Contact Rick

  • rick.valdemarca@mackayceoforums.com
Forum Chair

Rick Valdemarca

Edmonton, AB

About Rick

  • CEO Peer Advisory
  • Strategy
  • Execution

    Bio

    Rick Valdemarca is a former Ernst & Young Consulting Partner with more than 35 years of experience helping organizations navigate complex strategic and operational challenges.

    Today, Rick serves as a Chair with MacKay CEO Forums, where he facilitates confidential peer groups of CEOs leading complex organizations. He works directly with executives on their most critical issues, helping them think clearly, challenge assumptions, and translate strategy into disciplined execution.

    During his 30-year career with EY, Rick led large-scale transformation programs across multiple industries and the public sector. He also spent a decade working on international reform initiatives funded by the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank, developing a practical approach to driving sustainable change in complex and often constrained environments.

    Rick is known for his structured thinking, clear communication, and ability to align boards and executive teams around measurable outcomes. His work focuses on bridging strategy, governance, and execution, ensuring organizations move from discussion to results.

    He currently serves on the Leadership Council of Edmonton Global, is an Advisory Board Member of the ASTech Awards, and mentors founders through the University of Alberta Lab2Market program.

    Rick’s Group Overview

    Rick chairs a confidential peer forum of CEOs leading complex organizations. The group is intentionally composed of non-competing members from diverse industries, creating a trusted environment where leaders can work through real issues, challenge assumptions, and strengthen decision-making.

    Meeting Locations

    Rick’s Forum Group meets seven times per year, including full-day sessions and an annual two-day retreat. Meetings are hosted by members at locations across the Edmonton area.

    Group Member Overview

    Rick facilitates structured, peer-driven discussions focused on each member’s most important challenges. The emphasis is on clarity, accountability, and translating strategy into practical action.

    • Financial Services
    • Public Sector
    • Real Estate & Construction
    • Arts, Culture & Entertainment
    • Technology

    Special Advisors

    MacKay Chairs engage a committee of Special Advisors in their professional and group development, expanding the network and support available to our members and Chairs. These seasoned experts bring a wealth of knowledge and experience, elevating the quality of our Forums. By collaborating closely with Forum Chairs, they enhance the peer support system, tapping into a deeper pool of connections and expertise to foster even greater leadership development and business success.

    Benefits of Peer Learning

    Leadership can be isolating. Peer learning creates rare space to be understood, challenged, and supported by others carrying similar responsibility.

    What is Peer Learning?

    A Trusted Space

    A confidential, judgement-free environment where leaders can speak openly, think clearly, and be fully heard.

    Shared Experience

    Perspective from peers who understand the weight and consequences of leadership decisions.

    Diverse Perspectives

    Insight from non-competing peers across industries, backgrounds, and leadership styles.

    Voices From Our Forums

    Hear directly from our community how peer learning at MacKay CEO Forums delivers perspective, accountability, and practical insight, helping leaders think clearly, make better decisions, and move forward with confidence.

    Assess Your Leadership Mastery

    Designed for CEOs, Executives, and Business Owners, this assessment offers a structured reflection on how you lead, decide, and show up across all areas of life. Discover your leadership strengths, growth edges, and readiness for peer learning.

    Take the Quiz

    Who It’s For

    MacKay forum groups are designed for CEOs, Executives, and Business Owners who value confidential dialogue, shared experience, and a high -accountability culture. Members are growth-oriented leaders navigating real complexity such as people, strategy, scale, and succession, and are committed to showing up prepared, engaged, and open to perspective.

    Find the MacKay Membership That’s Right for You

    Find the peer learning membership that fits your leadership role.

    Become a Forum Chair

    Apply your facilitation skills, business acumen, and leadership experience to build high-trust, judgement-free peer learning forums for CEOs, executives, and business owners.

    Learn More