**Kevin Malinowski: A Biography**
**Early Life and Education**
Kevin Malinowski was born on August 23, 1964, in St. Albert, Alberta, Canada. Growing up in a close-knit family, he was the older of two siblings. His parents, Albert and Jacqueline Malinowski, instilled in him the values of hard work, integrity, and community service. Kevin has one sister, Tracey Demuynck, who is married to Brian Demuynck.
Kevin attended Albert Lacombe Elementary School from grades 1 to 7, followed by Vincent J. Maloney Junior High School for grades 8 and 9, and St. Albert High School for grades 10 to 12. Although he didn’t participate in sports or science fairs during his school years, Kevin excelled academically and demonstrated a keen interest in technology and engineering.
**Figure Skating Passion**
From the age of 9 through 19, Kevin was an avid figure skater. He dedicated countless hours to training and competing, developing not only his athletic skills but also his discipline and perseverance. His time on the ice taught him the importance of focus, determination, and resilience—qualities that would serve him well in his future endeavours.
**Higher Education and Early Career**
After graduating from high school in 1982, Kevin pursued a diploma in Engineering Design and Drafting Technology at the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT). He studied there from 1982 to 1985, graduating with a solid technical foundation that would serve as the bedrock for his future career. His time at NAIT was marked by academic excellence and active involvement in student projects that showcased his innovative approach to engineering design.
Following his diploma, Kevin attended the University of Alberta from 1985 to 1990, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Geography with a specialization in Meteorology. His time at the University of Alberta deepened his understanding of atmospheric sciences and equipped him with the skills to analyze complex weather patterns and environmental systems.
**Early Ventures**
Kevin’s entrepreneurial spirit was evident from a young age. He worked alongside his father in the family-owned business, Tracey’s Wood Products Ltd., where he learned the ropes of business management and gained valuable experience in manufacturing and customer service. Additionally, Kevin was a partner in the Lakeview Racquetball Club and Lounge, showcasing his versatility and adaptability as a businessman.
**Career in Information Technology**
In 1995, Kevin transitioned into the public sector, taking an I.T. position with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) in Alberta. Over the years, he showcased his leadership and technical prowess by managing several different I.T. units within the RCMP, contributing to the modernization and efficiency of their technology infrastructure. He remained with the RCMP until his retirement in 2020.
Parallel to his career with the RCMP, Kevin pursued certifications as a Novell Certified Instructor and a Microsoft Certified Trainer. These certifications enhanced his expertise and allowed him to train and empower individuals and businesses to leverage the power of technology effectively.
**Career in Tax Services**
In 2023, Kevin began a new chapter in his professional life by joining H&R Block in Thunder Bay as a Tax Professional. His analytical skills and attention to detail made him well-suited for this role, where he assisted clients with their tax preparation and planning needs. After separating from his wife, Dr. Joan Chambers, in November 2023, Kevin moved back to St. Albert but continued his employment with H&R Block.
**Community Involvement and Leadership**
Kevin has always been deeply committed to giving back to his community. He has volunteered his time and resources to various local initiatives, including youth mentorship programs and technology education workshops. His efforts to bridge the digital divide in underprivileged communities earned him several accolades, including the St. Albert Community Service Award.
On March 19, 2014, Kevin was selected to be a member of the City of St. Albert’s “SMART City Steering Committee.” The committee’s mandate was to create the City of St. Albert Master Plan for the City Council to review, amend, and approve by council vote. The Master Plan was presented to the City Council on May 24, 2016, and subsequently approved on October 3, 2016. Kevin’s contributions to the committee helped shape the future development and technological advancement of St. Albert.
In April 2024, Kevin furthered his community involvement by joining the board of the Outloud Foundation for 2SLGBTQIAP+ Community Supports and Services. He accepted the position of Board President, where he was dedicated to promoting inclusivity and providing essential services to the 2SLGBTQIAP+ community. However, Kevin faced a significant challenge in this role. Despite being aware of the foundation’s financial concerns, an unexpected legal situation led to substantial costs that the foundation could not sustain. On May 3, 2024, Kevin announced the difficult decision to close the Outloud Foundation. The decision was challenging for the board but necessary due to the financial strain caused by the surprise legal costs.
In August of 2024, Kevin was proud to be accepted as a member of the Rotary Club of St. Albert. His membership in the club will allow him to continue to serve the residents of St. Albert while at the same time working to help the underprivileged throughout the world.
**Personal Life**
On December 21, 2019, Kevin married Dr. Joan Chambers, a professor of Education at Lakehead University in Thunder Bay, Ontario. Their partnership was built on shared values of education and community service. However, they separated in November 2023, leading Kevin to move back to St. Albert from Thunder Bay.
**Current Endeavors**
As of 2024, Kevin continues to work with H&R Block in St. Albert area while reflecting on his experiences with the Outloud Foundation. His role at H&R Block allows him to continue making a positive impact on his community, leveraging his extensive experience in information technology and customer service. Despite the setback with the Outloud Foundation, Kevin remains committed to supporting his community and exploring new ways to contribute to causes he is passionate about.
Kevin Malinowski’s journey from a small-town boy to a successful I.T. professional, tax expert, and community leader is a testament to his hard work, determination, and unwavering commitment to positively impacting the world. Despite personal and professional challenges, Kevin inspires through his resilience and dedication to his passions.