Governing Board

Board Chair
Public Member

1st term
Jul. 2004 – Jul. 2007

2nd term
Aug. 2007 – Aug. 2010

Wendy Kinsella

Serving as Chair of the NorQuest College Board of Governors since 2004, Wendy is involved in several other boards including the Capital Health Board, where she has served as Vice-chair since 2006, the Advisory Board of the Edmonton YMCA, and the Honorary Board of the Edmonton Sports Council.

Prior to her board involvement, Wendy was a Ward 1 Councillor for the City of Edmonton before retiring from politics in October of 2001. She served as Assistant Deputy Minister in the Labour Department and Executive Director of the Alberta Human Rights Commission.

A graduate of the University of Alberta, Wendy has held numerous professional and volunteer positions including being elected to the University Senate and serving as Senate liaison to the Board of Governors. Wendy’s passion for her community also extends to the following organizations: Edmonton Northlands Board of Directors, 2001 World Championships in Athletics Local Organizing Committee, Jasper Place Gateway Foundation, Edmonton Public Library Board, YWCA Board of Directors and president of her local community league.

President & CEO

Dr. Jodi L. Abbott

Dr. Jodi Abbott has had an exciting and diverse career in Western Canada. Being close to community has always been important to her, and is evident in her employment and volunteer contributions.

Dr. Jodi Abbott’s career began with the Canadian Paraplegic Association in Edmonton where she became a dedicated advocate for people with disabilities, an interest she continued at Catholic Social Services where she was Vice-President of Family Service. Since 1999, Dr. Abbott has held various executive management roles primarily in the health-care system. She was Executive Director with the Canadian Diabetes Association, Prairies Area, and then Dr. Abbott’s career continued with executive director roles in Alberta Health and Wellness. In 2007, Dr. Abbott joined Capital Health as Vice-President, Operational Policy and Integration. With the inception of Alberta Health Services in 2008, she took on the role of Senior Vice-President, Quality Performance Improvement. Dr. Abbott then became the President and CEO of NorQuest College on July 1, 2010.

Dr. Abbott has made meaningful and impactful contributions through her involvement in various committees, including: to improve services available to Albertans with diabetes; in the area of chronic disease management (the World Health Organization recognized this work in 2003–2005); in the areas of health system redesign and integration, quality, patient safety and performance improvement, pandemic planning and academic medicine. The Canadian Diabetes Association has called on Dr. Abbott’s assistance in governance revitalization and on her expertise in policy and program development. Dr. Abbott also participated on the Edmonton Nominating Committee for the Premier’s Council for Economic Strategy.

Dr. Abbott has an undergraduate degree from the University of Calgary, and a master’s and PhD in Educational Psychology from the University of Alberta.

Dr. Abbott volunteers as a Vice-President of the Board of Skate Canada. She is an International Skating Union judge and was a judge at the 2010 Winter Olympic Games in Vancouver.

Dr. Abbott has been married to Michael for 27 years. They share their home with their two Yorkshire Terriers. She grew up in Edson, where much of her family still lives.

Public Board Member

1st term
Nov. 2005 – Nov. 2008

2nd term
Dec. 2008 – Dec. 2011

Linda Mabbott

Linda Mabbott is a management professional with a wide range of experience in workforce issues relevant to the Edmonton region. She developed and managed the Skills Invest flagship for Edmonton Economic Development, ensuring current regional workforce information is available to appropriate groups so that collaborative innovative solutions could be developed to help deal with workforce issues. Linda has a particular interest in Aboriginal and Immigration workforce and workplace opportunities.

Linda is also a former teacher with a Bachelor of Education degree from the University of Alberta and graduate studies from Oregon State University.

She has been actively involved in the Edmonton community, having served on numerous boards such as the Edmonton Art Gallery, the Children's Health Centre of Northern Alberta, Minerva, the Capital Health Authority and St. John Ambulance Council of Alberta.

Public Board Member

1st term
Nov. 2005 – Nov. 2008

2nd term
Dec. 2008 – Dec. 2011

Cory Wosnack
Partner, Avison Young

Cory Wosnack is a Partner with Avison Young and is in his 15th year with the firm. As one of Edmonton’s most active agents, Cory is an industry leader who has brokered more than 1,000 transactions during his impressive career.   

