Board of Governors

His birth certificate says William, but he will quickly ask you to call him Bill. Tall, with a slim build, Cambrian College President Bill Best looks as comfortable in a suit and tie as in hiking boots and jeans. He navigates through crowds with an easy smile and quiet confidence, and like a true Maritimer, is an eager and effortless orator. His smile broadens whenever he speaks of his wife and three children.

Best hails from Nova Scotia, but spent more than 20 years living and working in New Brunswick in postsecondary education in a variety of leadership roles, most recently at the New Brunswick Community College (NBCC) in Fredericton. He has held the positions of Interim President and CEO (2009), Vice President Finance and Administration, Vice President Academic and Student Development (2010-14), Dean and Professor. Best led the amalgamation of the New Brunswick community college system, which included six individual institutions, into a single crown corporation, and was responsible for implementing an $80-million (CAD) infrastructure expansion.

In addition to his leadership skills, Best brings with him entrepreneurial experience, business acumen and a keen interest in research, which are certain to be great assets to the Sudbury community. With a focus on student success, professional collaboration and academic differentiation, he will oversee Cambrian’s new five-year strategic plan, which will concentrate on nurturing sustainability and confirming the College as a northern leader.

Best assumed leadership from Interim President Sonia Del Missier on August 5, and shortly thereafter, identified his key priorities: (i) to foster a dynamic learning environment; (ii) to strengthen strategic partnerships; and (iii) to engage community partners in order to contribute to the socio-economic growth of northern Ontario.

Best holds a Master of Education from Acadia University, as well as undergraduate degrees in education and in business administration from the University of Western Ontario and Acadia University, respectively. He, his wife and their three children chose Sudbury as their new home for its northern setting, the opportunities that Sudbury offers for quality education, and its wealth of family and lifestyle opportunities. Avid four-season outdoorspeople, the Best family enjoys ATV-riding, snowmobiling and water-skiing, as well as competitive sports such as basketball, volleyball, track and field, rowing and gymnastics.

A former Cambrian College professor, Kati is the Manager, Environmental Services at SHYFTinc./Bestech. She brings to the Board a solid knowledge of sustainability and the environment.

Her previous positions include Laurentian University’s first Manager of Energy and Sustainability and Special Advisor, Strategic Initiatives, as well as with Vale Canada Limited as Section Leader, Quality Assurance Coordinator and Senior Environmental Analyst. She has also helped develop two courses at Cambrian: Air Pollution Abatement and Air Quality Monitoring.

Kati has a Bachelor of Science – Honours Chemistry degree from Wilfrid Laurier University, a Master of Science – Chemical Sciences degree and a Master of Business Administration degree from Laurentian University.

Kati is highly involved in the Sudbury community, and also holds a volunteer position on the Science North Business Affairs Committee.

Paul Pedersen has been at the helm of the Greater Sudbury Police Service since May 5, 2014. He came to Sudbury from the York Regional Police Service. During his 35 years in policing, he has moved through progressively senior leadership positions, including Investigative Services and Community Services.

Paul holds a Master of Public Administration from Western University, as well as a diploma in Adult Education from St. Francis Xavier University. He has taught at Sheridan and Seneca colleges.

Since assuming his new position, Paul has embraced Sudbury and has been an enthusiastic supporter of many community organizations. He is vice-chair of the Sudbury Food Bank, on the Board of St. John Ambulance and the St. Joseph’s Foundation, a member of the Rotary Club and has participated in countless community events and fundraising initiatives, including the Polar Plunge for Special Olympics.

Ron Sarazin is employed at Gezhtoojig Employment and Training in Sudbury as the Special Projects Coordinator. Gezhtoojig is an Aboriginal employment agency that promotes the development of a skilled Aboriginal workforce for the needs of our industry partners.

Ron is Chair of the Anishnaabe Affairs Committee at Cambrian College, a member of the Powerline Technician Committee at Cambrian College, and a board member of the Workforce Partnership Board for Sudbury and Manitoulin. Ron sits as a member and Co-Chair of the Aboriginal Apprenticeship Board of Ontario and is Co-Chair of the Aboriginal LINK committee that is currently developing a network of skilled Aboriginal workers for the demand from industry employers. Ron works with the area secondary school OYAP coordinators and is a member of the Rainbow District School Board’s OYAP Local Advisory Committee

Ron has over 25 years of experience in employment counselling and project development both in the Federal and Aboriginal employment development initiatives, with a primary focus on apprenticeship and trades. Ron is an Honors graduate from Cambrian College’s Business Administration program and has previous work experience in the mining industry.

