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About NorQuest
 
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Governing Board

Gail Stepanik-Keber, Community Board Member Ross Undershute, Community Board Member Steven LePoole, Community Board Member Dr. Wayne Shillington, President & CEO Dorte Weber Gillian Young Cory Wosnack, Community Board Member Linda Mabbott, Community Board Member Brent Agerbak Jennifer Chicoyne Lynn Faulder Ms. Wendy Kinsella, Board Chair

Board of Governors Overview

NorQuest College became board governed in 1998 and operates under the authority of the Post Secondary Learning Act and is responsible to the Minister of Advanced Education. The Board has 14 members and provides leadership for what the organization needs to accomplish - the results or outcomes. This results-based approach takes the Board away from day-to-day issues of administration. The “how-to” approach, such as process, programs and services, are the job of the President/CEO, who is appointed by the Board of Governors.

The Post Secondary Learning Act legislates the appointment of Board members.  In summary the Board shall consist of the following:

Appointed by the Minister of Alberta Advanced Education:

1 academic staff member nominated by the academic staff association;
1 student nominated by the students' council; and
1 member of the non-academic staff who is not engaged in the administration of the college nominated by non-academic staff

Appointed by the Lieutenant Governor in Council:

10 public members, 1 of whom shall be designated chairperson

Automatic appointment:

The President of the College

An individual appointed as a Board member holds office for a term not to exceed three years.  An individual may continue to hold office after the expiry of their term until they are reappointed; until their successor is reappointed; or for a period of three months (whichever comes first).  Board members may only serve two terms unless three years have passed since their second term expired. 

Board Manual

The Board Manual outlines further information including an explanation of the governance model, board committees, and board by-laws.

Board Meetings

Regular Board Meetings   [ + open ]

Monday, November 16, 2009
Monday, February 22, 2010
Monday, May 10, 2010
Monday, June 21, 2010

Time:  5:00 p.m.
Location: Rooms 808 and 809
Main Campus
Unless otherwise noted
Note: Guests are welcome to attend the Public Session of the Board meetings, as observers, however seating is limited so it is recommended that you contact the Executive Coordinator if you wish to attend
Board Strategic Planning Session/Retreat   [ + open ]
Time:  Monday, March 15, 2010
8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Location: TBD
Note: The Board Strategic Planning Session/Retreat is a closed meeting.
Board Standing Committee Meetings   [ + open ]

There are 4 Board Standing Committees:

  1. Finance and Audit Committee
  2. Governance Committee
  3. Infrastructure Committee
  4. Strategy Committee

Note: The Board Standing Committee meetings are considered closed meetings.

Please contact the Coordinator of Board Operations if you wish to attend, as seating is limited.

All board meetings will be held in room A808/809 at 5:00 p.m. unless otherwise indicated. For agendas, minutes, and other information please contact the Board Offfice:

Coordinator, Board Operations
Executive Office
Room 222, 10215 - 108 Street
Edmonton, AB T5J 1L6

Phone: (780) 644-5907
Email: louise.shulko@norquest.ca

 

Board Members

Ms. Wendy Kinsella, Board Chair

Board Chair
Public Member

1st term
Jul. 2004 Jul. 2007

2nd term
Aug. 2007 – Aug. 2010

Wendy Kinsella

Serving as Chair of the NorQuest College Board of Governors since 2004, Wendy is involved in several other boards including the Capital Health Board, where she has served as Vice-chair since 2006, the Advisory Board of the Edmonton YMCA, and the Honorary Board of the Edmonton Sports Council.

Prior to her board involvement, Wendy was a Ward 1 Councillor for the City of Edmonton before retiring from politics in October of 2001. She served as Assistant Deputy Minister in the Labour Department and Executive Director of the Alberta Human Rights Commission.

