Mavis Ure

For Mavis Ure, leadership is about more than professional success; it’s about lifting others, building connections, and contributing to a stronger, more resilient community. Originally from Rocky Mountain House, Alberta, Mavis has called Fort McMurray home for more than 22 years and built a family with her husband, Curtis, and three young children: Savannah(11), Waylon (9), and Garrett (9). Drawn to the region by the opportunity to work in Canada’s vital energy sector, she has built a career that spans more than two decades, combining technical expertise with a deep commitment to mentoring and empowering others.

Mavis holds a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering from the University of Alberta and currently serves as Vice President of Upgrading Operations at Syncrude. Prior to this role, she spent 21 years at Suncor’s Base Plant, gaining invaluable experience that laid the foundation for her leadership today. “The most fulfilling aspect of my career has been working alongside talented individuals and watching them grow into confident leaders,” she says. “Leading teams and projects has challenged me to continually learn and improve as both a leader and a person.”

Beyond her professional accomplishments, Mavis is a dedicated volunteer and advocate for community development. Her journey began in 2010 with Suncor’s United Way campaign, where she led fundraising efforts, raising approximately $2-million while increasing community awareness through ‘Seeing is Believing’ tours. These experiences offered Mavis a firsthand look at the diverse organizations serving Fort McMurray, inspiring a lifelong commitment to volunteerism.

She continued her community journey with Leadership Wood Buffalo in 2014 and has contributed her time and expertise to community boards, including Some Other Solutions and Waypoints, where she became board chair last year. Her personal mantra—Empowering people, building community—leading with heart and purpose—reflects a philosophy that balances professional achievement with meaningful community engagement.

Her motivation for community involvement stems from a combination of professional insight and personal values. “The ‘Seeing is Believing’ tours opened my eyes to the needs and strengths of our community,” Mavis recalls. “I realized that my professional skills could make a meaningful impact, especially through board service.” Her work with Waypoints, supporting women’s health and independence, is particularly meaningful, as it aligns with her core values and desire to foster a more inclusive and supportive community.

Mavis credits her family and support network for enabling her multifaceted involvement. “Their encouragement and understanding allow me to pursue both professional and volunteer opportunities,” she explains. “They remind me of the importance of giving back and help me stay grounded, especially during busy or challenging times.”

Looking ahead, Mavis hopes to continue making an impact both professionally and personally. “In the coming years, I aim to lead effectively at work and guide Waypoints through complex challenges,” she says. “Personally, I want to continue nurturing my family and finding balance while staying committed to lifelong learning.”

Mavis believes that leadership comes with the responsibility to give back and that community strength depends on collaboration, courage, and honest conversations. “We have an opportunity to promote the important role this region plays in Canada’s energy future,” she says. “Our nonprofit sector faces challenges, but through partnership and resilience, we can ensure essential services continue to thrive.”

For more than two decades, Mavis Ure has demonstrated that leadership is about more than achieving goals; it’s about empowering people, mentoring future leaders, and building a community that is stronger, more inclusive, and more vibrant. Through her professional work and volunteer efforts, she continues to shape Fort McMurray into a place where individuals and families can thrive, and where leadership and heart go hand in hand.