Governance

Governance

Board Membership

As required by The Red River College Polytechnic Act, the Board of Governors consists of one employee selected by RRC Polytech employees; one student selected by the Students’ Association; and at least 9 but not more than 15 members recommended by the Minister of Advanced Education and Training.

Remuneration

Board members who are eligible for remuneration receive the following amounts set by the Manitoba Government:

  • Chair – $250 per month
  • Vice-Chair – $200 per month
  • Board Members – $150 per month

Employee Member

Every two years RRC Polytech staff elect a co-worker to serve on the Board of Governors. The current Employee Member’s term ends on June 30, 2025 and an election for the 2025-27 term will be held in Spring 2025.

Student Member

The RRC Polytech Students’ Association has designated its president as Student Member on the Board of Governors. The SA President is elected annually by the RRC Polytech student body.

Community Members

There are to be between 9 and 15 members appointed by the Lieutenant-Governor-in-Council upon recommendation of the Minister of Advanced Education, Skills and Immigration. As of July 2023 there are nine appointed community members.

Board Membership

Lloyd Schreyer, Chair  |  Phyllis Jarvis, Vice-Chair  |  Jacob Ahiaegbe  |  David Alao  |  Lea Clarke  |  Jeff Doneza  |  Steve Ducharme  |  Kevin Gill  |  Kristen Hudym  |  Marilyn Kenny  |  Gbolahan Oduntan  |  Vassan Aruljothi  |  Jasmine Lucero | Fred Meier, President and CEO

See the RRC Polytech Board Member History from 1993 to Present ›

Lloyd Schreyer, Chair (Appointed September 4, 2024)

Lloyd Schreyer

Lloyd Schreyer is serving his second term as Chair of RRC Polytech’s Board of Governors, having previously served on the board of RRC Polytech from 2014 to 2017. Lloyd’s commitment to the community has provided him with the opportunity to serve on several other boards, including the Board of Governors, Selkirk Mental Health Centre, the Board of Directors, Manfor Ltd (Pulp/Paper/Lumber, The Pas, Manitoba) and on the Manitoba Labour Board.

Prior to his retirement in January 2014, Lloyd enjoyed a successful career as a human resources professional with experience in HR, labour relations, collective bargaining, and as an HR consultant.

During his career, Lloyd served as Secretary to the Compensation Committee of Cabinet, Government of Manitoba, Director of Human Resources, University of Manitoba, and Business Agent, Operating Engineers Union Manitoba.

While at the University of Manitoba, Lloyd also taught collective bargaining and labour relations.

Lloyd has a Bachelor of Arts Degree and Certificate in Human Resources Management from the University of Manitoba.

Phyllis Jarvis, Vice-Chair (Appointed August 11, 2020)

Phyllis Reid-Jarvis is the CEO and founder of Ultimate Potentials Corporation. With a focus on employees and organizational success, Phyllis and her team help local, national and international organizations achieve their business, strategic and financial goals through their people by using comprehensive executive coaching principles, leadership and strategy training.

Phyllis has developed a strong appreciation and understanding of the important role post-secondary institutions play in helping to meet the needs of adult learners, the business community and the province of Manitoba. Her previous positions include being a Program Director and Instructor with the University of Manitoba’s Continuing Education.

A Professional Certified Executive Coach, who holds a Master’s degree in Public Health from the University of Manitoba’s Community Health Sciences Program, as well as certifications as a MBTI Personality Types Practitioner, and a Psychological Health and Safety Workplace Advisor; Phyllis brings this knowledge, skills and abilities to her volunteer work as a member of RRC Polytech’s Board of Governors.

Phyllis is a member of the International Coach Federation (ICF), International Coach Academy (ICA), and the American Society for Talent Development ( ASTD), The Canadian Mental Health Commission, the Caribbean Women in Information Communication committee (CWIC) and the CANTO, an ICT non-profit association, whose role is to influence the innovation and development of ICT solutions for its members, the Caribbean and the Americas.

Phyllis has served as a member of the Winnipeg Foundation’s Advisory Committee for their Nourishing Potential community program and on the national board of Breakfast for Learning, a project that focuses on ensuring school-aged to elementary aged students’ learning and academic performance are enhanced through proper nutrition.

Phyllis is very active within the African/Caribbean community in Manitoba. She is one of the founders of the Horace Patterson Foundation, an organization that raises funds to support students of African/Caribbean heritage pursue a post-secondary education. As a former Director member and member, Phyllis has worked with her fellow colleagues for 27 years to raise much needed funds that enabled several hundred students realized their academic dreams.

