Polytechnics Canada Names Sarah Watts-Rynard as New CEO
OTTAWA, May 8, 2018 /CNW/ - Following a national search, Polytechnics Canada welcomes Sarah Watts-Rynard as its next Chief Executive Officer, effective, July 30, 2018. Watts-Rynard will succeed Nobina Robinson, who is retiring after nine years of serving the association that advocates on behalf of Canada's leading colleges, polytechnics and institutes of technology.
"We have found a strong leader and articulate advocate who will advance the cause of polytechnics in Canada and show how our members contribute to Canadian applied research and workforce development," said Dr. Chris Whitaker, Chair of the Board of Directors. "Ms. Watts-Rynard joins Polytechnics Canada at a time when we're having an important national conversation on talent, skills and innovation, and the need for polytechnic education is greater than ever."
Watts-Rynard is currently the Executive Director of the Canadian Apprenticeship Forum (CAF). While at CAF, she has raised the profile of the skilled trades in Canada, while also collaborating with a range of education and industry partners to make CAF the premier research body for apprenticeship. Watts-Rynard's communications and research experience will benefit Canada's polytechnics in bringing national attention to the many economic and social benefits of applied, advanced education.
"Postsecondary education in Canada is much more than a choice between college or university. Polytechnic education blends classroom and work-integrated learning in a way that addresses the demands of the labour market. Polytechnics Canada is a voice for this system, ensuring that all levels of government and all Canadians are aware of the important contribution Canada's polytechnics are making to both the economy and to learners," said Watts-Rynard.
The Board of Directors of Polytechnics Canada sincerely thanks Nobina Robinson for the many successes and achievements, and her devotion to the association and its cause during her time as CEO.
About Polytechnics Canada:
Polytechnics Canada is celebrating its fifteenth anniversary in 2018, an occasion which will be marked at our upcoming Annual Conference on May 15, 2018 hosted by Sheridan at its Davis Campus in Brampton.
As of July 30, 2018 Sarah Watts-Rynard can be reached at [email protected]
Polytechnics Canada is the voice of leading research-intensive, publicly funded colleges and institutes of technology. Located in Canada's key economic regions, the members of Polytechnics Canada are: British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT), Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU), Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT), SAIT, Saskatchewan Polytechnic, Red River College, Fanshawe, Conestoga, Sheridan, Humber, George Brown, Seneca, and Algonquin Colleges.
SOURCE Polytechnics Canada
Frank Tersigni, Manager, Events and Communications, Polytechnics Canada, 613-656-1538, [email protected]
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