Celebrating 30 Years of

People • Strategy • Solutions

Three decades of trust, evolution, and commitment to Alberta's workplaces.

In 1996, we opened our doors as Canadian Career Partners in a Calgary of 760,000 people. Today, in a city of 1.8 million, we're still here, still showing up, still evolving.

We started in Search & Recruitment and Career Transition. As the business landscape shifted, so did we, adding HR Consulting, Coaching and Leadership Development, Workplace Investigations, and Privacy and Information Management to meet the changing needs of Alberta organizations.

In 2004, we rebranded and became Cenera. But our purpose - People • Strategy • Solutions - has remained constant.

We've been here through boom and bust. Through recessions and recoveries. Through a pandemic. Through every economic cycle that's tested Alberta businesses and the people who lead them.

Through it all, we've held one belief: how you treat people matters. In good times and in hard ones.

This milestone isn't just ours. It belongs to every client who invited us into their important decisions and transitions. Every professional whose career path we helped navigate. Every team member who brought their expertise and heart to this work.

Throughout 2026, we'll be sharing the stories, lessons, and faces behind these 30 years. Because the best part of this journey are the relationships we've built along the way.

Cenera Timeline

Reflections from Former Partners

Pam’s first real introduction to Cenera came even before her official start date, during a winter training session that quietly revealed the firm’s true character. What stood out wasn’t a presentation or process, but a small, human moment — a room full of people choosing to show up for one another, capped by the simple comfort of warm cookies on a cold day. That experience spoke volumes about the care, attentiveness, and values that defined the organization. Over the years, Pam saw that same thoughtfulness consistently reflected in how Cenera supported its people and clients alike. To her, Cenera’s lasting impact lies in its belief that culture is built through everyday acts of care — the small things that make people feel valued and connected.

Pam Corbett

Bruce’s decision to join what was then Canadian Career Partners (CPP), was rooted in long-standing relationships and deep confidence in the people behind the firm, shaped by years of working with them through some of the most challenging moments in his own organization. He had seen firsthand how CPP supported individuals through complex and emotional career transitions, always with care, integrity, and genuine respect. That trust carried forward into the firm’s next chapter as Cenera, as the partners expanded services to better meet evolving client needs - from consulting and privacy to coaching and workplace investigations. Bruce is especially proud of Cenera’s commitment to tailored solutions, enduring client relationships, and shared ownership, creating meaningful pathways for employees to grow into future partners. His message to today’s team is clear: relationships matter most, to listen carefully, lead with care, and the impact will follow.

Bruce Wade

As one of Cenera’s original partners, Jerry reflects with pride on building a business grounded in shared values, mutual respect, and a clear mission: serve clients, have fun, and be profitable. What stands out most to him are the people — clients and colleagues alike — whose journeys he had the privilege to support through times of challenge and change. Seeing others navigate difficult decisions and go on to fulfilling personal and professional success remains one of the great satisfactions of his career. Jerry finds it deeply rewarding to watch subsequent generations of partners carry forward the same vision, evolving services while staying true to Cenera’s roots. To him, the firm’s longevity is a testament to values lived consistently, and he is confident those principles will continue to guide Cenera well into the future.

Jerry Stilson

Gary reflects on Cenera’s beginnings with pride and gratitude, remembering the bold ambition shared by the founding partners to build something different — a collaborative, values-driven firm with staying power. From its earliest days as Canadian Career Partners, Cenera set out to elevate the HR profession, exceed client expectations, and develop skilled practitioners who could make a real difference. Over decades, the firm helped thousands of Canadians find new employment and move forward with confidence, creating impact far beyond business success. Gary takes special pride in seeing Cenera thrive as an employee-owned organization, strong 30 years on. His message to today’s team is rooted in joy and purpose: when people truly love the work they do, success naturally follows.

Gary Agnew

Through Suzanne’s reflections, Glenn’s time at Cenera emerges as one marked by gratitude, curiosity, and deep care for people. He valued the relationships he built with partners and associates alike and was always attentive to ensuring others were supported and engaged. Glenn had a keen interest in new lines of business and believed strongly in their future potential, while remaining grounded in mentoring and developing younger professionals. Community involvement was equally important to him, and he took pride in Cenera’s commitment to giving back through initiatives like United Way. Glenn’s legacy reflects the spirit of partnership at the heart of Cenera — a belief in people, thoughtful growth, and making a meaningful contribution both inside and beyond the firm.

