The new chair of the Okanagan College Board of Governors starting Jan. 1 will be Summerland resident Connie Denesiuk.
Denesiuk will follow in the footsteps of Tom Styffe, who was chair of the board of governors for the past three years.
Denesiuk will be joined on the executive by Doug Manning as vice-chair.
Denesiuk joined the college board in 2012. Previously, she was chair of the Okanagan Skaha School District for nine of the 19 years she served as a school trustee. She has also served for three years as president of the B.C. School Trustees Association and a director of the Canada School Board Association. She is also the former chair of the Trail of the Okanagans
“Over the past decade, Okanagan College has become an incredible success story in the province and has earned national attention for its achievements,” said Denesiuk. “There are incredible opportunities as we move forward, and I’m pleased to be picking up where (Tom Styffe) leaves us.”
“I have seen first-hand the contribution Okanagan College makes to the region, in terms of transforming lives and communities and I know that is going to continue and intensify in the years ahead. I’m also excited to be stepping into the role at a time when we have just adopted and are about to implement a new strategic plan.”
She and husband Bob have been partners in a Summerland-based construction business for the past 30 years.
“Connie’s extensive experience in leading boards and working at the provincial and federal level on behalf of education will serve Okanagan College and the post-secondary sector well,” added Styffe. “I wrap up my tenure knowing that the board has strong leadership and a tremendous membership.”
