Board of Governors

... I look forward to working with my Board colleagues and the Mohawk leadership team to continue to advance the priorities of the college."

Born and raised in Hamilton, Anna Filice is an accomplished leader with proven success in organizational development, strategic planning, change management and governance.

A York University graduate, Anna has an Honours BA in Linguistics and French, a post-graduate Diploma in Human Resources Management, and holds an M.B.A. She brings diverse experience from various industries including both the public and private sectors where she has overseen various human resources and corporate service departments. With a focus on systems modernization and business process improvements, Anna has led numerous transformational initiatives in her past roles as Chief Administrative Officer for the Hamilton Police Service and as a senior Human Resources Director with the City of Hamilton.

In addition to Mohawk College, Anna also sits on the Board of Directors for the Hamilton Chamber of Commerce and the Dr. Bob Kemp Hospice.

... and utilize the experiences from my 40 year career in the energy sector to help shape the strategic direction of the College."

Kathy served as Senior Vice President, Business Transformation at Alectra Utilities, the largest municipally-owned electric utility in Canada. She also served as VP Utility Operations for Horizon Utilities, overseeing all aspects of Engineering, Construction & Maintenance, and Supply Chain Management divisions. She retired in October 2021, concluding a 40-year career in the energy sector.

Kathy holds a C.E.T. designation from the Ontario Association of Certified Engineering Technicians and Technologists and was inducted as a Fellow of the Association in 2019. She is Chair of the Electricity Human Resources Canada Board of Directors, and is an influential and leading voice for removing barriers to women in the energy sector.

Kathy holds two Mohawk College diplomas: Electrical Engineering Technician – Power (1994) and Electrical Engineering Technologist - Control (1997). She was named a Distinguished Fellow and Distinguished Alumni of Mohawk College in 2019.

... and I look forward to working with my board colleagues and the executive team to advance the strategic priorities of the college." 

Karen Belaire is the President and Chief Executive Officer of Shared Services West, an organization specializing in supply chain optimization in the not-for-profit sector. Prior to joining Shared Services West, Karen served as the Chief Operating Officer at the Ontario Institute for Cancer Research, Chief Operating Officer at the London Health Sciences Centre and at St. Joseph's Health Care London, Vice President Administration for McMaster University and Vice President of Finance and Administration for St. Joseph’s Healthcare in Hamilton and for Credit Valley Hospital in Mississauga. Karen holds a CPA/CGA designation and an MBA, and she is a Chartered Director. In addition to Mohawk College, she is currently serving as a board member with the Vineland Research & Innovation Centre (Chair), GS1 Canada, Centre for Surgical Invention & Innovation, and St. Joseph’s Health System (International Outreach Program). Her past board experience includes Horizon Utilities, Theatre Aquarius, St. Peter’s Hospital, CIMTEC, Trillium Gift of Life Network, McMaster Innovation Park, Gore District Land Trust, McMaster Museum of Art, HSCN, Kids Health Links Foundation and CAA Southwestern Ontario.

... has grown into the significant leadership powerhouse it represents in our community today. I am honoured for this opportunity to serve on the Board of Governors and to contribute to shaping the exciting path forward for this extraordinary educational organization.”

Catherine Victoria (Vickie) Baird is a Healthcare executive with experience in the acute care, complex care, long-term care, and community care sectors. She has held multiple leadership roles in administration, strategic planning, operational oversight and redesign, capital planning and construction administration. Vickie is a skilled and adaptable facilitator with excellent communication and relationship building skills. She is a supportive coach and mentor who leads by example and is committed to continuous learning and ongoing professional development.

Vickie is currently the VP of Business Strategy for Thrive Group with previous leadership roles including CEO of West Lincoln Memorial Hospital and multiple senior positions during a long career with Hamilton Health Sciences. She has a master’s degree in business administration and a grounding in clinical care and experience as a Radiological Technologist.

Vickie has held multiple board positions, most recently as the Chair of the Alzheimer Society of Brant Haldimand-Norfolk Hamilton Halton.

... that I give back to the institution that was critical to my education and development." 

