Niagara College is pleased to announce the election of Wendy Wing, Senior Vice-President of Finance and Administration for Rankin Construction Inc. and Port Colborne Quarries Inc., and President of Rankin Renewable Power Inc., as the new Chair of NC’s Board of Governors; and that of Caroline Mann, former Vice-President of Finance for Haver & Boecker Canada (W.S. Tyler) as the new Vice-Chair.

The pair began their term on September 1, leading the College’s committed group of volunteer Governors through the 2021-22 academic year. Among the key duties of the board this year will be the approval of a new multi-year strategic plan for the college.

“I look forward to leading the Board of Governors as Chair in the year ahead, and I’m proud of my dedicated colleagues on the Board who give their time and expertise to help guide the strategic direction of the College,” said Wing. “I am proud to continue our important work alongside the outstanding leaders, faculty, staff and students of Niagara College as we position ourselves to play a significant role in the period of post-pandemic recovery in the region.”

Wing has served on NC’s Board of Governors since 2016 and was Vice-Chair during the 2020-21 academic year. She has more than 25 years of experience and leadership in construction, finance, and administration, and has been involved in the development and financing of renewable energy projects including wind and hydro. Wing plays an important strategic role when analyzing new business opportunities and proposals and measures the long-term financial impact of these investments.

She is a graduate from the Ivey Business School at Western University and is a proud supporter of the Rankin Cancer Run. Wendy and her husband Chris are the proud parents of two children.

Mann, who joined the NC Board of Governors in 2017, is a retired finance and operations executive. Mann previously led the Finance and Information Technology departments at Haver & Boecker Canada until April 2020, as well as an international team for best practices in budgeting, financial reporting, and analysis. Beginning her career in public accounting, Mann passionately enjoyed being a key decision maker with the ability to develop and implement solutions. She holds a CPA designation and an MBA from the Ivey Business School at Western University.

“I am proud to continue the great work of the Board in this leadership position, alongside the passionate faculty, staff and students who make Niagara College so extraordinary,” said Mann. “The year ahead will be a significant one for the College and our Board is eager to guide NC toward continued growth and success.”

Wing succeeds Del Rollo, who served as Chair of the Board from September 2020 to August 2021, and as Vice-Chair for the three years prior. Over the course of his tenure as Chair, Rollo supported countless virtual activities alongside the NC team including President Kennedy’s Installation in the fall of 2020, and both the fall 2020 and spring 2021 virtual convocation ceremonies.

“It is my pleasure to thank our outgoing Chair, Del Rollo, for his service to the College, and welcome our new Chair, Wendy Wing, and Vice-Chair, Caroline Mann, as they take on leadership roles with the Board of Governors,” said Niagara College President Sean Kennedy. “Year after year, our Governors dedicate remarkable time and expertise in guiding Niagara College. We are grateful to have the support and wisdom of such an exceptional group of individuals as we dream big about our future, and develop NC’s new strategic plan.”

New Board Member appointments

On behalf of the Board, Chair Wendy Wing is excited to welcome four new Governors, each bringing unique experience and expertise to the table.

Andrew Harber is the CEO of Abatement Technologies where he leads a team that designs, manufactures, and distributes specialty air filtration and containment products. The organization services several market segments including healthcare, restoration, air duct cleaning and asbestos abatement. During his 20 years with the company, Andrew has built the company’s Canadian distribution network, completed four acquisitions, implemented a culture of lean manufacturing, and expanded sales globally.

Becky Sciliberto (Support Staff Representative) has held a variety of progressive roles at Niagara College with both the corporate and international finance divisions. Her roles have included Finance Assistant, General Accountant, Student Financials Accountant, International Finance Officer, and she currently leads the International Finance team as the International Finance Coordinator. Sciliberto is a proud graduate of NC’s Business Accounting program and is currently pursuing her Bachelor of International Commerce and Global Development degree through the School of Business and Management. Sciliberto has been a member of the Niagara College support staff community for the past 11 years.

Kevin Smith started his career as a paramedic in Niagara after graduating from Niagara College in 1992 and going on to receive his Advanced Care Paramedic designation from the Michener Institute in 1998. Receiving his Bachelor of Applied Business in Emergency Services degree in 2010, Kevin has worked through various levels of the profession to his current position as Chief of Niagara Emergency Medical Services, which he has held for the past 8 years. Smith is responsible for overseeing emergency services to the 12 local municipalities that make up the Niagara Region. In addition to the land ambulance and dispatch (ACE) services, Kevin oversees the Emergency Services Division, which includes regional emergency preparedness, regional fire coordination, and regional 911 PSAP services. Smith is active in national, provincial, and regional paramedic organizations including the Academy of International Mobile Healthcare Integration (AIMHI) as President and Vice-President of the Paramedic Chiefs of Canada.

Lora Tisi, an NC alumna, is an International Retailer with over 30 years experience leading brands, growing their market share, revenue, and profit growth. She has built a successful career as a go-to expert for branding and expanding many of the retail companies popular with Canadians. Most recently, Tisi served as President of RW&CO for Reitmans Canada Limited. In 2000, Lora became President of American Eagle Outfitters, launching the brand across Canada. Prior to American Eagle, Lora spent 17 years building the four banner, two country, 900 store chain, The Northern Group. Tisi is currently exploring her mixed race Six Nations Indigenous Ancestry, creating change, hope, unity, and Self Determination for Indigenous Peoples, mentoring First Nation Companies and serving on Boards.

Harber, Sciliberto, Smith and Tisi began their three-year terms on September 1.

Niagara College offers more than 130 diploma, bachelor degree and advanced level programs; as well as more than 600 credit, vocational and general interest Part-Time Studies courses. Areas of specialization include food and wine sciences, advanced technology, media, applied health and community safety, supported by unique learning enterprises in food, wine, beer, distilling, horticulture and esthetics. For more information visit niagaracollege.ca.

Wendy Wing: Wendy Wing is the new Chair of Niagara College’s Board of Governors. Wing is the senior vice-president of finance and administration for Rankin Construction Inc. and Port Colborne Quarries Inc., and president of Rankin Renewable Power Inc.

Caroline Mann: Caroline Mann is the new Vice-Chair of Niagara College’s Board of Governors. Mann is a finance and operations executive and the former vice-president of finance of Haver & Boecker Canada (W.S. Tyler).