Board of Governors

... and I look forward to working with my board colleagues and the executive team to advance the strategic priorities of the college.” 

Karen Belaire is the President and Chief Executive Officer of Shared Services West, an organization specializing in supply chain optimization in the not-for-profit sector. Prior to joining Shared Services West, Karen served as the Chief Operating Officer at the Ontario Institute for Cancer Research, Chief Operating Officer at the London Health Sciences Centre and at St. Joseph's Health Care London, Vice President Administration for McMaster University and Vice President of Finance and Administration for St. Joseph’s Healthcare in Hamilton and for Credit Valley Hospital in Mississauga. Karen holds a CPA/CGA designation and an MBA, and she is a Chartered Director. In addition to Mohawk College, she is currently serving as a board member with the Vineland Research & Innovation Centre (Chair), GS1 Canada, Centre for Surgical Invention & Innovation, and St. Joseph’s Health System (International Outreach Program). Her past board experience includes Horizon Utilities, Theatre Aquarius, St. Peter’s Hospital, CIMTEC, Trillium Gift of Life Network, McMaster Innovation Park, Gore District Land Trust, McMaster Museum of Art, HSCN, Kids Health Links Foundation and CAA Southwestern Ontario.

... has grown into the significant leadership powerhouse it represents in our community today. I am honoured for this opportunity to serve on the Board of Governors and to contribute to shaping the exciting path forward for this extraordinary educational organization.”

Catherine Victoria (Vickie) Baird is a Healthcare executive with experience in the acute care, complex care, long-term care, and community care sectors. She has held multiple leadership roles in administration, strategic planning, operational oversight and redesign, capital planning and construction administration. Vickie is a skilled and adaptable facilitator with excellent communication and relationship building skills. She is a supportive coach and mentor who leads by example and is committed to continuous learning and ongoing professional development.

Vickie is currently the VP of Business Strategy for Thrive Group with previous leadership roles including CEO of West Lincoln Memorial Hospital and multiple senior positions during a long career with Hamilton Health Sciences. She has a master’s degree in business administration and a grounding in clinical care and experience as a Radiological Technologist.

Vickie has held multiple board positions, most recently as the Chair of the Alzheimer Society of Brant Haldimand-Norfolk Hamilton Halton.

" that I give back to the institution that was critical to my education and development. Brian Henry joined Bird Construction as Chief People Officer in February 2020. With more than two decades of experience in Human Resources Management with leading organizations like SC Johnson, Dell Technologies and Yum Brands, Brian is committed to nurturing a safe, professional, and progressive culture for people to grow and thrive.

Brian is a strategic and influential business executive with the reputation for leading transformational change, designing best-in-class workplace cultures, fostering organizational trust and building high performance teams.

He holds a Business Administration Diploma from Mohawk College and obtained his Human Resources certification at the University of Toronto and Queen’s University. He is a Master Practitioner for Heartstyles, which is a program designed to develop character and drive effective behavior in leaders. Brian is also a member of the Human Resources Professionals Association Executive Advisor Council.

... to do whatever we can to ensure that the student journey is exciting and positive. I am proud to have this opportunity to serve the college and students as a member of the Board of Governors."

Hayley Hopkins has been a Student Success Advisor with Mohawk College for five years. Prior to joining the Mohawk College team, Hayley earned a Master of Arts from McMaster University, and has continued to develop skills both personally and professionally through Mohawk College’s Continuing Education department, graduating with honours from Counselling Techniques and Career Counselling certificates.

Hayley moved to Hamilton in 2016 and calls it home now with her husband, Mitchell.

... the community. It is my pleasure to be able to work with the Board and Mohawk leadership team to create a positive experience for future generations of students. Working with such an excellent team reminds of a quote from one of my prior mentors, “We can do anything, just not alone”.”

Matthew, an accomplished insurance professional, specializes in enhancing customer experiences, driving operational efficiencies, and devising innovative strategies for business improvement.

