David & Joan Lynch School of Engineering Safety & Risk Management
Chris Coles, CSP, PEng, MEng
Director, Industrial Professor
David and Joan Lynch School of Engineering Safety and Risk Management
University of Alberta
After working in industry for 30 years, Chris Coles joined the University of Alberta in 2018 as an Industrial Professor for the Safety and Risk Management Program in the Faculty of Engineering. In July 2021, Chris was appointed Director for the David and Joan Lynch School of Engineering Safety and Risk Management.
Chris has worked extensively as an environment, health and safety professional in the energy industry prior to joining the University of Alberta. He has held several leadership positions, including Vice President at Cenovus and Veresen. He has supported senior leaders and corporate boards to develop and implement company-wide EHS&R strategies.
He has extensive experience with applying risk management systems for projects and operations. His industrial career has included both domestic and international assignments, including several mega projects. His energy experience includes renewables; and the upstream, mid-stream and downstream sectors of the oil and gas industry. Chris has delivered engineering safety and risk management presentations to a variety of audiences, both within Canada and internationally.
Chris is the primary instructor for undergraduate process safety management education within the Faculty of Engineering. He is coordinating the development and implementation of the strategic plan for the David and Joan Lynch School of Engineering Safety and Risk Management. Through a collaborative approach to leverage the University of Alberta capabilities, Chris is leading the development of the diploma in risk leadership.