Brian Henry joined Bird Construction as Chief People Officer in February 2020. With more than two decades of experience in Human Resources Management with leading organizations like SC Johnson, Dell Technologies and Yum Brands, Brian is committed to nurturing a safe, professional, and progressive culture for people to grow and thrive.

Brian is a strategic and influential business executive with the reputation for leading transformational change, designing best-in-class workplace cultures, fostering organizational trust and building high performance teams.

He holds a Business Administration Diploma from Mohawk College and obtained his Human Resources certification at the University of Toronto and Queen’s University. He is a Master Practitioner for Heartstyles, which is a program designed to develop character and drive effective behavior in leaders. Brian is also a member of the Human Resources Professionals Association Executive Advisor Council.

... to do whatever we can to ensure that the student journey is exciting and positive. I am proud to have this opportunity to serve the college and students as a member of the Board of Governors."

Hayley Hopkins has been a Student Success Advisor with Mohawk College for five years. Prior to joining the Mohawk College team, Hayley earned a Master of Arts from McMaster University, and has continued to develop skills both personally and professionally through Mohawk College’s Continuing Education department, graduating with honours from Counselling Techniques and Career Counselling certificates.

Hayley moved to Hamilton in 2016 and calls it home now with her husband, Mitchell.

... the community. It is my pleasure to be able to work with the Board and Mohawk leadership team to create a positive experience for future generations of students. Working with such an excellent team reminds of a quote from one of my prior mentors, “We can do anything, just not alone.”

Matthew, an accomplished insurance professional, specializes in enhancing customer experiences, driving operational efficiencies, and devising innovative strategies for business improvement.

Currently serving as the Team Leader for National Casualty and Bodily Injury at Definity Financial Corporation, Matthew has devoted over a decade to the company, assuming diverse roles. Matthew has worked as an ally and advocate for inclusivity within the LGBTQ+ Employee Group at Definity. In his capacity as the chairperson for the Promotional Ambassador Sub Committee, he actively championed and advanced a more inclusive workplace.

Matthew holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from McMaster University and is recognized as a Chartered Insurance Professional and Certified Risk Management through the Insurance Institute.

... I look forward to supporting Mohawk College through my experience and passion for driving positive change within the community and higher education.”

Yvonne Maidment is the General Manager at Gowling WLG's Hamilton Office, a leading sector-focused international law firm with a global network of over 1,500 legal professionals. As General Manager, Yvonne oversees Hamilton's business operations, encompassing finance, human resources, operations, marketing, business development, and infrastructure.

With more than 15 years’ experience in higher education, Yvonne held diverse roles at McMaster University prior to joining Gowling WLG. Notably, she was a Business Manager within the Faculty of Engineering, overseeing the McMaster-Mohawk Bachelor of Technology Partnership. She also served as Director of Administration in the School of Nursing, housing the McMaster Mohawk Bachelor of Science in Nursing Consortium.

Yvonne holds a Master of Arts in Globalization and an Honours Bachelor of Commerce from McMaster University. She also has a Diploma in Human Resources Management and a Certificate in Advanced Leadership and Management.

... with nearly 15 years of banking experience in Mexico, I believe I can help create a more inclusive and dynamic learning environment. I have always valued responsibility, teamwork, and integrity, and I am excited to be a voice for students on the Board of Governors."

Claudia was born in Mexico and grew up in Mérida before spending her last seven years in Mexico City.

An accountant with a master’s degree, she was actively involved in organizing symposiums and participating in finance-focused student groups during her academic years. With a career in banking and a passion for the financial sector, Claudia chose to pursue the Business - Financial Services program at Mohawk College.

She now resides in Hamilton with her husband, Noé, and their two dogs, Nazgul and Arwen, enjoying the exploration of Ontario's cities and culture.

Claudia's experience on various committees and boards in Mexico has strengthened her commitment to collaboration, innovation, and enhancing student life.

As a member of the Board of Governors, she is eager to contribute her experience and ideas to help improve how students learn and grow at Mohawk.

... shape the future of our city and the next generation of students.”

Shaun Padulo joined Heddle Shipyards in 2017 and assumed the role of President in June 2018.