Currently serving as the Team Leader for National Casualty and Bodily Injury at Definity Financial Corporation, Matthew has devoted over a decade to the company, assuming diverse roles. Matthew has worked as an ally and advocate for inclusivity within the LGBTQ+ Employee Group at Definity. In his capacity as the chairperson for the Promotional Ambassador Sub Committee, he actively championed and advanced a more inclusive workplace.

Matthew holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from McMaster University and is recognized as a Chartered Insurance Professional and Certified Risk Management through the Insurance Institute.

...I look forward to supporting Mohawk College through my experience and passion for driving positive change within the community and higher education.”

Yvonne Maidment is the General Manager at Gowling WLG's Hamilton Office, a leading sector-focused international law firm with a global network of over 1,500 legal professionals. As General Manager, Yvonne oversees Hamilton's business operations, encompassing finance, human resources, operations, marketing, business development, and infrastructure.

With more than 15 years’ experience in higher education, Yvonne held diverse roles at McMaster University prior to joining Gowling WLG. Notably, she was a Business Manager within the Faculty of Engineering, overseeing the McMaster-Mohawk Bachelor of Technology Partnership. She also served as Director of Administration in the School of Nursing, housing the McMaster Mohawk Bachelor of Science in Nursing Consortium.

Yvonne holds a Master of Arts in Globalization and an Honours Bachelor of Commerce from McMaster University. She also has a Diploma in Human Resources Management and a Certificate in Advanced Leadership and Management.

...with nearly 15 years of banking experience in Mexico, I believe I can help create a more inclusive and dynamic learning environment. I have always valued responsibility, teamwork, and integrity, and I am excited to be a voice for students on the Board of Governors."

Claudia was born in Mexico and grew up in Mérida before spending her last seven years in Mexico City.

An accountant with a master’s degree, she was actively involved in organizing symposiums and participating in finance-focused student groups during her academic years. With a career in banking and a passion for the financial sector, Claudia chose to pursue the Business - Financial Services program at Mohawk College.

She now resides in Hamilton with her husband, Noé, and their two dogs, Nazgul and Arwen, enjoying the exploration of Ontario's cities and culture.

Claudia's experience on various committees and boards in Mexico has strengthened her commitment to collaboration, innovation, and enhancing student life.

As a member of the Board of Governors, she is eager to contribute her experience and ideas to help improve how students learn and grow at Mohawk.

...shape the future of our city and the next generation of students.”

Shaun Padulo joined Heddle Shipyards in 2017 and assumed the role of President in June 2018.

Shaun has over 15 years of experience in marine, offshore contracting and shipyard operations. Starting his career as a deckhand on tugboats sailing on the Great Lakes, Shaun departed Canada in 2011 and held various commercial roles for the Dutch firms Dockwise Shipping B.V. and Boskalis Offshore B.V.

During his time at Dockwise, Shaun lived and worked in the Netherlands where he specialized in logistical management as well as the transportation and installation of offshore production structures. While at Boskalis, Shaun lived and worked in Houston, Texas, and focused on offshore installation projects, offshore decommissioning projects and subsea inspection, repair and maintenance projects.

Shaun is an alumnus of the Erasmus Universiteit Rotterdam, the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, and McMaster University in Hamilton. Shaun holds a Master of Science in Maritime Economics and Logistics.

As President, Shaun leads the Executive Team and is responsible for developing, communicating, and implementing the company’s strategic plan, culture, values and vision.

Gabriela is the Change Manager for the Enterprise Systems Strategy which is leading the digital transformation of Mohawk College through the modernization of systems and processes with a focus on people and service excellence. She joined the college in 2014 and has held various positions in the Human Resources Department, leading employee and organizational development. Prior to Mohawk College, Gabriela worked in healthcare and management consulting.

She holds a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Guelph, an MBA from McMaster University, and a post-graduate diploma in Adult Training and Development from the University of Toronto. She is a certified Change Management Practitioner (Prosci), Certified Human Resources Leader (CHRL) and DISC Behavioural Assessment Coach.

