Kristyn Coons
About Kristyn Coons
Kristyn Coons is a Senior Program Manager for Sustainability at Plug and Play Tech Center, where she oversees multiple startup accelerator programs. With a background in planning and development, she has contributed significantly to entrepreneurship and innovation in Alberta.
Current Role at Plug and Play Tech Center
Kristyn Coons serves as the Senior Program Manager for Sustainability at Plug and Play Tech Center, a position she has held since 2023. In this role, she oversees four startup accelerator programs, which focus on Health, Sustainability, Enterprise & AI, and Food & Beverage. Her responsibilities include managing corporate partner relationships and collaborating with government innovation agencies to promote entrepreneurship and innovation in Alberta.
Previous Experience at City of Calgary
Prior to her current position, Kristyn Coons worked at the City of Calgary from 2016 to 2022. She initially served as an Administrative Coordinator in the Planning and Development Services department for six years. Later, she transitioned to the role of Program Manager for Gender Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion, where she worked for three years. Her tenure at the City of Calgary contributed to her expertise in program management and community engagement.
Educational Background
Kristyn Coons has a diverse educational background. She studied Marketing and earned a Business Administration diploma at the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT) from 2012 to 2014. Additionally, she pursued a Bachelor of Management with a focus on Marketing at The University of Lethbridge from 2017 to 2020. Most recently, she completed a short program in Venture Capital & Early-Stage Investing at the University of Calgary in 2023.
Contributions to Plug and Play Alberta
During her time at Plug and Play Alberta, Kristyn Coons played a significant role in the successful launch of the organization. She contributed to the tripling of its employee count in under 18 months. Her efforts in fostering partnerships and driving innovation have been pivotal in establishing Plug and Play Alberta as a key player in the startup ecosystem.
Volunteer Engagement
Kristyn Coons is actively involved in volunteer work with various organizations, including the University of Alberta, Chic Geek, United Way of Calgary and Area, and Pacific Western Transportation. Her volunteer efforts reflect her commitment to community development and support for initiatives that promote diversity and inclusion.