Phyllis is the author of several books and programs. Her most current are the Essential Performance Coaching for Leaders, Success Strategies for Working Remotely, Pathways for Sustaining Healthy Families and Pathways to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion for Organizations.

Jacob Ahiaegbe, Member (Appointed September 4, 2024)

Jacob Ahiaegbe

Jacob Ahiaegbe is the Director of Resident Care at the Betel Home Foundation. Jacob received his Bachelor of Science in Nursing as well as his Master of Business Administration at Laurentian University. He began his career as a bedside nurse in rural Ontario, working in both acute and long-term care settings. Later, he began teaching as a sessional instructor with the Cambrian College Collaborative Bachelor of Nursing Program. In 2015, Jacob moved to Manitoba and worked as a public and community health nurse in rural and remote Northern communities.

He also serves as Director of the Long Term and Continuing Care Association of Manitoba, President-Elect of the Association of Regulated Nurses of Manitoba, and as a member of the Canadian Nurses Association’s Anti-Racism Action Committee.

Through his experience as a registered nurse, Jacob has witnessed the devasting effects of social determinants of health inequities on individuals, families, and communities. From his perspective, educational institutions are essential for studying the fundamental causes and drivers of health inequities, solution development, and developing healthy public policies that promote healing and prosperity for all Manitobans, including decolonizing institutions. Jacob is committed to supporting RRC Polytech as a Board of Governors member to deliver on its mission to elevate individuals, communities and industries across Manitoba.

David Alao, Member (Appointed September 4, 2024)

Davi Alao

David Alao has nearly two decades of experience as an information technology professional, focusing on digital product management. His skills include identifying market opportunities, creating product roadmaps, and driving feature prioritization. David has delivered customer value across various industries including automotive, education, finance, logistics, and digital transformation.

As Road Ally Corporation’s founder, David utilizes his expertise in software development and product strategy to foster innovation. In addition, he leads cross-functional teams to ensure successful project execution and seamless coordination across Skip the Dishes as their Technical Program Manager.

David holds a Master of Digital Product Management from Queen’s University – Smith School of Business, and a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from Lagos State University. In addition, he holds several professional certifications, including Project Management Professional (PMP), Certified SAFe® 5 Practitioner, SAFe® 5 Advanced Scrum Master, and a certificate in Technology Entrepreneurship from Stanford University Venture Lab. He is a certified Senior Product Manager from the Product School, California as well.

David is deeply involved in community service, volunteering with the Winnipeg Police Service as a Neighbourhood Block Captain and serving on the City of Winnipeg’s Community Emergency Advisory Committee. He is an active member of the African and Nigerian communities in Manitoba, offering his time to organizations such as Africa Centre, Winnipeg, where he volunteers offering his time and advice to foster entrepreneurial development, training and education opportunities for the Black community.

During his free time, David maintains a balanced, active lifestyle by playing tennis and cycling. Regularly, he speaks on topics related to agile product management, sharing his insights on how to build and manage successful technology products.

Lea Clarke, Member (Appointed July 14, 2021)

Lea Clarke of Winnipeg is a self-employed consultant who specializes in accounting software, business management and development. She specializes in training and support of accounting software for various levels of business and government agencies.

Jeff Doneza, Member (Appointed November 14, 2017)

Jeff Doneza is a financial services consultant. His previous positions include Assistant Controller at 24-7 InTouch Contact Centres and Corporate Controller for People Corporation. Jeff’s volunteer work includes serving as Treasurer for the Manitoba Filipino Business Council.

Steve Ducharme, Member (Appointed September 4, 2024)

Steve Ducharme

Steve Ducharme is a Red Seal Steamfitter, Red Seal Plumber, Gasfitter, and an experienced Project Manager. In 2010, he founded the Piping Industry Technical College (PITC) to provide high-quality, industry-driven training for the piping trades. A proud Métis and dedicated leader, Steve currently serves as the Executive Director/President, and Quality Manager of PITC/UA Local 254.

Under his leadership, PITC has grown into an ASME Section IX pressure welding-certified and CWB certified welding testing centre for the Province of Manitoba. Steve also earned a Labour Relations Certificate from Cornell University’s ILR School.

In 2021, PITC opened a brand-new facility dedicated to the growth of the piping industry here in Manitoba.