A graduate of the University of Alberta, Wendy has held numerous professional and volunteer positions including being elected to the University Senate and serving as Senate liaison to the Board of Governors. Wendy’s passion for her community also extends to the following organizations: Edmonton Northlands Board of Directors, 2001 World Championships in Athletics Local Organizing Committee, Jasper Place Gateway Foundation, Edmonton Public Library Board, YWCA Board of Directors and president of her local community league.

Ross Undershute, Community Board Member

Board Vice ChairPublic Member

1st term
Mar. 2004 – Mar. 2007

2nd term
May. 2008 – May. 2010

Ross Undershute
President & CEO, Funds Administrative Service Inc.

Ross Undershute is a graduate of both the University of Alberta and the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology and holds a CMA designation. Currently, Ross is the President and Chief Executive Officer of a leading third party benefits administration company with offices in Edmonton, Alberta and Oakville, Ontario. Prior to joining his current firm, Ross was the Chief Operating Officer with a public company that was the largest owner, operator and consolidator of Medical Imaging Clinics in Canada. It was through his prior company that Ross was introduced to NorQuest College.

Ross currently resides in Sherwood Park with his wife Lana and their 2 daughters Camryn and Avarey.

Dr. Wayne Shillington, President & CEO

President & CEO

Dr. Wayne Shillington

Dr. Wayne Shillington has had a tremendous impact on Alberta’s post-secondary system for more than 30 years.

Starting his career as a teacher in Saskatchewan, Dr. Shillington moved to Alberta in the late ‘70s where he spent 20 years at Lakeland College in northeastern Alberta, including serving in the role of academic vice-president.

Throughout his career, Dr. Shillington has maintained a strong commitment to ensuring everyone has an opportunity for a post-secondary education. He has worked extensively with outreach program delivery and pioneered the use of distance education technology and alternate learning models. Dr. Shillington’s own educational successes include a Masters degree in Curriculum and Instruction, and a PhD in Educational Leadership from Gonzaga University in Washington State.

In 1998, Dr. Shillington became President of NorQuest College (formerly Alberta Vocational College). His leadership and vision has led to significant expansion of NorQuest programs and partnerships with the community, business and other post-secondary institutions. Today, NorQuest College is a recognized innovator and leader in business, industry and health careers training, English language and adult literacy, and workplace programs to assist newcomers in transitioning to the workforce.

Dr. Shillington believes in investing in his community and does so as a volunteer with a variety of community organizations, including the Riverview Rotary Club, Vibrant Communities Edmonton, and the United Way. His involvement extends to the Edmonton Chamber of Commerce, Edmonton Economic Development Corporation and the Edmonton Downtown Business Association. In fact, Dr. Shillington’s community involvement is one of the reasons NorQuest has emerged as a key contributor to the economic and social development of the Edmonton region.

Dr. Shillington and his wife Marcy are active supporters of Edmonton’s arts and cultural community and throughout the year, they attend a variety of fundraising events in support of many charitable causes.

Dorte Weber

Academic Staff Member

1st term
Apr. 2008 – Apr. 2010

Dorte Weber

Dorte Weber graduated from the University of Alberta with a B. Ed. in 1983 and an M. Ed. in 2006. She has been coordinator of English as a Second Language (ESL) Intensive at NorQuest College since 2005. Prior to coming to NorQuest, she taught English as a Second Language at Grant MacEwan University in Edmonton. Dorte has particular experience in curriculum development, and testing and assessment.

In addition to the NorQuest College Board of Governors, Dorte also sits on the Accreditation Committee of the Board of Alberta Teachers of English as a Second Language and serves as Vice President on the Riverdale Housing Coop Board.

Gillian Young

Non-Academic Staff Member

1st term
Apr. 2008 – Apr. 2010

Gillian Young

Gillian Young is the Student Aid and Awards Officer for NorQuest College. Gill has been with NorQuest College for 23 years and brings a wealth of experience to the Board.

