Mohawk Executive Group

Paul Armstrong became the 9th President of Mohawk College in July 2024.

A proud alumnus, Paul began his journey at Mohawk as a student in the late 1980s. After graduating with diplomas in Radiological Technology (1988) and Medical Diagnostic Ultrasound (1989), he returned to the college as a faculty member in 1992. In 2013, his contributions to health sciences were honoured with an Alumni of Distinction Award.

Over his 30-year career at the college, Paul has played a central role in shaping the college’s growth and direction, holding senior roles, including Vice President Academic and Chief Operating Officer, and guiding Mohawk through major initiatives and forging lasting partnerships that have expanded the college’s impact on students, employers, and the communities it serves.

Paul led the development of the college’s current strategic plan, with a strong commitment to Truth and Reconciliation and Equity, Diversity and Inclusion. He was a founding member of Canadian Colleges for a Resilient Recovery (C2R2), a coalition of 16 institutions working to prepare Canadians for the low-carbon economy. He currently serves as Co-Chair of the C2R2 Governance Committee.

Paul’s extensive experience continues to serve the college well as he leads it through the transition and change affecting colleges and universities across Canada. He was recently appointed to the Board of Directors for Colleges and Institutes Canada. Paul is also the Past Chair of the Board for Skills Ontario. He is also the former Chair of the Industry Education Council of Hamilton.

He holds an MBA from Queen’s University and has completed the Advanced Management Program at Harvard Business School.

Cebert Adamson is Vice President, Academic at Mohawk College where he provides strategic leadership for the academic division including development and implementation of all academic programming through the various Schools and Centers of Excellence including Applied Research and the Centre for Experiential Learning and Partnerships. Cebert along with his VP colleagues supports over 30,000 full time, part-time and apprenticeship students.

Cebert previously served in various roles at Mohawk including his recent position as Vice President Students, International and Alumni and Dean with responsibilities for the School of Continuing Education, Academic Quality, Library and Centre for Teaching and Learning. Prior to joining Mohawk College, Cebert served as Executive Director of the Council of Community Colleges of Jamaica, Human Resources Development Manager with the University of Technology, Jamaica, and various other educational administrative and faculty jobs.

Cebert holds a Doctorate of Education from William Howard Taft University, USA. He also has a Masters of Science – Teaching and Learning from Nova Southeastern University, USA and obtained his Bachelor’s Degree in Business Education (Hons) and a Diploma in Business Education (Teacher Training Certification) from the College of Arts, Science and Technology (now University of Technology, Jamaica). Cebert is a current member of the Ontario Learn Board of Management.

Katie was appointed Vice President, Students, International and Alumni in July 2022. She oversees a dynamic portfolio that includes student services, registrarial functions, student life, marketing and recruitment, international, and alumni. The division supports the out-of-the-classroom experience of over 30,000 full-time and part-time post-secondary, Continuing Education, and apprenticeship students. Katie joined Mohawk College in 2011 as the Manager of the New Canadian and International Student Services team. She brings more than 20 years of post-secondary experience at both the college and university levels. Previous to Mohawk, Katie worked for nine years at the Rotman School of Management at the University of Toronto. Since arriving at Mohawk College, Katie has held a number of positions including Registrar and Senior Director, Strategic Enrolment Management; Director, Service Integration and International; Director, Indigenous Education and Student Services; and Director, President’s Office. Katie holds an Honours Bachelor of Arts in Linguistics (English and French) from University of Toronto and a Master’s degree in Education from Queen’s University. Katie and her family are proud to call Hamilton home.

Trish joined Mohawk College in 2011 as part of the Special Events team. In 2014, she moved into the role of Director, Office of the President overseeing the operations and administration of the President's Office. She supports the President in the development of cooperative relationships both internally and externally. In March 2020, Trish’s role expanded to include the public affairs, corporate communications and government relations portfolios. In November 2023, Trish was appointed VP Communications & External Affairs to include leadership of the marketing team and board governance for the college.

Trish has worked in the education environment at various institutions, including University of Waterloo, Old Dominion University and American University for over 25 years. Her strengths have always been logistical coordination, strategic communications and relationship building. She was able to hone these skills while working at the Embassy of Canada in Washington, DC.

Trish holds a B.A. in Drama and Speech Communication from the University of Waterloo and an M Ed. in Higher Education Administration from the College of William and Mary, in Williamsburg, VA. She is a Board Member for the Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra. She is proud to raise her family in her hometown.

Megan Mascarin is Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO) at Mohawk College. She brings over 20 years of progressive leadership experience spanning the private, municipal, university and college sectors, giving her a broad perspective on people strategy, culture, and organizational effectiveness. She is deeply committed to advancing equity, diversity and inclusion, as well as employee well-being, while aligning HR strategy with institutional goals.

Before joining Mohawk College in 2020, Megan was a member of the executive team at both Sheridan College, in the role of Vice President Human Resources and Equity, and the Town of Milton in the role of Chief Human Resources Officer.

Megan holds an Honours BA from the University of Toronto, a certificate in HR Management from Sheridan College, and an Executive Certificate in Conflict Management from the University of Windsor Faculty of Law. She also holds a Certified Human Resources Executive (CHRE) designation.

Megan is currently a Campaign Cabinet Member with the United Way Halton & Hamilton.

Lorna Somers joined Mohawk College Foundation as Executive Director in August 2022.  She is recognized internationally as a teacher and facilitator in the fields of Higher Education and Institutional Advancement, speaking at educational, cultural and charitable organizations around the world. As an accomplished and successful fundraiser, engaged in securing some of the largest charitable gifts in Canadian history, before joining Mohawk, she spent the 35 years at McMaster University, most recently in the roles of AVP, Development and Campaign Director.

From the introduction and growth of foundational programs such as Planned Giving and the Annual Fund, to the establishment of Major and Principal Giving and the introduction of recognition and stewardship programs, Somers also facilitates strategic planning, vision and case development, and team-building.

Campaign Director for two university-wide, comprehensive campaigns, both with a focus on volunteer and academic participation, Somers has also structured and led targeted campaigns for the Museum of Art, Faculty of Health Sciences, the Student Centre, and secured support for innumerable endowments establishing scholarships, bursaries, chairs, and professorships.

Deeply committed to encouraging and supporting both a campus-wide and a national culture and awareness of philanthropy, Somers and co-author Dr. Frank Minton have written the definitive Canadian fundraising text "Planned Giving for Canadians". Her volunteer leadership has been extensive and global with a three decade commitment to CCAE (Canadian Council for the Advancement of Education), CASE (Council for the Advancement and Support of Education), and CAGP (Canadian Association of Gift Planners). Her contributions have included various volunteer roles as national and regional chair, conference chair,  Board Trustee, Director, special advisor, and CASE Laureate.

Somers is the recipient of numerous international awards for excellence in teaching and leadership.  In addition to speaking on philanthropy, fundraising, and storytelling and presentation skills, Somers is a sought after speaker and coach on business, social and dining etiquette frequently working with students to improve their confidence and knowledge as they launch their careers.

Angela Zehr joined Mohawk College’s finance department in 2011 and was appointed Chief Financial Officer in January 2021. In this role, Angela provides strategic financial leadership to ensure the fiscal integrity and sustainability of the College. She leads a broad portfolio that includes controllership, financial planning and analysis, procurement, treasury and payroll services.

Angela began her career in public practice accounting and subsequently held roles in financial reporting for a publicly traded manufacturing company and in internal audit at an Ontario university. She is a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA, CA) and holds a Bachelor of Commerce, Honours degree from McMaster University.