Glenn Tibbles (shared by Suzanne Devonshire Baker on her late husband's behalf)

Rick joined Cenera in November 2003, which was the beginning of the new Privacy and Information Management Practice and he reflects most proudly on witnessing the growth of people around him,  seeing entry-level colleagues develop into confident, capable leaders within Cenera and their broader fields. To Rick, this evolution of people captures Cenera’s greatest impact over its 30-year history: a steadfast commitment to people-centred, relationship-based work at a time when much of the industry shifted toward technology-driven, minimalist service models. Cenera chose a different path, prioritizing human connection and community benefit over short-term returns. Rick’s message to today’s team is one of encouragement and conviction: to stay true to how and why the work is done, trusting that this approach not only creates meaningful impact for clients, but also makes Cenera a place where people can build lasting, fulfilling careers.

Rick Klumpenhowuer

The Evolution of Cenera

  • Year of Giving

    As part of our 30th anniversary year, we’re marking the milestone in a way that feels most aligned with who we are: by giving back to the community.

    Throughout 2026, we’ll be highlighting one local non-profit organization each month and making a donation in support of the important work they do to strengthen our community.

  • Calgary Homeless Foundation

    JANUARY

    For January, we’re proud to support the Calgary Homeless Foundation through their Donate Essentials YYC program. During Calgary’s coldest months, this initiative helps provide critical winter supplies to people experiencing homelessness. Access to these basics can make a real difference when temperatures drop and conditions become dangerous.

    We invite you to learn more about the Calgary Homeless Foundation by visiting their website. For those who wish to join us in supporting this important cause, you can donate here.

  • The BlackNorth Initiative

    FEBRUARY

    In February, we’re proud to support the BlackNorth Initiative in recognition of Black History Month. The BlackNorth Initiative works to address systemic barriers faced by Black communities in Canada by advancing equitable access to education, employment, leadership opportunities, and economic participation. Through research, advocacy, and partnerships with organizations across sectors, BlackNorth focuses on creating meaningful, long-term change, helping organizations move from intention to action when it comes to inclusion and racial equity.

    To learn more about the BlackNorth Initiative and the work they are doing across Canada, visit their website. For those who wish to join us in supporting this important work, donations can be made here.

  • Women In Need Society

    MARCH

    This March, Cenera is proud to support Women In Need Society (WINS) – an organization doing critical work to connect women and their families to the resources they need to thrive, including community based programs, skills training and access to essential items through its thrift-based social enterprise model.

    March 8th is International Women's Day, a global day recognizing the achievements of women and calling for greater equity and inclusion. We're reminded that real support goes beyond celebration; it requires action. We're honoured to contribute to an organization that helps women build confidence, overcome challenges related to poverty and inequality, and create more stable, resilient futures for their families.

    If your organization is looking for ways to get involved as we near International Women's Day, check out their website for ideas on how you can support the work WINS does and help make an impact.

    Thank you to the dedicated team at WINS for the essential work you do every day.

    Learn more about their impact here.

  • Parachutes for Pets

    APRIL

    For April, Cenera is proud to support Parachutes for Pets right here in Calgary.

    Parachutes for Pets is dedicated to honouring the human-animal bond, helping individuals and families stay connected to their pets during life's most vulnerable moments. From crisis safekeeping to pet food support to preventative community-based programming, they advance mental health and community wellbeing through animal-assisted support and compassionate services.

    Their mission is close to our hearts, and we are grateful to support the incredible work they do for both people and animals in our community.

    Learn more about Parachutes for Pets at www.parachutesforpets.com. For those who wish to join us in supporting this important cause, you can donate by going here.

  • Canadian Mental Health Association

    MAY

    May marks the beginning of Mental Health Week and we are proud to be supporting the Canadian Mental Health Association as part of Cenera's year of Community Giving in celebration of our 30th anniversary.

    Social connection in the workplace boosts well-being, resilience and success. Whether you're checking in with a colleague, creating a space for open conversations, or building workplaces where people feel seen and supported, these moments matter. They shape culture, strengthen teams, and make it easier for people to ask for help when they need it.

    We encourage you to explore the Mental Health Week resources, fact sheets, and tool kits available on their website.

    Learn more about the important work of CMHA Calgary.

    For those who wish to join us in supporting this important cause, you can donate by going here.

Thank you, Calgary!

Here's to what comes next.