Shaun has over 15 years of experience in marine, offshore contracting and shipyard operations. Starting his career as a deckhand on tugboats sailing on the Great Lakes, Shaun departed Canada in 2011 and held various commercial roles for the Dutch firms Dockwise Shipping B.V. and Boskalis Offshore B.V.

During his time at Dockwise, Shaun lived and worked in the Netherlands where he specialized in logistical management as well as the transportation and installation of offshore production structures. While at Boskalis, Shaun lived and worked in Houston, Texas, and focused on offshore installation projects, offshore decommissioning projects and subsea inspection, repair and maintenance projects.

Shaun is an alumnus of the Erasmus Universiteit Rotterdam, the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, and McMaster University in Hamilton. Shaun holds a Master of Science in Maritime Economics and Logistics.

As President, Shaun leads the Executive Team and is responsible for developing, communicating, and implementing the company’s strategic plan, culture, values and vision.

... The best way to ensure progress and positive change is to be part of it.”

Gabriela is the Change Manager for the Enterprise Systems Strategy which is leading the digital transformation of Mohawk College through the modernization of systems and processes with a focus on people and service excellence. She joined the college in 2014 and has held various positions in the Human Resources Department, leading employee and organizational development. Prior to Mohawk College, Gabriela worked in healthcare and management consulting.

She holds a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Guelph, an MBA from McMaster University, and a post-graduate diploma in Adult Training and Development from the University of Toronto. She is a certified Change Management Practitioner (Prosci), Certified Human Resources Leader (CHRL) and DISC Behavioural Assessment Coach.

Gabriela is passionate about promoting diversity. Having lived on four different continents, she brings a unique perspective to her personal and professional endeavors that encourages excellence through collaboration and inclusion. She now calls Hamilton home, while continuing to travel the world with her family.

... it is about finding your passion; it is about fostering a sense of empowerment and building community. I am honoured to represent the faculty, librarians, and counsellors – those who help ignite and tend the “fire” in education. By investing in education, we invest in the future of our communities, enabling individuals to reach their full potential and contribute meaningfully to society."

Shantal Woolsey is a passionate advocate for education and community development. With a background in education and a strong commitment to social responsibility, Shantal has dedicated her career to making a positive impact in the lives of others.

Shantal holds a Master's in Education and is an Ontario Certified English Language Teacher (OCELT). She has worked at Mohawk College in various faculty roles since 1997, collaborating with students, educators, and community organizations to create meaningful and transformative experiences for learners. She currently serves as a Professor in Communication and Global Studies at Mohawk College. Shantal has contributed to the college in many ways, including serving on various projects and committees. She is a two-time Mohawk Award of Excellence recipient and has mentored many faculty and staff colleagues over the years.

Shantal is active in the community, volunteering on the Board of Flamborough Connects, as a Merit Judge at BASEF, and as a Career Coach for young women through the Women As Career Coaches program. Shantal's leadership style is characterized by collaboration, inclusivity, and a strong belief in the transformative power of education to create positive change.

... will be on ensuring our students are equipped with the skills they need to thrive in a dynamic future workforce. Working with my fellow Board members and listening to the needs of the industry, I am excited to help one of the leading Technology and Trades Institutions in Ontario navigate these challenging global changes to support the Greater Hamilton area community!"

Sean Chesney, a proud Mohawk College alumnus, brings nearly 20 years of experience as a technology leader, with a proven track record of advising and guiding organizations across a wide range of industries. His career has spanned key leadership roles, where he has helped businesses large and small navigate complex technological landscapes and embrace innovation. As a Governor of Mohawk College, Sean is deeply committed to the continued success of the institution and its students, leveraging his expertise to contribute to their future growth and development. Holding previous experience as a technology professional in industries including internet service providers, grocery, software development, logistics, media, and data center management, Sean brings key insights into the skills that employers require. As a certified cloud solutions architect Sean has grown within the industry to learn and support many specialties across the Information Technology banner.

Currently, Sean is the Director of Azure Infrastructure at Accelerate360 leading the digital modernization strategy of the North American wide Enterprise. Along with this role, Sean is also the co-founder and CEO of CrossStratus Inc, a Hamilton based technology consulting firm that assists businesses with technology solutions to solve their most challenging problems. His dedication to continued education is a driving factor in his strategy for both of these roles looking to support employees and employers with continued learning opportunities to stay relevant within an ever-changing technological landscape.

