Introducing the appointment of Mark Fox to the role of Chief Operating Officer and Ross Morrison as Senior Vice President, Business Development, Strategy and Partnerships of Backwoods Energy Services.

Edmonton, Alberta / December 15, 2021 – Backwoods Energy Services (Backwoods), one of the largest Indigenous-owned businesses in Alberta, is proud to celebrate Mark Fox and Ross Morrison in their new roles effective January 1, 2022.

Connected by Backwoods’ mission ‘for driving economic opportunity by empowering Indigenous people and communities’, both Mr. Fox and Mr. Morrison will be stewards of the business on behalf of the Alexis Nakota Sioux Nation and its successes through integrity.

Mr. Fox brings a wealth of experience in project management and business development, having served as Senior Vice President Canadian Operations at a large multi-national industrial construction and fabrication organization based in Western Canada, as well as Vice President Business Development and Strategic Account Management. Prior to this, he served for 26 years with the R.C.M.P. as a Senior Financial Investigator.

“I am thrilled about the opportunity to join a dynamic team that is committed to the vision of the company and to step in with an organization positioned for growth, said Mark Fox. “I am confident that my 30 years of government and private industry senior leadership experience will be of value and I look forward to developing strategic initiatives that will benefit the company and empower the employees.”

Mark Fox succeeds Ryan McQuilter, who retired from Backwoods on December 10th. Mr. McQuilter continues to help Indigenous companies achieve success in a new role with an investment firm he founded in Calgary.

Mr. Morrison brings deep expertise in industrial construction and First Nations company management. He also has over a decade of experience in the mining/forestry industry as well as railway engineering and industrial distribution experience.

“I see the vast potential of sustainable capital in the resources sector, the evolving opportunities and how I can become part of a dynamic growing team to proudly represent the Alexis Nakota Sioux Nation,” says Ross Morrison. “Looking ahead to participate in diversifying the asset base and strengthen the bilateral relationship of trust with our clients and take Backwoods into new markets and enhance revenues that can flow to the Nation.”

Michael Heck, Backwoods Energy Services CEO said, “I am delighted to welcome Mark and Ross to the team. We are fortunate to have both these top executives with their caliber and experience join Backwoods. We need committed and senior leadership to successfully implement our strategy and deliver value for our clients and shareholders, while taking advantage of the market opportunities ahead. Both gentlemen have proven track records of execution and I know they are the right leaders at the right time for Backwoods.”

Backwoods Energy Services is one the largest Indigenous-owned businesses in Alberta and a leading service provider for utilities, forestry and oil and gas companies in Western Canada. Based out of Edmonton, Alberta, Backwoods has been in operation for more than 30 years and was acquired by the Alexis Nakota Sioux Nation in 2015. Backwoods works with industry to create meaningful partnerships and deliver exceptional results to its clients while creating economic opportunity for the Alexis Nakota Sioux Nation. For more information, visit: www.backwoodsenergy.ca