Ron Byers Resume - Ron Byers

PROFESSIONAL PROFILE

Community leader, operations manager, and queer historian with extensive experience spanning operations, community development, and public education. Over decades, have led teams, developed programs, managed events, and contributed to the documentation and preservation of 2SLGBTQ+ history in Edmonton. Known for combining operational discipline with community advocacy and storytelling. Work is primarily delivered through community-based, project-driven, and advisory roles.

CORE STRENGTHS

Community Engagement & Partnership Development
Public Education & Storytelling
Program & Event Development
Volunteer & Team Leadership
Strategic Planning & Implementation
Stakeholder Relations
Budget Oversight & Resource Allocation
Research & Content Development

SELECTED PROJECTS & INITIATIVES

Pride Edmonton – Regional Pride Events Platform

Manage and maintain centralized Pride events calendar featuring 100+ events annually
Engage 40–50 community organizations to gather and promote event information
Coordinate digital promotion and public visibility strategies
Reached 20,108 users and 53,791 page views in 2025 as an unfunded initiative
Platform operates without funding or revenue, supported entirely through volunteer effort.

Rainbow Story Hub Foundation – Founder & Director

Develop and lead initiative documenting 2SLGBTQ+ history in Edmonton
Produce written, digital, and multimedia historical content
Work with archives and community members to preserve stories
Reached 6,357 users and 13,720 page views in 2025 through grants and donations

HIV Edmonton – Positive Speaker & Research Contributor

Deliver presentations in healthcare and academic environments
Share lived experience to support education and stigma reduction
Contribute to research-informed program development

COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP, GOVERNANCE & CONTRIBUTIONS

Leadership & Governance

Imperial Sovereign Court of the Wild Rose – Past President; 35+ years leadership; MC (25+ years); Lifetime Achievement Award
Capital Pride Edmonton – Interim Board Member; incorporation signatory; strategic development
Jasper Place Gateway Foundation – Founding Member & President; community programming leadership

Advisory & Community Contributions

Edmonton Heritage Council – Story Contributor
Pride Centre of Edmonton – Advisory Team Member
Edmonton Men’s Health Collective – Advisory Team Member
Edmonton Pride Festival Society – Board Member
Edmonton Pride Seniors Group Society – Committee Member

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Crash Computer Services – Independent Contractor

Designed, built, and maintained WordPress websites and digital platforms
Delivered technical troubleshooting, system recovery, and computer repair services
Restored websites and servers following failures and data loss
Provided consulting on digital tools, hosting environments, and infrastructure solutions

West Edmonton Mall – Admissions Manager

Led team of 80+ staff across multiple attractions
Managed scheduling, payroll, and performance evaluations
Oversaw guest services and large-scale event admissions
Developed budgets and cost-control systems

Boston Pizza – Call Centre Manager

Oversaw call centre operations and staff performance
Implemented new order-entry technology systems
Analyzed data trends and improved operational efficiency

Convergys – Team Manager

Managed team performance metrics and coaching
Handled escalated customer issues
Supported payroll and reporting processes

Earlier Career Experience

Business Manager – Tynetco Electronics Ltd.
Retail Sales Manager – Goodwill Industries of Alberta
Licensed Realtor – Commercial and Business Sales
Owner/Operator – Almonds Café
Operations Manager – Malabar of Canada (Theatre/Dance Division)

TECHNICAL SKILLS

WordPress and web content management
Microsoft 365 (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
Basic HTML and web editing
Social media and digital promotion
Data tracking and reporting

EDUCATION & PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT