George Brown College President Anne Sado is new Chair of Polytechnics Canada

TORONTO, Feb. 28, 2013 /CNW/ - Polytechnics Canada, the voice of Canada's leading post-secondary institutions dedicated to practical technological education and high-quality job creation, today announced its new Chair. George Brown College's President Anne Sado has been elected unanimously as the new Chair of the association effective immediately.

"This is an exciting time to be heading this vital organization," says Sado. "The federal government's decision-makers are increasingly acknowledging the merit of our suggestions for economic prosperity through improving support for innovation and skills. We are making a difference."  Polytechnics Canada recently presented Finance Minister Jim Flaherty with six low-cost or no-cost recommendations for inclusion in his coming federal budget. The six proposals are designed to promote innovation among small and medium-sized businesses as well as address the current and looming skills shortage in key industry sectors.

"These proposals demonstrate how our responsive colleges and polytechnics can help stimulate economic growth within the current climate of restraint," Sado says.

Sado became president of Toronto's George Brown College in 2004 after a 25-year career at Bell Canada where she rose to senior vice-president business processes and operational effectiveness. As George Brown president, Sado's achievements have won her numerous honours, including recognition last year as a Woman of Distinction in Education by the YWCA and twice as one of Canada's Most Powerful Women (2010 and 2012) by The Women's Executive Network. Last year, she also received the Queen Elizabeth Diamond Jubilee Medal for her positive impact on Toronto's socioeconomic vitality.

Currently, Sado is chair of the Ontario Research and Innovation Optical Network and sits on the boards of several other organizations, including the Toronto Region Board of Trade and the Toronto Financial Service Alliance. Previously, she chaired the Trillium Health Centre and College Ontario's Committee of Presidents, and was a board member of several charities.

Anne Sado was key to the creation of Polytechnics Canada, and is a founding Board member of the association.

An engineer, Sado holds an MBA as well as a Bachelor of Applied Science in Industrial Engineering from the University of Toronto.

Sado replaces outgoing Chair Dr. Don Wright, President of BCIT, who had served on the Board since 2008.

Located in Canada's key economic regions, the 11 member colleges and institutes of Polytechnics Canada are: BCIT, SAIT Polytechnic and NAIT in Alberta, Saskatchewan Institute of Applied Science and Technology in Saskatchewan, Red River College in Manitoba and, in Ontario: Conestoga, Sheridan, Humber, George Brown College, Seneca and Algonquin.

To see Polytechnics Canada recommendations for the federal budget of 2013, please see:
http://www.polytechnicscanada.ca/recommendations

SOURCE: Polytechnics Canada

Ken Doyle
Director of Policy
Polytechnics Canada
Tel: [phone]
E-mail: [email protected]

Joyann Callender
Media Relations Manager
George Brown College
[phone] x3159