After starting in NorQuest’s Distribution Centre, Gill was promoted to Manager of the Student Store.  She later moved to the Office of the Registrar where she started in the new position of Student Financial Aid Officer. Gill continues to help students receive financial assistance through awards, scholarships and bursaries. She is located in the Student Services Office at the Main Campus Downtown.

Gill’s previous board experience includes serving as director of her condominium board.

Steven LePoole, Community Board Member

Public Board Member

1st term
Dec. 2003 – Dec. 2006

2nd term
Mar. 2007 – Mar. 2010

Steven LePoole
President, Diversity Technologies Corporation

Steven graduated from the University of Alberta with a B.A. (Honours) in History and an MBA. He then took the OPM Program (Executive Education) from the Harvard Business School. Steven started working for Hollimex Products Ltd. and Diversity Technologies Corporation, a family owned company, in 1972 and has been the president and chairman of the Board since 1988.

Steven is an active member of the community. In addition to his valued service as a member of the NorQuest College Board of Governors, Steven has volunteered his time with the Canadian Association of Chemical Distributors, the Alberta Baroque Music Foundation, the Alberta Baroque Music Society, and the International Council of Chemical Trader Associations.

Steven hobbies including: traveling, classical and baroque music, sailing, ship models, walking, fine wines, and antique maps.

Gail Stepanik-Keber, Community Board Member

Public Board Member

1st term
Jul. 2004 – Jul. 2007

2nd term
Aug. 2007 – Aug. 2010

Gail Stepanik-Keber
Vice President Marketing, Servus Credit Union

Gail Stepanik-Keber is the Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer for Servus Credit Union. Appointed to the NorQuest College Board of Governors in 2005, Gail brings strong entrepreneurial skills to the board.

A t Servus, Gail leads a large team responsible for research and product development, marketing services, brand development, relationship marketing, electronic marketing, community investment and corporate communications. She is also a member of the Servus Credit Union leadership team responsible for strategic and operational advancements.

Gail’s past professional experience has taken her to Malaysia and Indonesia where she lived and worked abroad for many years.  As general manager of a marketing communications company, Gail’s clients included Fuji Xerox, Philip Morris, Cathay Pacific and Disney.

Linda Mabbott, Community Board Member

Public Board Member

1st term
Nov. 2005 – Nov. 2008

2nd term
Dec. 2008 – Dec. 2011

Linda Mabbott

Linda Mabbott is a management professional with a wide range of experience in workforce issues relevant to the Edmonton region. She developed and managed the Skills Invest flagship for Edmonton Economic Development, ensuring current regional workforce information is available to appropriate groups so that collaborative innovative solutions could be developed to help deal with workforce issues. Linda has a particular interest in Aboriginal and Immigration workforce and workplace opportunities.

Linda is also a former teacher with a Bachelor of Education degree from the University of Alberta and graduate studies from Oregon State University.

She has been actively involved in the Edmonton community, having served on numerous boards such as the Edmonton Art Gallery, the Children's Health Centre of Northern Alberta, Minerva, the Capital Health Authority and St. John Ambulance Council of Alberta.

Cory Wosnack, Community Board Member

Public Board Member

1st term
Nov. 2005 – Nov. 2008

2nd term
Dec. 2008 – Dec. 2011

Cory Wosnack
Partner, Avison Young

Cory Wosnack is a Partner with Avison Young and is in his 15th year with the firm. As one of Edmonton’s most active agents, Cory is an industry leader who has brokered more than 1,000 transactions during his impressive career.   

Cory is also a community leader actively involved in a variety of community and charitable organizations. As an active member of the NorQuest College Board of Governors, Cory sits on two sub-committees:  infrastructure and strategy. He is also a member of The Support Network Foundation Board and the Downtown Business Association’s business recruitment committee.

Jennifer Chicoyne

Student Member

1st term
Jun. 2009 – Jun. 2010

Jennifer Chicoyne
Student, NorQuest College

Jennifer Chicoyne is a 22-year-old student enrolled in the Ben Calf Robe Upgrading program at NorQuest College. With ambitions for a career in nursing, Jennifer is a motivated and compassionate person who is always thinking about how she can help other people.