Gabriela is passionate about promoting diversity. Having lived on four different continents, she brings a unique perspective to her personal and professional endeavors that encourages excellence through collaboration and inclusion. She now calls Hamilton home, while continuing to travel the world with her family.

...it is about finding your passion; it is about fostering a sense of empowerment and building community. I am honoured to represent the faculty, librarians, and counsellors – those who help ignite and tend the “fire” in education. By investing in education, we invest in the future of our communities, enabling individuals to reach their full potential and contribute meaningfully to society."

Shantal Woolsey is a passionate advocate for education and community development. With a background in education and a strong commitment to social responsibility, Shantal has dedicated her career to making a positive impact in the lives of others.

Shantal holds a Master's in Education and is an Ontario Certified English Language Teacher (OCELT). She has worked at Mohawk College in various faculty roles since 1997, collaborating with students, educators, and community organizations to create meaningful and transformative experiences for learners. She currently serves as a Professor in Communication and Global Studies at Mohawk College. Shantal has contributed to the college in many ways, including serving on various projects and committees. She is a two-time Mohawk Award of Excellence recipient and has mentored many faculty and staff colleagues over the years.

Shantal is active in the community, volunteering on the Board of Flamborough Connects, as a Merit Judge at BASEF, and as a Career Coach for young women through the Women As Career Coaches program. Shantal's leadership style is characterized by collaboration, inclusivity, and a strong belief in the transformative power of education to create positive change.

...on higher education, Rick has demonstrated his commitment to accessible, inclusive, and culturally responsive education throughout his career. He has held executive-level roles at St. Lawrence College and Niagara College, where he played a key role in strategic planning and worked closely with their Boards of Governors."

Rick brings a unique diversity perspective rooted in his background growing up in the Indigenous community of Six Nations of the Grand River. Currently serving as Chief Operations Officer at Six Nations Polytechnic, he has a rich history of developing Indigenous programming and collaborating with Indigenous Education Councils at Mohawk College, St. Lawrence College, Brock University, and Niagara College. Additionally, Rick has served on a variety of Boards, particularly in community-based, not-for-profit organizations, and is committed to supporting equity-deserving groups through culturally responsive programs and services.

Paul began his Mohawk College career as a student in the late 1980s. In 1992, he joined the college as a faculty member in the Department of Medical Imaging. In 2013, Mohawk College recognized Armstrong’s career success and achievements with an Alumni of Distinction Award in the Health Sciences category.  

Paul was appointed Vice President Academic in 2016. Prior to being appointed President, he served as the college’s Chief Operating Officer (COO), a role he held since 2020. As COO, he played a crucial role in navigating the college through the global pandemic, one of the most challenging periods in the college’s history. Throughout the more than 30 years he has been with the college, Armstrong has developed and led many successful initiatives and partnerships that have contributed to its growth and provided significant benefits for students, employees, partners, and the communities it serves.

He led the development and implementation of the college’s current strategic plan. One of the key elements of this plan is the college’s ongoing work to advance Truth and Reconciliation and Equity, Diversity and Inclusion, both of which are very important to Paul. He led the development of the college’s first Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Action Plan, and has worked closely with Indigenous college and community leaders to enable programs and services that support their communities.  

Working with 15 other colleges, polytechnics and cégeps from across Canada, Armstrong helped establish Canadian Colleges for Resilient Recovery, a coalition that is working together to offer Canadians the training and skills they need to succeed in a green economy.

Paul is currently Chair of Board for Skills Ontario and a Director with Skills Canada. He is Past Chair, Board of Directors, for the Industry Education Council of Hamilton. Paul has a Master of Business Administration from Queens University and has completed the Advanced Management program from the Harvard Business School. His Mohawk College credentials include a Diploma in Medical Diagnostic Ultrasound ’89 and a Diploma in Radiological Technology ’88.