year, he has led key organizational initiatives, including chairing the committee responsible for a comprehensive review and overhaul of PARA’s bylaws. These updates aligned PARA’s governance with current best practices and introduced greater transparency into its operations.

On the financial side, Dr. Zeeman has worked closely with PARA’s staff and board to ensure responsible stewardship of member dues and long-term financial sustainability. He has focused on improving internal operations and developing systems that will benefit the organization well into the future.

Dr. Zeeman’s background in finance and operations began with bookkeeping for his family’s small business in Medicine Hat. He later built on those skills through advocacy and leadership roles during his time at the University of Calgary, including initiatives in mental health, fitness and diabetes awareness. In medical school, he developed and secured funding for a mental health crisis and suicide prevention elective, which was eventually adopted and funded through the University of Alberta’s medical education program.

Outside of medicine, Dr. Zeeman enjoys cooking, martial arts, fitness, reading and spending time outdoors. He lives in Edmonton with his wife and their two cats.

Looking ahead, he is focused on advancing PARA’s strategic goals by supporting resident professional development, advocating for equitable policy across programs and continuing to strengthen the organization’s financial foundation.

Abbie is a specialist in creative content with three years of experience in digital marketing and strategic communications. She is passionate about storytelling and excels at crafting compelling content that drives audience engagement and supports brand growth. With a strong foundation in both written and visual communication, Abbie effectively bridges the gap between creative vision and clear messaging. She is committed to delivering innovative marketing solutions and developing strategies that resonate with her target audiences while fostering meaningful connections across various channels.

Beyond the screen, Abbie enjoys spending time with friends, family, and her dog, Gary. On weekends, she co-founds and leads her run club, Sundae Run Crew.

Courtney Murphy currently does not have a biography.