April 1, 2017
Aisling Gamble | Communications advisor, event planner and hockey mom
“I feel like I’m planning my wedding multiple times a year, except it isn’t as stressful,” said Aisling Gamble when talking about her role on the Cumming School of Medicine’s (CSM) Communications, Media Relations and Marketing team.
If you attended the recent 50th Anniversary Celebration, you’ve participated in one of the many affairs Aisling has played a key role in organizing. As the Cumming School’s events and recognition advisor, Aisling knows a thing or two about parties, programs and promotions.
Aisling joined the CSM community in January 2001. “I had applied for five different positions, and finally nailed the fifth one,” she said. “There was just something about this place that made me want to work here. I was determined to make it happen,” she continued, noting that it was meant to be.
Over the past 17 years, she’s dabbled in a variety of roles including Dean’s Office receptionist, executive assistant, and self-study coordinator for the 2008 Undergraduate Medical Education accreditation. She has been in her current role for eight years.
“Growing up, I wanted to be a journalist; the next Mary Hart,” said Aisling with a chuckle. “I figured that if I couldn’t be famous, I’d interview the famous.”
Unknown at the time, the path Aisling was on would eventually lead her in a similar direction. In 2009, she was asked to assist with the planning of a memorial service for our former dean, Dr. Grant Gall. Shortly following, she was offered a position with the communications team and has been with the team ever since.
In addition to planning and promoting events, Aisling uses her natural writing skills to keep everyone here at the Cumming School up-to-date with the latest information. Have you ever wondered who’s behind our twice-weekly newsletter, News Digest? It’s Aisling!
Outside of work, you can find Aisling at the hockey rink. “Communications advisor, event planner and hockey mom – that about sums me up,” she said with satisfaction. Aisling is the proud mom of soon-to-be 12 year-old triplet boys. “My favourite thing to do is watch them play hockey. Aside from two months during the summer when the season is over and it isn’t on TV, hockey is our life.”
Aside from having the greatest cheerleader around, her boys also get to enjoy birthday parties, family vacations and sporting trips planned by one of the best.
Tidbits from Aisling
Name pronunciation: ASH-ling
Origin: Born in Winnipeg, spent nine years in Ireland, moved to Calgary in 2000.
Favourite foods: Prime rib, cheesecake and her mom’s sherry trifle.
Favourite colour: Blue
Pets: A yellow lab, border collie cross named Henry.
Hidden talents: Retired competitive swimmer, makes a mean scallop potato, and placed fourth in a singing competition that was judged by Sony Music executives. She sang Mandy by Barry Manilow.
Proud to support: Make a Wish Southern Alberta after one of her sons was given a life-threatening diagnosis and was granted a wish.
What the Cumming School of Medicine should do in the next 50 years: Be more visible in the community. “This place holds such a special place in my heart; everyone should know how special it is.”