SAIT Polytechnic selects next President and CEO

Dr. David G. Ross to succeed Irene Lewis

CALGARY, Nov. 19, 2012 /CNW/ - SAIT Polytechnic's Board of Governors is pleased and proud to introduce Dr. David G. Ross as the institute's 16^th President and CEO, effective March 18, 2013.

SAIT's Board was unanimous in their selection of Dr. Ross after an extensive and very competitive international search that began last December when Irene Lewis announced her intention to retire.

The search process included consultation with industry and community partners, as well as SAIT faculty, staff and students.

"There was an extraordinary selection of candidates, which speaks highly to SAIT's reputation worldwide," says SAIT Board Chair and selection committee leader Bill Lingard. "Numerous candidates spoke to how Alberta is Canada's economic engine and how SAIT is providing the skilled people needed to drive that engine.

"The Board of Governors was particularly impressed with Dr. Ross' credentials and character — making him an ideal fit to lead SAIT into the future."

Dr. Ross holds a Doctor of Philosophy from the University of Nebraska; a Master of Aquaculture from Simon Fraser University; and both a Master of Business Administration and a Bachelor of Science from Dalhousie University.  Altogether, he brings more than 20 years of leadership experience in higher education to SAIT.

Currently, Dr. Ross is the President and CEO of Langara College in Vancouver. Prior to that, he was Vice-President of Administration, Student Services and Chief Financial Officer at Surrey's Kwantlen Polytechnic University.

"I am thrilled to be joining SAIT Polytechnic," says Dr. Ross. "SAIT has proven over the years to be an innovative institution with a strong reputation for developing industry-ready graduates.  With the recent opening of the Trades and Technology Complex, I couldn't ask for a better time to join such an exceptional institution."

Dr. Ross is excited to get to know the SAIT community and its partners, and to work with them to have SAIT recognized globally as a premier polytechnic — setting the standard in education, training and innovation.

He acknowledges that he has big shoes to fill as SAIT President and CEO Irene Lewis prepares to retire after 15 years of exemplary service.

"Irene is an exceptional leader who has truly transformed SAIT," says Dr. Ross. "SAIT is already recognized as one of the top polytechnic institutions in Canada — and it's on the way to taking its place among the best of its kind anywhere."

"I'm delighted with the selection of Dr. Ross," says Lewis. "I believe the breadth and depth of his experience and his authentic nature make him a great fit for SAIT."

Lewis will continue as SAIT's President and CEO until Ross' arrival.

About SAIT Polytechnic
SAIT Polytechnic is one of Canada's most exciting destinations for post-secondary education, offering more than 100 career programs that position people for success in technology, trades and business. A leader in innovation, SAIT also collaborates with industry on applied research and delivers corporate training worldwide. www.sait.ca

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SOURCE: SAIT Polytechnic