MOHAWK - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Member of the Senior Leadership Team
- Acting Director, Indigenous Initiatives & Special Advisor
Job Titles:
- Member of the Senior Leadership Team
- Dean, McKeil School of Business, School of Creative Industries, Liberal Studies & Communications
Job Titles:
- Chief Financial Officer
- Member of the Senior Leadership Team
Job Titles:
- Chairman
- Leader
- Member of the Presidential Search Committee
- Chairman, Board of Governors
"It is my honour and privilege to be able to serve on the Board of Governors for Mohawk College, an institution which is critical to the Hamilton Community and which demonstrates leadership in innovation and in providing an exceptional student experience.
Born and raised in Hamilton, Anna Filice is an accomplished leader with proven success in organizational development, strategic planning, change management and governance.
A York University graduate, Anna has an Honours BA in Linguistics and French, a post-graduate Diploma in Human Resources Management, and holds an M.B.A. She brings diverse experience from various industries including both the public and private sectors where she has overseen various human resources and corporate service departments. With a focus on systems modernization and business process improvements, Anna has led numerous transformational initiatives in her past roles as Chief Administrative Officer for the Hamilton Police Service and as a senior Human Resources Director with the City of Hamilton.
In addition to Mohawk College, Anna also sits on the Board of Directors for the Hamilton Chamber of Commerce and the Dr. Bob Kemp Hospice.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Presidential Search Committee
William (Bill) T. Chisholm Bill Chisholm is President and CEO, of Samuel, Son & Co., Limited.
Bill has spent his entire career in the steel industry. Prior to joining Samuel, Bill was with Dofasco and then ArcelorMittal. From 1980 to 2001, he served in a number of increasingly senior operations roles at Dofasco, which culminated in his appointment as President, Tubular Products Division. Soon after, he was promoted to Chief Operating Officer, ArcelorMittal Tubular Products, where he integrated the North American operations of Dofasco with the assets of Mittal Steel. He was responsible for three business units, employing more than 10,000 people and operating 26 plants in 13 countries on four continents. From 2009, until mid 2013, Bill served as Chief Executive Officer for ArcelorMittal, Mexico. He was responsible for the largest integrated steel mill in Mexico, producing four million tons of products for the global market.
Bill is a graduate of Mohawk College in Chemical Engineering Technology, and has continued his education at both McMaster University and the Ivey School of Business.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Presidential Search Committee
- Chairman, Foundation Board of Directors
Job Titles:
- Member of the Presidential Search Committee
- Bird Construction As Chief People Officer
" that I give back to the institution that was critical to my education and development. Brian Henry joined Bird Construction as Chief People Officer in February 2020. With more than two decades of experience in Human Resources Management with leading organizations like SC Johnson, Dell Technologies and Yum Brands, Brian is committed to nurturing a safe, professional, and progressive culture for people to grow and thrive.
Brian is a strategic and influential business executive with the reputation for leading transformational change, designing best-in-class workplace cultures, fostering organizational trust and building high performance teams.
He holds a Business Administration Diploma from Mohawk College and obtained his Human Resources certification at the University of Toronto and Queen's University. He is a Master Practitioner for Heartstyles, which is a program designed to develop character and drive effective behavior in leaders. Brian is also a member of the Human Resources Professionals Association Executive Advisor Council.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Senior Leadership Team
- Vice President, Academic
Job Titles:
- Outreach and Education Advisor
Job Titles:
- Digital Content Specialist
Job Titles:
- AODA Digital and Document Accessibility Specialist
Job Titles:
- Marketing Traffic Coordinator
Job Titles:
- Member of the Senior Leadership Team
- Dean, Applied Research
Job Titles:
- Member of the Senior Leadership Team
- Dean, Marshall School of Skilled Trades & Apprenticeship
Job Titles:
- Marketing Specialist - Continuing Education
Job Titles:
- Full Stack Web Developer - Drupal
Job Titles:
- Certified General Accountant
- Chartered Professional Accountant
Elysia Estee is a Chartered Professional Accountant and a Certified General Accountant. Elysia has over 25 years' experience as a corporate finance executive, and her career has spanned many industries including aviation and telecommunications, among others.