Presently, Ron focuses on developing industry partnerships and working with trainers/educators to align training initiatives with industry needs.

Nicole Beauparlant is a Cambrian graduate who began her career at the college in 1991.  She possesses broad and deep knowledge of current and past challenges and opportunities at Cambrian. She also has a thorough understanding of postsecondary administrative and academic processes.

Nicole has held leadership roles across a number of divisions, including Finance, International, and in the Office of the Registrar. She is known for applying an analytical and collaborative approach to find solutions that prioritize students’ interests. Nicole also serves as Co-Chair of the Internationalization Working Group, which is tasked with achieving many objectives contained in Cambrian’s Strategic Plan.

She has also served on the Committee of Registrars, Admissions & Liaison Officers; the Admissions Issues & Policies Sub-Committee; the Registrarial & Information Systems Sub-Committee; and the Ontario Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators.

Bruce Bichel is responsible for Vale’s Production Services and Support operations in Ontario. In his role, he oversees the Central Engineering, Divisional Shops, Transportation, and Capital Project Execution for Mines and Surface Plants.

He began his career in 1989 as a metallurgist in Flin Flon, MB at the HBM&S’s Smelter and over the next 7 years progressed through various production related roles. In 1996, he joined INCO working in various refinery and smelter operations and project roles. Bruce and his family relocated to Indonesia from 2005 – 2009 to work at Vale’s nickel operations. In 2011, he assumed responsibility for the Ontario Smelting and Refining operations. Bruce currently serves as a member of the Board of Directors for The Northern Centre for Advanced Technology (NORCAT).

Bruce has a Chemical Engineering degree from the University of Saskatchewan (1989) and is a registered Professional Engineer in Ontario.

Jason is a graduate of Cambrian’s Advertising Program (1995), and achieved the designation of Accredited Business Communicator from Royal Roads University in Victoria, British Columbia.

As NORCAT’s Director of Training and Development, Jason is responsible for the management and implementation of large-scale training programs and innovative delivery mechanisms to provide skills development and health and safety solutions across a variety of industries.  He has provided customized health and safety programs and solutions to clients in government, healthcare, education, mining, construction, oil and gas, among many other sectors. Jason is an active volunteer. He currently serves as Chair of Cambrian’s Animation Program Advisory Committee, and is a past president of the United Way Centraide Sudbury and District.

Cheryl Ann Corallo is the Superintendent of Business and Finance and Treasurer of the Board at the Sudbury Catholic District School Board.  Cheryl Ann has had the opportunity to work with numerous sectors during her tenure in with Public Sector Accounting with Ernst & Young, KPMG and Freelandt, Caldwell, Reilly.  She spent some time as a self-employed consultant and spent ten years with FedNor in a senior position prior to adjusting her focus from economic development to education when she joined Sudbury Catholic.

A Certified Public Accountant, Cheryl Ann graduated from the University of Toronto with a Bachelor of Arts in Commerce and Economics.  Cheryl Ann actively pursues her own professional development and has most recently completed the Ontario Supervisory Officers Executive Leadership Program through the Rotman School of Business.

Cheryl Ann has spent many hours volunteering over the years with School Councils, has volunteered as the Treasurer for the Ride for Sight (in support of Retinitis Pigmentosa research) and is a former board member with the Copper Cliff Skating Club.

Originally from North Bay, Ontario, Jonathan Duquette has lived and travelled across Canada. He settled in Sudbury 6 years ago with his wife and 4 young children. His background is in the music and audiovisual industries, including live events and audio production. Jonathan also has experience in the automotive sector as a manager and salesman in Alberta and Ontario. He is currently enrolled in his second year as a mature student at Cambrian College pursuing a Business Administration diploma. Jonathan is known for his inclusive nature, witty sense of humour, and high academic performance.

Lori has been a full-time faculty member in the Justice, Community Services, and General Studies department for 14 years.

During that time she has taught a variety of English, Psychology, and program courses, and has taken secondments as the Chair of General Studies and the Chair of the Teaching and Leaning Innovation Hub. In her former life, she worked primarily in children’s mental health and child protection.

Lori has an undergraduate degree in Psychology and English; a Master’s Degree in Interdisciplinary Studies (Focus area: work, organization, and leadership); and a Post-Graduate Certificate in Technology-Based Learning. She is presently working on a Master’s Degree in Social Work. Lori is also a certified Mental Health First Aid Trainer.

Lori has participated on a number of committees at Cambrian College, including College Council and Academic Advisory.

