Board of Governors
Back Row: Michael (Butch) Gering (Swift Current), Chairman George Janzen (Osler), Al Bridal (Swift Current), President and CEO Dr. David Keast
Front Row: Ray Sadler (Biggar), Marilyn Sawatzky (Herbert), Barbara Derbawka-Stevenson (Richlea/Kindersley), Vice-Chair Lana Bavle (Shaunavon)
Senior Management
President & CEO - Dr. David Keast
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President and CEO David Keast joined Great Plains College on July 1, 2012 after two years as the Director of the Edmonton Campus of the University of Lethbridge. Prior to that he was the Dean of Career Programs at Portage College in Lac La Biche, Alta. and spent 20 years in research and teaching capacities at both Grant MacEwan University and the University of Alberta.
David earned his PhD in Educational Administration from the University of Alberta in 1995, writing his thesis on The Decision Making and Values of Presidents in Public Colleges. He is also the author of 15 academic papers on post-secondary leadership and student development and, in 2005, completed the Management Development Program at Harvard University’s Institutes for Higher Education.
Vice-President, Academic - Dr. Brian Gobbett
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As the newest member of the leadership team, Brian brings a wealth of experience to the Senior Academic Officer and Director of Programs position. Brian completed his PhD in History at the University of Alberta where he was a Killam scholar, the university’s most prestigious graduate award. After a number of years as a college and university faculty member in British Columbia and Saskatchewan, he is delighted to be at Great Plains College. His research interests are oriented toward the history of anthropology and biology and how these emergent nineteenth-century disciplines informed perceptions and policies toward Indigenous peoples.
Brian and Heather have three lovely teenage children, one of whom occupies a very lonely position in the household as a Roughrider fan. In his spare time, he enjoys a bit of woodworking and fly fishing.
Director of Communications & Development - Carrie Voysey
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Carrie said a fond farewell to British Columbia in September of 2011 and moved to Swift Current, along with her family, to join the Great Plains College leadership team. Carrie’s professional background includes a Bachelor of Business Administration and Graduate Certificate in Professional Communication Management. As such, she is responsible for the communications and development departments. She is motivated by encouraging people to change their life through education and creatively introducing the college to prospective students and community stakeholders. When not at Great Plains College you may find Carrie practicing Tae Kwon Do, spending time with her family or heading to the mountains to snowboard or hike.
Chief Financial Officer - Lissa Hammel
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In September of 2009, Lissa, a Certified General Accountant, became one of the dedicated employees at Great Plains College. Since that time she has transitioned into the position of Chief Financial Officer. As a member of the leadership Team, Lissa’s role is to oversee the financial and technical support services for the college. She takes great pride in ensuring that the college operations proceed in a fiscally responsible and transparent manner. When not at work crunching numbers you might find Lissa sneaking in a round of golf or enjoying a weekend at the farm with her family.
Manager of Human Resources - Noreen Volk
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Working with people to help them solve problems, stretch personal boundaries and most importantly succeed is the part of her job description Noreen enjoys the most. Since joining the Great Plains College leadership team in November of 2007, as the Manager of Human Resources, Noreen applies her University of Lethbridge Bachelor of Management Degree to ensuring the employees of Great Plains College are poised to excel. This includes, managing employee and labour relations and staffing in addition to advancing organizational learning, training & development. In her spare time, Noreen finds rejuvenation through spending time with her family, camping and working on her acreage.
Director of Learner Services and Adult Basic Education - Keleah Ostrander
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A veteran of the leadership team, Keleah joined the college in 2008 and hasn’t looked back. During her time here she’s held a number of positions overseeing many portfolios, and currently finds herself leading the college’s Adult Basic Education program and English Language Training, while managing registration, student services and institutional research. With two undergraduate degrees – in international studies and in economics – Keleah has paired her education with her passion for community, taking great pride in contributing to student success and filling local labour market gaps to help businesses thrive. This mom-of-two laughs at the words "spare time". Between a busy career, chasing after her rug rats and volunteering with the Swift Current Newcomer Welcome Centre, spare time is something she knows nothing about – and she wouldn’t have it any other way.
Executive Coordinator - Vicky Huff
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Vicky has been employed with the college since 1997. Through her years of service and transitions through various roles, she brings history, efficiency and increased effectiveness to the leadership team. Vicky supports the business functions of the CEO, Board of Governors, various members of the leadership team and functions of the management committee. When she isn’t keeping the leadership team in line, Vicky finds relaxation through camping, travelling and enjoying time to visit with family.