Committed to building strong partnerships that support and grow the piping industry, Steve has collaborated with the Seven Oaks and Winnipeg School Divisions to create the Plumbing and Pipe Trades program—an initiative that offers high school students accredited pathways to Steamfitter and Plumber certification.

In addition, PITC has developed impactful partnerships with Indigenous organizations such as Urban Circle and First Peoples’ Development Inc. (FPDI), delivering targeted training in sprinkler fitting, welding, and plumbing.

Kevin Gill, Member (Appointed July 6, 2022)

Kevin Gill is the founder and President of the Staffmax group of companies. Kevin is a proud graduate of the RRC Polytech Business Administration program.

Under his leadership and vision, Kevin has grown Staffmax into one of the largest staffing and recruiting firms in Canada, led expansion into USA, Australia and Europe, and has expanded service offerings into the Healthcare Staffing and EOR/PEO services field (Employer of Record/Professional Employer Organization). Kevin is a recognized expert and requested speaker in the Staffing, Recruitment, Executive Search and Employment Industry.

Kevin is a board member of the Manitoba Employers Council, Canadian Staffing & Recruiting Association (ACSESS), a member of Business Council of Manitoba, Winnipeg Executives Association (WEA), U of M Associates and a founding Investor in YES! Winnipeg. He is a recipient of the CPHR of MB Visionary of the Year Award. He has participated in the Prime Minister of Canada’s federal budget consultation process. Kevin supports the Bear Clan Patrol, MS Society, KidsSport, United Way and others.

Kristen Hudym, Member (Appointed September 4, 2024)

Marilyn Kenny, Member (Appointed September 4, 2024)

Gbolahan (Bola) Oduntan, Member (Appointed July 6, 2022)

Gbolahan (Bola) Oduntan is passionate about service to both the community and humanity. He is the CEO and founder of STO Global Concept Inc, a humanitarian not-for-profit organization.

Gbolahan obtained his Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Plymouth in England. He is a graduate of RRC Polytech’s Business program.

Gbolahan is very active within the African community in Manitoba, most importantly the Nigerian Community. He is Secretary to the Nigerian Professional in Manitoba, a nonprofit organization committed to socioeconomic, political empowerment of Nigerian Professionals and African descents.

Gbolahan is an Insurance expert with experience in Group Life Insurance; he works with the Small Business Renewal team at Canada Life.

Vassan Aruljothi, Member (Appointed July 1, 2023)

Vassan Aruljothi was elected by the RRC Polytech staff as the Board of Governors’ Employee Member for the term July 1, 2023 – June 30, 2025. Vassan started working at RRC Polytech’s Winkler Campus in 2017 as an Instructor. In 2018, he moved to Winnipeg to assume the position of Event Coordinator under the College and Public Relations department. In 2021, Vassan became an instructor in the Welding Program with the School of Trades & Technology and is now a Work Integrated Learning Coordinator for the Mechanical Engineering Technology program.

Vassan has been a part of multiple Boards of Governance in the past, such as President of the UW Alumni Association, Chair of the Corn and Apple Festival Committee in Morden, Forks Festival Director for Pride Winnipeg, and Secretary for the Tamil Cultural Society of Manitoba.

Jasmine Lucero (Appointed May 5, 2025)

Fred Meier, President and CEO

Fred Meier joined RRC Polytech as President and CEO in July 2020. He is known for his work leading large organizations in senior management and executive roles, focusing on building positive and inclusive cultures that embrace employee engagement, innovation, and collaboration.

Fred’s past leadership within the Manitoba Public Service has impacted Manitoba’s economy, advanced indigenous inclusion, and empowered organizations inside the public service to grow, innovate, and move forward to serve Manitobans better and strengthen the province’s economy. Today Fred uses that experience to connect with employers, industry partners, faculty, staff, and students as RRC Polytech prepares to create a bold new vision and strategic plan

Fred is the sixth President and CEO in the College’s 85-year history. In addition to his role as President and CEO, Fred serves as a member of the Premier’s Economic Opportunities Advisory Board.

Fred holds a Master of Science from the University of Manitoba.

RRC Polytech campuses are located on the lands of the Anishinaabeg, Ininiwak, Anishininwak, Dakota Oyate, and Denésuline, and the National Homeland of the Red River Métis.

We recognize and honour Treaty 3 Territory Shoal Lake 40 First Nation, the source of Winnipeg’s clean drinking water. In addition, we acknowledge Treaty Territories which provide us with access to electricity we use in both our personal and professional lives.