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Biography

Upon completing her MBA at the University of Alberta (’09), Charlene founded Butler Business Solutions (BBS), a consulting company focused on assisting primarily non-profit organizations. She derives satisfaction from working with organizations on tough issues such as domestic violence, poverty, mental illness and addiction and from assisting immigrant, refugee, indigenous, and other vulnerable populations. Many of the projects she consults on directly impact women and their families. Prior to founding BBS, Charlene worked for over 22 years in the petroleum, insurance and risk management sectors. In addition to her MBA, Charlene holds her Bachelor of Commerce and Bachelor of Science (actuarial science), both from the Áù¾ÅÉ«ÌÃ, and a Chemical Technology diploma from SAIT. 

Charlene credits her parents and daughters for being the inspiration behind her accomplishments.  She was raised to be an independent woman, and to never stop learning and never give up. In 1993 with two daughters under age 6, Charlene left an abusive marriage and returned to university full time.  When her mother passed away suddenly, she became guardian of both her father with Alzheimer’s and her grandmother.  Despite these additional pressures, Charlene graduated with her BComm and BSc completing the two degrees within 3.5 years and receiving honours in both.  She is proud of the example she set for her daughters and other young women. 

Charlene is a committed community volunteer. She is vice chair of the Mental Health Foundation, vice chair of the Alberta Automobile Insurance Rate Board, a senator and Alumni Council Executive member for the University of Alberta and a member of the City of Edmonton’s Council Initiative on Public Engagement. In addition she is an active member of the Rotary Club of Edmonton Glenora, a Rotary Club focused on assisting women and children in Canada and across the world and a mentor to international and female MBA students.