Chelsea Platzke joined GIFS in 2021 as the Head of People and Strategy and transitioned to Director of Business Development and Innovation in December 2025. The change reflects her leadership of GIFS’ Business & Innovation (B&I) team and her expanded focus on driving the institute’s business strategy and strengthening its long-term position within the food and agriculture innovation ecosystem.

Prior to GIFS, Chelsea has worked with the University of Saskatchewan (USASK) since 2012 providing human resource support to a number of colleges and units including the College of Medicine, University Library, College of Law, Edwards School of Business, and the College of Engineering.  Prior to USask, she has worked as a Manager of Scheduling and Payroll Services with the Heartland Health Region, now a member of the Saskatchewan Health Authority, as well as held a Human Resource Specialist position with West Wind Aviation.  Prior to commencing her career she travelled extensively and taught English in Kaohsiung, Taiwan.

She holds a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Saskatchewan, a Certified Human Resource Professional (CPHR) designation and she is a Certified Leadership Coach.