CALGARY, AB, July 25, 2023 - Immigrant Services Calgary (ISC) Board of Directors is pleased to announce the appointment of Nawal Al-Busaidi as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the organization, effective September 11, 2023.

Nawal has nearly 20 years of experience in multicultural not-for-profit organizations, leadership, social advocacy, and managing multiple social and economic development programs. In her most recent role as director of refugee services with COSTI Immigrant Services, a $100 million newcomer-serving organization in Toronto, Nawal successfully managed and oversaw a $70 million budget, over 200 staff, and 3,500 refugee clients. She has extensive experience in monitoring service provision of government-funded programs, developing strategic partnerships to address emerging needs, and fostering equitable and accessible integrated service models.

A proven community-builder driven by purpose and delivering with passion, Nawal will nurture the collaborative partnerships that are essential to successfully serve the newcomer community. An immigrant herself, Nawal understands the challenges faced by immigrants and refugees and is well-poised to lead Calgary’s longest-standing newcomer-serving agency.

“After an extensive national search, we are thrilled to welcome Nawal as ISC’s new Chief Executive Officer. With her extensive leadership experience in newcomer-serving organizations and across complex projects, we have no doubt Nawal is the right person to lead the Gateway transformation through to the finish line, and to continue growing the ISC brand and leadership in the newcomer-serving sector in Calgary and Alberta,” said Rhona DelFrari, Board Chair.

“I am humbled and thrilled to join, and become a part of, ISC and serve as the leader of this incredible organization in the next chapter. As the new CEO, I will continue to support the vision, mission, and legacy of ISC and lead this amazing team to build and shape the future of the organization. I look forward to working with the ISC team, the board, funders, and the community partners to continue to strengthen ISC’s leadership position in the immigration and refugee settlement service sector, overcoming challenges, driving change, and transforming the new era of services for newcomer immigrants and refugees in the city of Calgary and the province of Alberta,” said Nawal Al-Busaidi.

ISC supports approximately 15,000 newcomers annually, connecting them to vital resources to settle, succeed, and build a new home in Calgary and Alberta. ISC works collaboratively with governments, organizations, community members, and partner agencies to improve and build on programs and services that help immigrants and refugees build thriving lives in their local communities. Learn more about ISC’s impact by visiting: Our Impact