July 8th 2026 – CIPS, Canada’s Association of IT Professionals, proudly announces the induction of two new Fellows: Blake Kanewischer, FCIPS, I.S.P., ITCP and Karen Lopez, FCIPS. This honour recognizes their outstanding contributions to the advancement of Canada’s IT profession and dedicated service to CIPS.
CIPS Fellow Membership is the highest honour awarded by CIPS and recognizes exceptional leadership, service, and professional excellence. Fellow Members have agreed to uphold the highest standards of ethics and professional conduct and help to promote CIPS and the association’s initiatives and causes. CIPS Fellow Members have the honour of using the designation “FCIPS” after their name.
This year’s CIPS Fellows Electoral Committee included Trekker Armstrong FCIPS, I.S.P. (ret.), Gerald Caissy B.C.S., MSc. I.S., FCIPS, I.S.P. (ret.), Jon Nightingale Hon. FCIPS, I.S.P. (ret.), and Stephen Ibaraki FCIPS, I.S.P., ITCP. Following a thorough review, both nominees were unanimously approved by the Board of Directors.
Blake Kanewischer, FCIPS, I.S.P., ITCP
Blake Kanewischer is the Academic Chair for Mathematics, Engineering, Sciences, and Philosophy at the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT), where he provides academic leadership for institution-wide mathematics, statistics, science, and philosophy curriculum. His career spans more than 25 years across higher education, information systems, project management, organizational leadership, and public-sector technology.
Blake has been an active CIPS volunteer since 2016, and a member since 1998. He currently serves as Chair of the Computing and IT Accreditation Canada Council, (CITAC), following service as Vice-Chair of its predecessor, ISTAC, and Council Member. He has participated in accreditation reviews across Canada and internationally and has reviewed more than 500 professional certification applications through the CIPS Certification Council Education Subcommittee, helping advance professional standards in information systems education and practice.
Blake’s scholarly and professional interests focus on artificial intelligence, responsible management, technology governance, and higher education. He is a PhD candidate in Management at Saint Mary’s University, where his research examines managerial sense-making surrounding artificial intelligence, equity, diversity, inclusion, and organizational change. He is also a co-author of the forthcoming seventh edition of Business Ethics in Canada and regularly presents on artificial intelligence, management education, and educational innovation.
Canadian Information Processing Society
- Chair, Computing and IT Accreditation Canada Council (2026–Present)
- Vice-Chair, Information Systems and Technology Accrediting Council (2024–2025)
- Council Member, Information Systems and Technology Accrediting Council (2016–2023)
- Reviewer, Certification Council Education Subcommittee (reviewed 500+ professional certification applications)
Current and Previous Positions
- Academic Chair, Mathematics, Engineering, Sciences, and Philosophy, Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (2024–Present)
- Academic Chair, Information Technology Services, Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (2022)
- Academic Chair, Fast-Track Programs, Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (2021–2022)
- Instructor, Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (2015–2024)
- Sessional Instructor, University of Lethbridge (2011–Present)
- Director, Information Services, Alberta New Home Warranty Program (2014–2015)
- IT, Business Management, and Project Management roles, The City of Calgary (1999–2014)
Professional and Community Service
- Divisional Officer and Reviewer, Administrative Sciences Association of Canada
- Reviewer, Academy of Management
- Mentor / Member, Project Management Institute
- Mentor / Mentor Advisory Group Member,Member, Calgary Region Immigrant Employment Council
Karen Lopez has over 35 years of industry experience as a Senior Project Manager, Analyst, and Data Architect, including more than 25 years as Principal of InfoAdvisors. Her role involves leading complex data governance and data architecture initiatives for both commercial and government clients.
She has also held significant leadership roles within the profession, including Director of Professional Standards for CIPS, and service on the CIPS National Board and Executive Committee. Her continued involvement in accreditation councils, including participation in over 15 Canadian and 2 international accreditation reviews, demonstrates sustained leadership and influence in the ICT profession.
Qualifications
- Karen Lopez holds a Bachelor of Science in Computer Information Systems from Purdue University, providing a solid academic foundation in ICT.
- She maintains multiple professional certifications, including Microsoft Certified Trainer, Microsoft Certified Data Engineer, and Microsoft MVP Data Platform, reflecting ongoing commitment to professional development and technical excellence.
- She is an active member of several professional organizations, including CIPS, DAMA International (Lifetime Advisor), and ACM (Senior Member), demonstrating long-standing engagement with the ICT profession.
Research, Development and Application of ICT
- Karen Lopez has contributed to the advancement of ICT through publications on enterprise architecture, data management, and analytics, as well as through extensive professional speaking engagements at conferences and industry events.
- She has delivered numerous community talks, training sessions, and workshops, particularly in the areas of databases, data governance, and data architecture.
- Her professional work focuses on advancing data governance and management practices, helping organizations improve efficiency, quality, and reliability of data systems.
- She has also contributed to the development and promotion of industry frameworks and standards through advisory roles, including participation with Zachman International and DAMA International.
Achievement
- Karen Lopez has been directly responsible for numerous successful data and IT projects across a wide range of organizations, delivering measurable improvements in data governance and system effectiveness.
- She has made outstanding contributions to the promotion of ICT through community engagement, including founding and managing professional discussion groups with thousands of members, and participating in public education and outreach initiatives.
- Her long-standing involvement in accreditation and professional standards activities has contributed significantly to the advancement of ICT education and professional practice in Canada and internationally
Celebrating Excellence in IT
The induction of Blake Kanewischer and Karen Lopez into the CIPS Fellows community recognizes their extraordinary careers, lifelong commitment to professionalism, and significant contributions to Canada’s IT sector. Both honourees exemplify the values of leadership, service, and innovation that define a CIPS Fellow.
CIPS extends its congratulations to Blake and Karen for this prestigious achievement and thanks them for their continued dedication to strengthening the IT profession in Canada.
Learn more about CIPS Fellows at cips.ca/fellows