... watching my children thrive at Mohawk, I've witnessed firsthand the transformative power of education here. I'm particularly passionate about Mohawk's role in shaping the future of healthcare education and innovation. As a board member, I'm eager to leverage my experience in healthcare and community development to support Mohawk's commitment to student success, industry partnerships, and cutting-edge programs that prepare graduates for the evolving workforce. It's an honor to give back to an institution that has given so much to my family and plays such a crucial part in our region."

Gail Burns is a visionary healthcare leader with over 30 years of experience in nursing and healthcare management. Currently serving as the Director of Renal and Diabetes Programs at Halton Healthcare, she leads system-level planning and service delivery across multiple hospitals and sites in the Ontario's Central Region. Gail also holds the position of Lead Regional Director at the Ontario Renal Network, providing strategic leadership to advance the goals of the Ontario Renal Plan. Her extensive experience in renal care and kidney transplant programs has positioned her as a key figure in shaping provincial strategies for renal and transplant services across Ontario.

With an MBA in Global Leadership and a Master's in Nursing focused on adult education, Gail combines clinical expertise with business acumen. Her competencies in process optimization, resource management, and strategic planning, along with her background in healthcare education and program development, position her well to contribute to Mohawk College's Board of Governors. Additionally, Gail provides consultation on business strategy and framework development for entrepreneurs as CEO of her consulting firm. This unique blend of skills makes her particularly well-suited to contribute in areas of healthcare education, strategic planning, and fostering community partnerships at Mohawk College.

... and bring my focus of access-to-education to the institution.”

Rick Anderson is a dedicated higher education professional with over fifteen years of experience. Recently completing his Ph.D. with a focus on higher education, Rick has demonstrated his commitment to accessible, inclusive, and culturally responsive education throughout his career. He has held executive-level roles at St. Lawrence College and Niagara College, where he played a key role in strategic planning and worked closely with their Boards of Governors."

Rick brings a unique diversity perspective rooted in his background growing up in the Indigenous community of Six Nations of the Grand River. Currently serving as Chief Operations Officer at Six Nations Polytechnic, he has a rich history of developing Indigenous programming and collaborating with Indigenous Education Councils at Mohawk College, St. Lawrence College, Brock University, and Niagara College. Additionally, Rick has served on a variety of Boards, particularly in community-based, not-for-profit organizations, and is committed to supporting equity-deserving groups through culturally responsive programs and services.

Paul began his Mohawk College career as a student in the late 1980s. In 1992, he joined the college as a faculty member in the Department of Medical Imaging. In 2013, Mohawk College recognized Armstrong’s career success and achievements with an Alumni of Distinction Award in the Health Sciences category.  

Paul was appointed Vice President Academic in 2016. Prior to being appointed President, he served as the college’s Chief Operating Officer (COO), a role he held since 2020. As COO, he played a crucial role in navigating the college through the global pandemic, one of the most challenging periods in the college’s history. Throughout the more than 30 years he has been with the college, Armstrong has developed and led many successful initiatives and partnerships that have contributed to its growth and provided significant benefits for students, employees, partners, and the communities it serves.

He led the development and implementation of the college’s current strategic plan. One of the key elements of this plan is the college’s ongoing work to advance Truth and Reconciliation and Equity, Diversity and Inclusion, both of which are very important to Paul. He led the development of the college’s first Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Action Plan, and has worked closely with Indigenous college and community leaders to enable programs and services that support their communities.  

Working with 15 other colleges, polytechnics and cégeps from across Canada, Armstrong helped establish Canadian Colleges for Resilient Recovery, a coalition that is working together to offer Canadians the training and skills they need to succeed in a green economy.

Paul is currently Chair of Board for Skills Ontario and a Director with Skills Canada. He is Past Chair, Board of Directors, for the Industry Education Council of Hamilton. Paul has a Master of Business Administration from Queens University and has completed the Advanced Management program from the Harvard Business School. His Mohawk College credentials include a Diploma in Medical Diagnostic Ultrasound ’89 and a Diploma in Radiological Technology ’88.