Elysia joined Mohawk's McKeil School of Business in 2018, where she is currently a professor and program coordinator for the Business - Financial Services program.
Along with her many years as a corporate finance executive, Elysia also spent over 15 years as a chief financial officer for a rapid-growth high-tech company that sold to a large public competitor, where she was a key participant in the negotiation and sale of the company. She has also spent many years volunteering her time as a board member for several not-for-profit organizations.
Job Titles:
- Content Writing Specialist
Gabriela is the Change Manager for the Enterprise Systems Strategy which is leading the digital transformation of Mohawk College through the modernization of systems and processes with a focus on people and service excellence. She joined the college in 2014 and has held various positions in the Human Resources Department, leading employee and organizational development. Prior to Mohawk College, Gabriela worked in healthcare and management consulting. She holds a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Guelph, an MBA from McMaster University, and a post-graduate diploma in Adult Training and Development from the University of Toronto. She is a certified Change Management Practitioner (Prosci), Certified Human Resources Leader (CHRL) and DISC Behavioural Assessment Coach. Gabriela is passionate about promoting diversity. Having lived on four different continents, she brings a unique perspective to her personal and professional endeavors that encourages excellence through collaboration and inclusion. She now calls Hamilton home, while continuing to travel the world with her family.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Senior Leadership Team
- Chief Business Services Officer
Hayley Hopkins has been a Student Success Advisor with Mohawk College for five years. Prior to joining the Mohawk College team, Hayley earned a Master of Arts from McMaster University, and has continued to develop skills both personally and professionally through Mohawk College's Continuing Education department, graduating with honours from Counselling Techniques and Career Counselling certificates.
Hayley moved to Hamilton in 2016 and calls it home now with her husband, Mitchell.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Senior Leadership Team
- Chief Building & Facilities Officer
Job Titles:
- Outreach and Education Advisor
Job Titles:
- Member of the Senior Leadership Team
- Dean, Continuing Education & Academic Development
Job Titles:
- Member of the Senior Leadership Team
- Dean, Engineering Technology & Aviation
Job Titles:
- Alumni & Student Communications Coordinator
Job Titles:
- Outreach and Transition Coach
Job Titles:
- Member of the Senior Leadership Team
- Dean, Centre for Community Partnerships & Experiential Learning
Job Titles:
- Marketing Specialist - Lead Generation
joanne.macdonald4 [at] mohawkcollege.ca (joanne[dot]macdonald4[at]mohawkcollege[dot]ca)
Job Titles:
- Corporate Secretary
- Member of the Senior Leadership Team
- Corporate Secretary, Office of the President
Job Titles:
- Member of the Presidential Search Committee
- President and Chief Executive Officer of Shared Services West
Karen Belaire is the President and Chief Executive Officer of Shared Services West, an organization specializing in supply chain optimization in the not-for-profit sector. Prior to joining Shared Services West, Karen served as the Chief Operating Officer at the Ontario Institute for Cancer Research, Chief Operating Officer at the London Health Sciences Centre and at St. Joseph's Health Care London, Vice President Administration for McMaster University and Vice President of Finance and Administration for St. Joseph's Healthcare in Hamilton and for Credit Valley Hospital in Mississauga. Karen holds a CPA/CGA designation and an MBA, and she is a Chartered Director. In addition to Mohawk College, she is currently serving as a board member with the Vineland Research & Innovation Centre (Chair), GS1 Canada, Centre for Surgical Invention & Innovation, and St. Joseph's Health System (International Outreach Program). Her past board experience includes Horizon Utilities, Theatre Aquarius, St. Peter's Hospital, CIMTEC, Trillium Gift of Life Network, McMaster Innovation Park, Gore District Land Trust, McMaster Museum of Art, HSCN, Kids Health Links Foundation and CAA Southwestern Ontario.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Presidential Search Committee
- Vice Chair
- Vice - Chair, Board of Governors
I always credit my Mohawk College education for giving me the technical foundation that has powered my career. I am honored to be part of the Board of Governors...
