Executive Leadership Team

Role of the College's Executive Leadership Team

At College of the Rockies, our mission statement is to transform lives and enrich communities through the power of education. This statement is the guiding principle behind each and every consultative decision made by the College’s Executive Leadership Team which gives direction, leads strategy and priorities, and develops the annual operating and capital budget within the College community.

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Executive Leadership Team Members

President and CEO
David Walls

 

David Walls took the helm as College of the Rockies President and Chief Executive Officer on August 19, 2013. He holds a Master of Science, Welding Technology and Management from Aston University in Birmingham, England, and a Bachelor of Technology, Metallurgy from Brunel University in Uxbridge.

With more than 30 years’ experience in the Canadian post-secondary system, David has served as Provost and Vice-President Academic at the Saskatchewan Institute of Applied Science and Technology (SIAST) where he also held the positions of Associate Vice-President Academic and Student Affairs, and Dean of Industrial Training. Previous to that, he held progressively senior positions at the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT), including Dean of Energy and Natural Resources and Dean of Mechanical Trades and Technologies.

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Vice President, Academic and Applied Research
Robin Hicks

“I believe that education has the power to transform individual lives, families and whole communities. In this time of rapid change in society and the nature of work, I’m proud to serve the needs of the East Kootenay region.”

_{Robin Hicks joined the College in September 2019 as Vice President, Academic and Applied Research. With a Master of Arts in Psychology and a College Administration and Leadership certificate, Robin brings extensive experience in post-secondary and the broader public sector to her role.}

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Vice President, Finance and Corporate Services
Dianne Teslak

“I feel honored and privileged to be part of Team College of the Rockies.  We share a passion for helping people and communities build better futures through the power of education.  Every day our students inspire us and provide us an opportunity to be Small College Proud.”

_{Dianne Teslak has been with the College since 1993 and in the role of Vice President – Finance and Corporate Services since 2006. Dianne holds a Bachelor of Management degree as well as a CPA, CGA professional designation.}

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Vice President, Partnership & Advancement
Patricia Bowron

“I am passionate about the role that education plays in transforming lives and enriching communities while supporting regional economic development and industry competitiveness, and am honoured to support College of the Rockies on this transformation journey at home and abroad.”

_{Pat joined the College in 1997 and has been part of the executive leadership team since 2004. With a Health/Pre-Hospital Care Certificate, a Bachelor of Physical Education and a Master of Business Administration, Pat’s diverse career includes over 30 years of leadership experience in public, private and non-profit sectors.}

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Executive Director Communications and Marketing
Deborah Carty

“I’m proud to work with my marketing and communications team to help tell wonderful stories about our students, faculty and staff while showcasing the College’s diverse educational programs throughout our seven campus communities.”

_{Deb Carty joined the College in August 2019. With a Bachelor of Public Relations and a Bachelor of Arts in English, Deb brings over 20 years of diverse communications and marketing experience in both the private and public sectors to her role.}

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Executive Director Human Resources and Payroll
Laurie Calverley

"College of the Rockies' staff are talented and dedicated to our students.  When College staff shine; our students shine!

The Human Resources and Payroll teams support optimization of staff performance through staffing and workforce planning; organizational development; staff training; on-boarding and off-boarding; health, safety and wellness; abilities and claims management; policy development; positive labour relations, and, rewards and recognition.  It's an exciting time to be part of the College's growth and our students’ success stories."

<sub>Laurie Calverley joined the College in June 2019 as Executive Director of Human Resources and Payroll.  A lifelong learner - she holds a Masters degree in Social Policy for Development from the International Institute of Social Studies/Erasmus University; a Bachelor Degree in Psychology; Diploma in Human Resources Management; and Certificates in Mediation and Negotiation.  She also holds a Q.Med designation from the Alternative Disputes Resolution Institute of Canada.

Laurie began her Human Resources career in 1998 and brings with her both private and public sector experience, including:  health care, hospitality, labour relations board, and K-12 education sector experience.</sub>