Cory is also a community leader actively involved in a variety of community and charitable organizations. As an active member of the NorQuest College Board of Governors, Cory sits on two sub-committees:  infrastructure and strategy. He is also a member of The Support Network Foundation Board and the Downtown Business Association’s business recruitment committee.

Public Board Member

1st term
Dec 2008 – Dec 2011

Brent Agerbak

Brent is a graduate of the University of Alberta School of Business, with a Bachelor of Commerce Degree in Finance and Marketing. As a director with CIBC Commercial Banking, Brent is responsible for managing a broad array of mid-market public and private sector businesses across Edmonton and Northern Alberta.  With 10 years experience in senior debt and corporate finance, Brent advises on best practices and financing solutions geared to achieving growth.

 Brent is a newly appointed member of the NorQuest Board of Governors and is involved in numerous community related and charitable events in Edmonton.

Brent currently resides in Edmonton with his wife Erin and daughter Olivia.

Public Board Member

1st term
Dec 2008 – Dec 2011

Lynn Faulder

In addition to serving on the NorQuest College Board of Governors, Lynn Faulder was appointed to the Alberta Gaming and Liquor Commission (AGLC) board in November 2003. She is the Chairperson of the AGLC board’s corporate governance and stakeholders committee, and served a two-year term on the board’s audit committee.

Ms. Faulder also chairs the Edmonton Appeal Panel for the Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped, Widows’ Pension, and Aids to Daily Living programs. She is a member of the roster of public members appointed to hear appeals and conduct Hearings under the Health Professionals Act.

A former director of the Royal Alexandra Hospital Foundation, Ms. Faulder has held executive positions with the Edmonton Federation of Community Leagues. She is a graduate of the Institute of Corporate Directors and holds a nursing diploma with previous experience as a surgical staff nurse.

Public Board Member

1st term
Apr. 2008 – Apr. 2012

Christopher Burrows
Chief Financial Officer, K-Bro Linen Systems Inc.

Chris is the Chief Financial Officer of K-Bro Linen Systems Inc., the largest owner and operator of laundry and linen processing facilities in Canada.  Prior to joining K-Bro, Chris spent several years with The Churchill Corporation as vice-president, Finance and Administration. Chris started his career with KPMG LLP, and has been a guest lecturer and instructor of several university courses in business.

Chris is the chair of the ICAA working group for Early Career Chartered Accountants and a Director of Goodwill Industries of Alberta.  He has also served as a director of the Centre for Family Literacy, president of the Lifesaving Society and governor of the University of Alberta. Chris holds a Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Alberta and a Masters degree from the University of Saskatchewan. He is also a graduate of the University of Toronto executive program in Human Resource Management. Chris is a Canadian Chartered Accountant and an American Certified Public Accountant.

Chris resides in Edmonton with his wife Leah. He is an avid black and white photographer and enjoys downhill skiing, cycling and golf.

Public Board Member

1st term
July 2010 – July 2013

Leslie (Lee) Ahlstrom
Partner, Ahlstrom Wright Oliver & Cooper

Lee Ahlstrom was appointed to the Board of Governors for NorQuest College by the Minister of Advanced Education and Technology on July 14, 2010.

Originally from Two Hills, Alberta, Lee’s professional career has spanned from the Canadian Armed Forces to the practice of law. He graduated in 1966 with a Bachelor of Education from the University of Alberta under the Canadian Armed Forces Regular Officer Training Plan. Lee served as a Lieutenant and platoon commander before being promoted to Captain in 1968. His postings include the #1 Canadian Brigade Group in Germany and the Canadian United Nations Contingent in Cyprus.

In 1970 Lee resigned from the regular forces to attend law school at the University of Alberta. He practiced law with the federal Department of Justice and then the City of Edmonton eventually starting his own law practice, Ahlstrom Wright Oliver & Cooper LLP in 1977 in Sherwood Park. Lee is a member of the Law Societies of Alberta, the Northwest Territories and Nunavut. Lee was appointed Queen’s Counsel in 1991. He continued to serve with the Canadian Armed Forces Reserves and retired as Lieutenant Colonel after commanding the Loyal Edmonton Regiment.

