Office of the Board of Governors
The Georgian College Board of Governors consists of 12 members, appointed by the College Compensation and Appointments Council, together with the President & CEO of the College, one student, one faculty member, one support staff member and one administrative staff member.
The Board of Governors is a corporation. In a legal sense, it is the College. The Board is a Schedule III Agency of the Government of Ontario and is accountable through the Minister of Training, Colleges and Universities to the people of Ontario.
In general, a college Board has the power to govern the College and in law, is responsible for the College's activities. However, the College administration, which derives its authority from the Board and is accountable to the Board, manages the day-to-day activities of the College.
Board Member Profiles
- Sharon Bate, Chair
- Brian Tamblyn, President and CEO
- Eric Broger, Past Chair
- Gwen Strachan, Vice Chair
- Charlotte Wallis, Vice Chair
- W. R. (Bill) Van Wyck
- Jamie Crichton
- Joe Francoz
- Bill Henry
- Terry Heittola
- Sandra Horney
- Stephen Junkin
- Pamela Krause
- Sherry Lawson
- Doug McKee
- Matt McParland
- Debbie-Jane Stansfield
Sharon Bate, Chair
Sharon Bate was appointed Chair of the Georgian College Board of Governors, effective September 1, 2009. She has been a Member of the Board since 2005, and served as Vice Chair from September 2006 through August 2009. As Vice Chair, she also served as Chair of the Community Outreach and Policy and By-Law Review Committees.
Sharon retired from the position of Director of Education and Secretary-Treasurer for the Simcoe County District School Board. While in this position, Sharon was responsible for a large portfolio that included all aspects of a dynamic public education system. She played a significant role in the establishment and success of the Child, youth and Family Services Coalition of Simcoe County. Previously, Sharon held positions of increasing responsibility within the elementary school system, including teacher, consultant, lecturer, Vice-Principal, Principal, School Superintendent, Senior Department Superintendent and Executive Officer.
Involvement in other organizations includes Director for the Toronto Foundation for Student Success and Governor for the Canadian Institute of Reading Recovery, a Director of the Board of Governors for the Geneva Centre for Autism, and a Director of the Canadian Education Exchange Foundation. In addition, Sharon also served as a member of the Child and Adolescent Community Advisory Committee for the Royal Victoria Hospital and a participant on the Georgian College Community Advisory Committee - Barrie Campus.
Brian Tamblyn, President & CEO
Appointed as Georgian College President in June 1999.
26 years of management experience at Georgian College including Vice President portfolios in Human Resources and Organizational Change, Student Services and Community and Business Development.
Active involvement on numerous provincial committees.
B.A. (Psychology), B.A.S. (Business), M.Ed. (Education), C.H.R.P. (Certified Human Resource Professional).
Orillia resident since 2005; previously lifelong Barrie resident.
Eric Broger, Past Chair
Mr. Broger was appointed to the Board of Governors on September 1, 2004. Served as Chair from September 2008 to August 2009 and previously as Vice Chair from September 2005 to August 2008.
Twenty five years experience in the field of engineering design and construction, including Vice President at Honda Mfg. and Executive Vice President at F & P Mfg. where he remained until his retirement.
BASc in Mechanical Engineering from University of Toronto.
Orillia resident.
Gwen Strachan, Vice Chair
Appointed to the Board of Governors on September 1, 2007. Has served as Vice chair since September 1, 2008.
Retired Provincial Commander, Corporate Services with the Ontario Provincial Police.
Hawkestone resident.
Charlotte Wallis, Vice Chair
Appointed to the Board of Governors on September 1, 2006. Subsequently appointed as Vice Chair effective September 1, 2009. Previously served as Chair of the Finance and Audit Committee.
Presently the Regional Manager for RBC Insurance, Ontario North and East.
Completed her MBA at Dalhousie University in 2004.
Orillia resident.
W. R. (Bill) Van Wyck
Appointed to the Board of Governors on September 1, 2008. subsequently apppointed as Chair of the Finance and Audit Committee on September 1, 2009.
Owner of Duurstede® – A Division of The W. R. Van Wyck Group Limited; management consultant/mentor to several Ontario businesses. Former owner of Van Wyck Packaging, and Blue Seas Boats Limited.
Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Toronto.
Lifelong Owen Sound resident.
Jamie Crichton
Appointed to the Board of Governors effective September 1, 2008.
Currently the Vice President, Elcan Optical Technologies in Midland, Ontario since 1999.
Chartered Accountant
Received a BA and a Diploma in Accounting from Wilfrid Laurier and also graduated from the Executive Education Program at Queen’s University.
Midhurst resident.
Joe Francoz
Appointed to the Board of Governors on September 1, 2006.
Previously self employed (Francoz Metal Corporation).
Orillia resident.
Bill Henry
Appointed to the Board of Governors on September 1, 2005.
Retired with 28 years experience in municipal property assessment.
BA, Geography from Laurentian University
Barrie resident.
Terry Heittola
Elected to the Board of Governors as the Academic Representative on September 1, 2006.
Currently employed at Georgian as the Co-ordinator of General Education. He is also the Chief Steward for the Faculty Union.
Barrie resident.
Sandra Horney
Appointed to the Board of Governors on September 1, 2009.
Currently the Director, Corporate Service for the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit in Barrie.
MSc in Nutrition and Adult Education from the University of Toronto
Barrie resident.
Stephen Junkin
Elected to the Board of Governors as the Administrative representative effective September 1, 2008.
Employed at Georgian College as the Registrar since 1999.
Received a M.Sc. from the University of Guelph and a Bachelor of Physical and Health Education from Laurentian University
Midhurst resident.
Pamela Krause
Appointed to the Board of Governors on September 1, 2009.
Since 2000, has been the Senior Legal Counsel and Director of Legal Services for the Children's Aid Society of the County of Simcoe.
L.L.M. from York University; called to the Ontario Bar in 1988
Barrie resident.
Sherry Lawson
Appointed to the Board of Governors effective September 1, 2008. Sherry previously served on the Board from 2002 to 2004.
Sherry Lawson is an author and public speaker. Named Orillia's Business Woman of the Year in 2004, she is a well-known storyteller and community volunteer.
Sherry lives on the Mnjikaning/Rama First Nation near Orillia.
Doug McKee
Appointed to the Board of Governors on September 1, 2006.
Retired elementary school teacher and Vice Principal for the Peel District Board of Education.
Owen Sound resident.