Kathy served as Senior Vice President, Business Transformation at Alectra Utilities, the largest municipally-owned electric utility in Canada. She also served as VP Utility Operations for Horizon Utilities, overseeing all aspects of Engineering, Construction & Maintenance, and Supply Chain Management divisions. She retired in October 2021, concluding a 40-year career in the energy sector.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Senior Leadership Team
- Vice President, Students & International
Job Titles:
- Manager, Web and Content Optimization
Job Titles:
- Member of the Senior Leadership Team
- Vice President, Corporate Services
Job Titles:
- Outreach and Education Advisor
Job Titles:
- Member of the Senior Leadership Team
- Registrar & Senior Director, Strategic Enrolment Management
Job Titles:
- Alumni Program & Events Assistant ( PT )
Job Titles:
- Student and Recent Alumni Engagement Officer
lindsay.rennie1 [at] mohawkcollege.ca (lindsay[dot]rennie1[at]mohawkcollege[dot]ca)
Job Titles:
- Operations Coordinator, Marketing and Recruitment
Lisa is an Educational Counsellor at Barclay Educational Services, a private guidance counselling firm for high school and postgraduate students located in Hamilton, Ontario.
Prior to joining Barclay, Lisa spent nearly 20 years teaching journalism at both the undergraduate and postgraduate level at Mohawk College and at Sheridan College in Oakville. Before beginning her teaching career, Lisa worked as a TV news reporter at various stations across the province including CHCH TV in Hamilton, and as a National News Writer for CTV.
Born and raised in Hamilton, Lisa holds a Masters in Mass Communication from the University of Leicester in the United Kingdom. She also studied Political Science and English at McMaster University, before studying journalism at Toronto Metropolitan University in Toronto.
lisa.fitzpatrick [at] mohawkcollege.ca (lisa[dot]fitzpatrick[at]mohawkcollege[dot]ca)
Job Titles:
- Member of the Senior Leadership Team
- Executive Director, Mohawk College Foundation
Job Titles:
- Member of the Senior Leadership Team
- Dean of Students & Chief Health, Wellness & Accessibility Officer
Job Titles:
- Alumni Relations Coordinator
Job Titles:
- Creative & Graphic Design Lead
... the community. It is my pleasure to be able to work with the Board and Mohawk leadership team to create a positive experience for future generations of students. Working with such an excellent team reminds of a quote from one of my prior mentors, "We can do anything, just not alone"." Matthew, an accomplished insurance professional, specializes in enhancing customer experiences, driving operational efficiencies, and devising innovative strategies for business improvement. Currently serving as the Team Leader for National Casualty and Bodily Injury at Definity Financial Corporation, Matthew has devoted over a decade to the company, assuming diverse roles. Matthew has worked as an ally and advocate for inclusivity within the LGBTQ+ Employee Group at Definity. In his capacity as the chairperson for the Promotional Ambassador Sub Committee, he actively championed and advanced a more inclusive workplace. Matthew holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from McMaster University and is recognized as a Chartered Insurance Professional and Certified Risk Management through the Insurance Institute.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Senior Leadership Team
- Chief Equity & Inclusion Officer
Job Titles:
- Acting Manager, Student and Alumni Marketing Communications
Job Titles:
- Chief Human Resources Officer
- Member of the Senior Leadership Team
michael.jerome [at] mohawkcollege.ca (michael[dot]jerome[at]mohawkcollege[dot]ca)
Job Titles:
- Director, Marketing and Creative Services
Job Titles:
- Digital & Physical Space Student Communication Support
Job Titles:
- Chief Operating Officer
- Member of the Senior Leadership Team
Job Titles:
- Marketing Traffic Support
Job Titles:
- Member of the Senior Leadership Team
- Director, Public Affairs
Job Titles:
- CEO
- Member of the Senior Leadership Team
- President
- Member of the Board of Directors for ORION
Since 2014, Ron has served as President of Mohawk College and Mohawk College Foundation in Hamilton, Ontario.
Mr. McKerlie is a member of the Board of Directors for ORION and former Chair of the Board for World Vision Canada.
Job Titles:
- Director, Student Recruitment
Job Titles:
- Member of the Senior Leadership Team
- Director, Internal Audit
roslyn.french-sanges [at] mohawkcollege.ca (roslyn[dot]french-sanges[at]mohawkcollege[dot]ca)
Job Titles:
- Outreach and Education Advisor
Job Titles:
- Member of the Senior Leadership Team
- Director, Communications & Special Events
Shantal Woolsey is a passionate advocate for education and community development. With a background in education and a strong commitment to social responsibility, Shantal has dedicated her career to making a positive impact in the lives of others.