In addition to his work on the Board of Governors for NorQuest College, Lee has been a member of numerous community organizations including the Sherwood Park Kiwanis Club, St. John Ambulance and is a past president and director of the Sherwood Park & District Chamber of Commerce.

Lee and his wife of 42 years, Lore, have two children.

Public Board Member

1st term
July 2010 – July 2013

Bob Bowhay
Retired

Bob Bowhay was appointed to the Board of Governors for NorQuest College by the Minister of Advanced Education and Technology on July 14, 2010.

Bob is dedicated to creating successful organizations by improving workplace culture and empowering leaders. Before retiring from Colt Engineering Ltd. (now WorleyParsons Engineering), Bob was a former partner and board member after serving as senior vice-president. Prior to that, he was the general manager at four of Colt’s six offices, including CoSyn Technology in Edmonton, a longtime corporate partner of NorQuest College in developing new workplace programs for integrating newcomers to Canada. Bob’s career started with Mobil Oil Canada where he served in various roles upon graduation from the University of Saskatchewan in 1981 with a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering.

A strong believer in the importance of giving back to the community, Bob serves on the cabinet of the United Way of the Alberta Capital Region, the Fund Development Committee for the Centre for Family Literacy, and the Devonian Botanic Gardens Strategic Advisory Committee.  

Bob and his wife Sheryl have two children. His interests include windsurfing, sailing, kayaking, photography and travel.

Public Board Member

1st term
July 2010 – July 2013

Cynthia Hansen
Vice-President Finance, Enbridge Pipelines Inc.

Cynthia Hansen was appointed to the Board of Governors for NorQuest College by the Minister of Advanced Education and Technology on July 14, 2010.

Cynthia is the vice-president finance for Enbridge Pipelines Inc. Prior to her appointment as VP in 2007, Cynthia was director, Operations Services and has held various management positions at Enbridge since joining in 1999. Cynthia began her financial career at PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC). During her career at PwC, she completed a two-year secondment with the RCMP as a forensic accountant.

Cynthia, a Chartered Accountant and Certified Fraud Examiner, graduated from the University of Alberta in 1986 with a Bachelor of Commerce.  She is a member of both the Alberta Institute of Chartered Accountants and Financial Executives International. 

In addition to NorQuest, she is also an active member of the Board of the Canadian Energy Pipeline Association and the Edmonton chapter of Financial Executives International. Cynthia has served as treasurer and as a general board member for a variety of charitable and business organizations including Edmonton World Cup Triathlon, Heads Up Fraud Prevention Association, the Edmonton Better Business Bureau, Western Canada Spill Services, the Edmonton Chapter of the Certified Fraud Examiners Association, and Imagination Market Association.

Cynthia and her husband Joe enjoy travelling, running and playing golf.

Public Board Member

1st term
Aug. 2010 – Aug. 2012

Gordon Agopsowicz
Vice-President, New Business Development and Partnerships, Servus Credit Union

Gordon Agopsowicz was appointed to the Board of Governors for NorQuest College by the Minister of Advanced Education and Technology effective August 29, 2010.

With more than 30 years of management experience in marketing, fund development, business development, public relations and communications, Gordon has a long history of corporate and community service in the Edmonton region.

Gordon is vice-president, New Business Development and Partnerships with Servus Credit Union. Previously, he worked for Capital City Savings as an assistant vice-president, with Isotechnika Inc. as director of Investor Relations and Corporate Communications, founding executive director with the Caritas Health Group Foundation, and as a business consultant.

Gordon has a Bachelor of Administration from the University of Regina.

Prior to being appointed to the Board of Governors for NorQuest College, Gordon’s long list of community service includes volunteering with several charitable golf tournaments, Junior Achievement of Northern Alberta, and serving as a director with the Edmonton Downtown Development Corporation, Capital City Savings and Credit Union Central of Alberta.