Gene Zwozdesky

Who is Gene Zwozdesky?

Gene Zwozdesky is a politician and current Speaker of The Legislative Assembly of Alberta, Canada.

Zwozdeksy, was born in Saskatchewan but came to Alberta at the age of two. He lived in Grand Centre, Hinton and Sangudo before moving to Edmonton, where he has lived in 1963 and where he obtain bachelor's degrees in arts and education from the University of Alberta. Before becoming involved in politics Zwozdesky worked as a teacher, administrator, professional musician and businessman. Zwozdesky joined the Ukrainian Shumka Dancers in 1963, and was dancer for that troupe for six years, before becoming the musical director, composing and conducting the music for twenty-five years, as well as serving in the same role for the Cheremosh Ukrainian Dance Company. He was involved in various other cultural organizations, was the executive director of the Alberta Cultural Heritage Foundation and the Alberta Ukrainian Canadian Centennial Commission, and has served on various voluntary boards.

Zwozdesky was first elected in the 1993 Alberta general election as the Alberta Liberal Party's candidate, defeating incumbent Marie Laing from the Alberta New Democratic Party. He was re-elected to the new riding of Edmonton Mill Creek in the 1997 Alberta general election.