News Release

April 27, 2010

NorQuest College announces next President & CEO, Dr. Jodi Abbott

EDMONTON – The NorQuest College Board of Governors today appointed Dr. Jodi Abbott to serve as the next president and chief executive officer of the College effective July 1, 2010.

“We are delighted to welcome Dr. Abbott as President-designate of NorQuest College,” said Board of Governors’ Chair Wendy Kinsella. “We are inspired by her vision, passion and energy, and know that she is the person to lead NorQuest into an exciting future.”

The Search Committee, led by Board of Governors Vice-Chair Lynn Faulder, worked very hard and considered many capable candidates before recommending Dr. Abbott. We thank the Committee for that effort and we thank all the candidates for their interest in our College,” said Kinsella.

“Some have been to the moon and some have studied Mars. We now have an important opportunity to leverage a strong foundation and launch our insightful strategic plan to a new galaxy,” said Dr. Jodi Abbott, President-designate of NorQuest College. “Through a passion for learning, progressive thinking and a results orientation, I look forward to this next 'quest' - moving NorQuest rapidly to being relevant, responsive and supporting students in your Community. I’ve got my ticket for the launch, how about you?”

Dr. Abbott joins NorQuest in July from her current position as Senior Vice President, Quality Performance Improvement for Alberta Health Services. Dr. Abbott’s career includes leadership roles with the Canadian Paraplegic Association of Edmonton, Vice President of Family Service for Catholic Social Services, Executive Director with the Canadian Diabetes Association, and executive director roles in Alberta Health and Wellness. Her love of skating is at the forefront and she is the Vice President of the Board of Skate Canada.

As a former member of NorQuest College Board of Governors, Dr. Abbott demonstrated progressive contributions in the development of the College’s 2010-2020 Strategic Plan. 

“This is a truly exciting time for NorQuest students and staff as the College experiences significant growth in programs and services to learners,” said Search Committee student representative Deborah Kinisky. “I believe the President designate will be most effective in meeting these new opportunities to position NorQuest as a leading community college in Alberta.” Kinisky is an award-winning, first-year student in the Mental Health Rehabilitation Diploma program.

Dr. Wayne Shillington’s retirement was announced September 2, 2009 after 13 years as NorQuest’s president and CEO. Conroy Ross Partners was hired November 30, 2009 to conduct an international presidential search. The selection process involved a search committee comprising representation from faculty, staff, students, management and the board.

 

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For more information on this release please contact

Martin Schuldhaus Communications Manager NorQuest College Office: 780-644-5924      Mobile: 780-722-9919 martin.schuldhaus@norquest.ca