A member of the NorQuest College Students’ Council since October 2008, Jennifer enjoys representing her fellow students and being an active part of student government. Her priorities are her studies, volunteering and raising her daughter. Jennifer intends to graduate from the NorQuest Licensed Practical Nurse program in 2011, and hopes her educational success one day inspires her daughter to achieve her own educational dreams.

Brent Agerbak

Public Board Member

1st term
Dec 2008 – Dec 2011

Brent Agerbak

Brent is a graduate of the University of Alberta School of Business, with a Bachelor of Commerce Degree in Finance and Marketing. As a director with CIBC Commercial Banking, Brent is responsible for managing a broad array of mid-market public and private sector businesses across Edmonton and Northern Alberta.  With 10 years experience in senior debt and corporate finance, Brent advises on best practices and financing solutions geared to achieving growth.

 Brent is a newly appointed member of the NorQuest Board of Governors and is involved in numerous community related and charitable events in Edmonton.

Brent currently resides in Edmonton with his wife Erin and daughter Olivia.

Jodi Abbott

Public Board Member

1st term
Dec 2008 – Dec 2011

Jodi Abbott

Jodi’s career path within the Canadian health care system has been exciting and diverse. After successfully completing a Masters and PhD in Educational Psychology at the University of Alberta, Jodi launched her career in Rehabilitation Service before moving into Chronic Disease Management as Executive Director at the Canadian Diabetes Association.

Jodi's career continued with Executive Director positions in Alberta Health and Wellness prior to assuming the role of Vice President, Operational Policy & Integration Division at Alberta Health Services in Edmonton. Most recently she was appointed Senior Vice President, Performance Improvement with Alberta Health Services.

Of Jodi’s passions, her love of skating is at the forefront, where she holds a position as Vice President of the Board of Skate Canada. She is also an International Skating Union judge in singles, pairs and dance.

Lynn Faulder

Public Board Member

1st term
Dec 2008 – Dec 2011

Lynn Faulder

In addition to serving on the NorQuest College Board of Governors, Lynn Faulder was appointed to the Alberta Gaming and Liquor Commission (AGLC) board in November 2003. She is the Chairperson of the AGLC board’s corporate governance and stakeholders committee, and served a two-year term on the board’s audit committee.

Ms. Faulder also chairs the Edmonton Appeal Panel for the Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped, Widows’ Pension, and Aids to Daily Living programs. She is a member of the roster of public members appointed to hear appeals and conduct Hearings under the Health Professionals Act.

A former director of the Royal Alexandra Hospital Foundation, Ms. Faulder has held executive positions with the Edmonton Federation of Community Leagues. She is a graduate of the Institute of Corporate Directors and holds a nursing diploma with previous experience as a surgical staff nurse.

Christopher Burrows

Public Board Member

1st term
Apr. 2008 – Apr. 2012

Christopher Burrows
Vice-President Finance, The Churchill Corporation, a publicly traded diversified construction company

Prior to joining The Churchill Corporation, Chris spent seven years with KPMG LLP in Edmonton, was a CA School of Business facilitator, and a guest lecturer and instructor of several university level courses in business.

Chris holds Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Commerce degrees from the University of Alberta and a Masters degree from the University of Saskatchewan. He is also a graduate of the University of Toronto executive program in Human Resource Management. Chris is a Canadian Chartered Accountant and an American Certified Public Accountant. He is the current chair of the ICAA working group for Early Career Chartered Accountants and has served as a director of the Centre for Family Literacy, president of the Lifesaving Society and governor of the University of Alberta.

Chris resides in Edmonton, where he is married to wife Leah. Chris is an avid black and white photographer and enjoys downhill skiing, cycling and golf.

 

 
   

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