Shantal holds a Master's in Education and is an Ontario Certified English Language Teacher (OCELT). She has worked at Mohawk College in various faculty roles since 1997, collaborating with students, educators, and community organizations to create meaningful and transformative experiences for learners. She currently serves as a Professor in Communication and Global Studies at Mohawk College. Shantal has contributed to the college in many ways, including serving on various projects and committees. She is a two-time Mohawk Award of Excellence recipient and has mentored many faculty and staff colleagues over the years.
Shantal is active in the community, volunteering on the Board of Flamborough Connects, as a Merit Judge at BASEF, and as a Career Coach for young women through the Women As Career Coaches program. Shantal's leadership style is characterized by collaboration, inclusivity, and a strong belief in the transformative power of education to create positive change.
Shaun Padulo joined Heddle Shipyards in 2017 and assumed the role of President in June 2018.
Shaun has over 15 years of experience in marine, offshore contracting and shipyard operations. Starting his career as a deckhand on tugboats sailing on the Great Lakes, Shaun departed Canada in 2011 and held various commercial roles for the Dutch firms Dockwise Shipping B.V. and Boskalis Offshore B.V.
During his time at Dockwise, Shaun lived and worked in the Netherlands where he specialized in logistical management as well as the transportation and installation of offshore production structures. While at Boskalis, Shaun lived and worked in Houston, Texas, and focused on offshore installation projects, offshore decommissioning projects and subsea inspection, repair and maintenance projects.
Shaun is an alumnus of the Erasmus Universiteit Rotterdam, the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, and McMaster University in Hamilton. Shaun holds a Master of Science in Maritime Economics and Logistics.
As President, Shaun leads the Executive Team and is responsible for developing, communicating, and implementing the company's strategic plan, culture, values and vision.
Job Titles:
- Chief Information Officer
- Member of the Senior Leadership Team
Job Titles:
- Outreach and Education Advisor
Job Titles:
- Member of the Senior Leadership Team
- Associate Vice President, International
Job Titles:
- Acting Manager, Marketing and Media Strategy
Job Titles:
- Outreach and Education Advisor
Job Titles:
- Member of the Senior Leadership Team
- Vice President, Communications & External Affairs
Job Titles:
- Healthcare Executive
- VP of Business Strategy for Thrive Group
Catherine Victoria (Vickie) Baird is a Healthcare executive with experience in the acute care, complex care, long-term care, and community care sectors. She has held multiple leadership roles in administration, strategic planning, operational oversight and redesign, capital planning and construction administration. Vickie is a skilled and adaptable facilitator with excellent communication and relationship building skills. She is a supportive coach and mentor who leads by example and is committed to continuous learning and ongoing professional development.
Vickie is currently the VP of Business Strategy for Thrive Group with previous leadership roles including CEO of West Lincoln Memorial Hospital and multiple senior positions during a long career with Hamilton Health Sciences. She has a master's degree in business administration and a grounding in clinical care and experience as a Radiological Technologist.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Senior Leadership Team
- Associate Vice President Academic & Dean, School of Health & Community Services
Job Titles:
- Director, Alumni Relations
Job Titles:
- General Manager at Gowling WLG 's Hamilton
Yvonne Maidment is the General Manager at Gowling WLG's Hamilton Office, a leading sector-focused international law firm with a global network of over 1,500 legal professionals. As General Manager, Yvonne oversees Hamilton's business operations, encompassing finance, human resources, operations, marketing, business development, and infrastructure.
With more than 15 years' experience in higher education, Yvonne held diverse roles at McMaster University prior to joining Gowling WLG. Notably, she was a Business Manager within the Faculty of Engineering, overseeing the McMaster-Mohawk Bachelor of Technology Partnership. She also served as Director of Administration in the School of Nursing, housing the McMaster Mohawk Bachelor of Science in Nursing Consortium.
Yvonne holds a Master of Arts in Globalization and an Honours Bachelor of Commerce from McMaster University. She also has a Diploma in Human Resources Management and a Certificate in Advanced Leadership and Management.