Ottawa, September 25, 2026 – Colleges and Institutes Canada (CICan) is pleased to welcome Carolyn Campbell, President and CEO of NorQuest College, as Chair of its Board of Directors, and Marie-Chantale Lortie, President, Groupe MCL – Partnerships & Financing, and Corporate Director, as Vice-Chair.
A proud Albertan, Carolyn brings extensive cross-sectoral leadership and governance experience and a deep understanding of Canada’s college and institute sector. A member of CICan’s Board since 2023 and Vice-Chair since 2024, she has helped shape the association’s strategic direction and Roadmap to 2030.
“Colleges and institutes are deeply rooted in the communities they serve, creating opportunities for learners and helping communities grow and thrive,” said Carolyn Campbell. “I’m proud to take on this role and help strengthen that impact across Canada.”
She takes on the role at a pivotal time for Canada and the sector. As the country advances major ambitions in areas such as infrastructure, housing, defence, and energy, colleges and institutes are helping build the skilled workforce and applied innovation capacity needed to turn those national ambitions into local results.
“Carolyn brings strategic perspective, collaborative leadership, creativity and a strong commitment to our sector,” said Pari Johnston, President and CEO of CICan. “Together with Marie-Chantale and our Board, I look forward to delivering on the promise of our Roadmap to 2030 and ensuring colleges and institutes are at the heart of Canada’s future, training the workforce our country needs and helping deliver on the national missions that will shape our country’s future in the decades ahead.”
Marie-Chantale, who has served as a public At-large member of CICan’s Board since 2025, brings extensive experience in strategy, financing, partnerships and governance, along with a strong private-sector and Quebec perspective to the Board’s leadership.
“I’m honoured to take on this role and to bring perspectives shaped by my experience in Quebec and the private sector,” said Marie-Chantale Lortie. “There is so much important work happening across CICan and its membership, and I want to help tell that story and make its impact better known. I’m excited to be an ambassador for the association and for the incredible work of colleges and institutes across Canada.”
CICan also extends its sincere thanks to outgoing Chair Dr. Pierre Zundel, President and CEO of the Collège communautaire du Nouveau-Brunswick, for his dedicated leadership and service.
As Chair, Pierre helped guide CICan and the sector through an important period of transition and renewal, including navigating CICan’s response to Canada’s immigration and international student reforms as well as the development and launch of CICan’s Roadmap to 2030. His steady hand helped strengthen CICan’s foundation and position the association for its next chapter.
“Pierre has been a trusted advisor and a champion for CICan and our members,” added Pari Johnston. “His thoughtful leadership and commitment to collaboration have left a lasting mark on our association. We are grateful for his service.”
With Carolyn and Marie-Chantale’s leadership, CICan’s Board will continue to oversee the Roadmap to 2030 and champion the essential role of colleges and institutes in developing Canada’s future workforce, supporting business innovation, strengthening communities, and helping build a strong and resilient country.
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About Colleges and Institutes Canada
Colleges and Institutes Canada (CICan) is the national voice of Canada’s dynamic network of public colleges, institutes, CEGEPs, and polytechnics. By convening, connecting and championing the sector, we amplify the value and impact of our members to advance priorities that matter most to Canadians. With more than 95% of Canadians living within 50 km of a member institution, and thanks to its extensive reach around the globe, CICan works to position colleges and institutes as key partners in meeting Canada’s – and the world’s – biggest challenges.
We respectfully acknowledge that CICan’s offices in Ottawa are located on the traditional and unceded territory of the Algonquin Anishinaabe Nation.
For more information
Michael McDonald
Vice-President – External and Member Relations
Colleges and Institutes Canada
Email: MMcDonald@cican.org