Mohawk Executive Group

Paul Armstrong began his tenure as the 9th President of Mohawk College in July 2024.

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.

Cebert Adamson is Vice President, Academic at Mohawk College where he provides strategic leadership for the academic division including development and implementation of all academic programming through the various Schools and Centers of Excellence including Applied Research and the Centre for Experiential Learning and Partnerships. Cebert along with his VP colleagues supports over 30,000 full time, part-time and apprenticeship students.

Cebert previously served in various roles at Mohawk including his recent position as Vice President Students, International and Alumni and Dean with responsibilities for the School of Continuing Education, Academic Quality, Library and Centre for Teaching and Learning. Prior to joining Mohawk College, Cebert served as Executive Director of the Council of Community Colleges of Jamaica, Human Resources Development Manager with the University of Technology, Jamaica, and various other educational administrative and faculty jobs.

Cebert holds a Doctorate of Education from William Howard Taft University, USA. He also has a Masters of Science – Teaching and Learning from Nova Southeastern University, USA and obtained his Bachelor’s Degree in Business Education (Hons) and a Diploma in Business Education (Teacher Training Certification) from the College of Arts, Science and Technology (now University of Technology, Jamaica). Cebert is a current member of the Ontario Learn Board of Management.

Katie was appointed Vice President, Students, International and Alumni in July 2022. She oversees a dynamic portfolio that includes student services, registrarial functions, student life, marketing and recruitment, international, and alumni. The division supports the out-of-the-classroom experience of over 30,000 full-time and part-time post-secondary, Continuing Education, and apprenticeship students. Katie joined Mohawk College in 2011 as the Manager of the New Canadian and International Student Services team. She brings more than 20 years of post-secondary experience at both the college and university levels. Previous to Mohawk, Katie worked for nine years at the Rotman School of Management at the University of Toronto. Since arriving at Mohawk College, Katie has held a number of positions including Registrar and Senior Director, Strategic Enrolment Management; Director, Service Integration and International; Director, Indigenous Education and Student Services; and Director, President’s Office. Katie holds an Honours Bachelor of Arts in Linguistics (English and French) from University of Toronto and a Master’s degree in Education from Queen’s University. Katie and her family are proud to call Hamilton home.

Trish joined Mohawk College in 2011 as part of the Special Events team. In 2014, she moved into the role of Director, Office of the President overseeing the operations and administration of the President's Office. She supports the President in the development of cooperative relationships both internally and externally. In March 2020, Trish’s role expanded to include the public affairs, corporate communications and government relations portfolios. In November 2023, Trish was appointed VP Communications & External Affairs to include leadership of the marketing team and board governance for the college.

Trish has worked in the education environment at various institutions, including University of Waterloo, Old Dominion University and American University for over 25 years. Her strengths have always been logistical coordination, strategic communications and relationship building. She was able to hone these skills while working at the Embassy of Canada in Washington, DC.

Trish holds a B.A. in Drama and Speech Communication from the University of Waterloo and an M Ed. in Higher Education Administration from the College of William and Mary, in Williamsburg, VA. She is a Board Member for the Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra. She is proud to raise her family in her hometown.

Lorna Somers joined Mohawk College Foundation as Executive Director in August 2022.  She is recognized internationally as a teacher and facilitator in the fields of Higher Education and Institutional Advancement, speaking at educational, cultural and charitable organizations around the world. As an accomplished and successful fundraiser, engaged in securing some of the largest charitable gifts in Canadian history, before joining Mohawk, she spent the 35 years at McMaster University, most recently in the roles of AVP, Development and Campaign Director.

From the introduction and growth of foundational programs such as Planned Giving and the Annual Fund, to the establishment of Major and Principal Giving and the introduction of recognition and stewardship programs, Somers also facilitates strategic planning, vision and case development, and team-building.

Campaign Director for two university-wide, comprehensive campaigns, both with a focus on volunteer and academic participation, Somers has also structured and led targeted campaigns for the Museum of Art, Faculty of Health Sciences, the Student Centre, and secured support for innumerable endowments establishing scholarships, bursaries, chairs, and professorships.

Deeply committed to encouraging and supporting both a campus-wide and a national culture and awareness of philanthropy, Somers and co-author Dr. Frank Minton have written the definitive Canadian fundraising text "Planned Giving for Canadians". Her volunteer leadership has been extensive and global with a three decade commitment to CCAE (Canadian Council for the Advancement of Education), CASE (Council for the Advancement and Support of Education), and CAGP (Canadian Association of Gift Planners). Her contributions have included various volunteer roles as national and regional chair, conference chair,  Board Trustee, Director, special advisor, and CASE Laureate.

Somers is the recipient of numerous international awards for excellence in teaching and leadership.  In addition to speaking on philanthropy, fundraising, and storytelling and presentation skills, Somers is a sought after speaker and coach on business, social and dining etiquette frequently working with students to improve their confidence and knowledge as they launch their careers.

Kim Watkins was appointed Vice President Corporate Services in December 2020. She oversees a dynamic portfolio that includes information technology, human resources, facilities, finance and ancillary services.
 
Kim joined Mohawk as the college’s Chief Financial Officer, and Treasurer of Mohawk College Foundation in July 2016. She has also served as Interim Chief Information Officer and Acting Chief Human Resources Officer. Prior to joining Mohawk, she was the Director of Finance and Controller at Canadore College in North Bay, Ontario where she provided financial leadership to the college and Canadore College Foundation for 12 years. Previous to this, she worked as the Manager of Corporate Services at North Bay Hydro Distribution and as a senior accountant at KPMG.

A Certified Professional Accountant, Kim holds an MBA from Laurentian University, a risk management certificate from the University of Toronto, and recently completed a Certificate in Human Resources Management.

Kim currently serves as a Trustee on the CAAT Pension Plan Board and is a member of the Customer Council at the OECM.