Born and raised in Sudbury, Maureen is a graduate of Cambrian College’s Registered Nursing Program (1986). She also holds a Bachelor Degree in Nursing from Ryerson University and a Master’s Degree in Health Administration from the University of Toronto. Over the past 30 years, Maureen has worked as an RN in both Toronto and Greater Sudbury. In 1991, she led the development of northeastern Ontario’s first HIV clinic. During her time at Health Sciences North in Greater Sudbury, Maureen has taken on numerous leadership positions. In 2015, she was named an Associate Vice President responsible for many of HSN’s clinical services. She also serves as an Adjunct Professor at with Laurentian University’s School of Nursing. Maureen is an active volunteer, serving on the boards of local, provincial, and national organizations in the fields of mental health and addictions, palliative care and HIV-AIDS care.

Sonia is a graduate of Laurentian University, holding an Honours Bachelor of Languages and Master of Business Administration. Sonia recently retired from Cambrian College, after a career of 39 years. During her time at Cambrian, Sonia served in numerous leadership capacities, including Chair of Continuing Education, Dean of Academic Support Programs, Vice President Community and International Development, Vice President, International, Applied Research, and Business Development, and Vice President Academic. In addition, she served as Interim President from October 2013 to August 2014.  An active community member, Sonia is a Governor for both Laurentian University and the Alzheimer Society – Sudbury-Manitoulin, North Bay & Districts. She is a member of the Rotary Club of Sudbury- Sunrisers and an active volunteer with the Canadian Cancer Society.

Jeanne Naponse is an educator and proud community member, Elder, and former Chief of Atikameksheng Anishnawbek, where she is a knowledge keeper of the Anishnawbek history, customs and traditions.

Jeanne is a graduate from Central Michigan State University where she received a Master’s Degree from the Department of Educational Leadership.  She is a former faculty member and academic dean at Cambrian College. During her time at Cambrian, Jeanne was an advocate for community-based delivery and was instrumental in bringing programming to Indigenous communities, through community partnerships.

Jeanne has served on numerous boards and committees, including the Union of Ontario Indians, Mamaweswen (North Shore Tribal Council), Northern Ontario School of Medicine, University of Sudbury, Social Planning Council of Sudbury, Shkagamik-kwe Health Centre, and the Kinoomaadziwin Education Body (representing 23 participating First Nations).

Philip Potgieter is the Finance Director at Glencore’s Sudbury Integrated Nickel Operations since 2018. He has more than 10 years of combined experience in the areas of Auditing, Accounting, Finance, Procurement and Business Development.
Philip joined Glencore in 2012 where he was responsible for Glencore’s Manganese Assets and based in Baar, Switzerland. Prior to joining Glencore, he worked at Ernst & Young in their mining and industrial products focus group in Johannesburg, South Africa, as well as in Rotterdam, the Netherlands.

Born and raised in South Africa, Philip is a South African Chartered Accountant and holds a B.Com. Honours Accounting degree from the University of Johannesburg. Philip has recently been appointed as a Board Member for Cambrian College, Sudbury, Ontario, Canada.

Jeff is Executive Vice President of the Manitoulin Group of Companies.  Jeff graduated from Western University in London in 1985, with a degree in Economics. After university, he joined the family business, Manitoulin Transport and Manitoulin Group of Companies, moving frequently within Ontario while managing several facilities. Jeff has particular expertise in the fields of continuous improvement, quality management, and environmental systems. Jeff is quite involved in the community, serving as a director of the Sudbury Food Bank, Sudbury Area Mining Supply and Service Association, Montessori School, and Sudbury Christian Academy.

Jessica Valiquette is a Buyer in the Purchasing Department at Cambrian College.

She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree (Laurentian University), Certified Employee Benefits Specialist Designation (IFEBP/Dalhousie University) and is currently working toward her Certified Public Procurement Professional designation.

Jessica started at Cambrian College in 2009 as a part-time clerk in the IT Department, before assuming the full-time Buyer role in August 2017. Jessica currently sits on the College Council and the Working Group for Strategic Initiative 6.3.

Jessica is the Communications Director for Opera Gala…Opera for a Cause, a charity event in which she also performs as an orchestra member. She has previously served as Vice-President of Business and Professional Women Sudbury, and was an inaugural executive member of the Ward 8 Community Action Network. When not participating, Jessica continues to volunteer at various fitness events in the community including the Northern Cancer Foundation’s Trek for Cancer, the Hypothermic Half Marathon, and the SwimRun Challenge.