"I'm delighted to be joining the association and look forward to working with college staff, students and industry partners in advancing Ontario's extraordinary system of colleges," said Franklin. "Ontario's economy is depending more and more on highly skilled college graduates to meet the demands of the 21st century. A healthy and well-resourced college system is vital to the province's competitiveness and prosperity."

Franklin, who is currently president of the Wine Council of Ontario, has a strong and proven record of achievement in both the public and private sectors. Previously, Franklin's career included time as a consultant, five years as the head of communications for a regulatory body, and heading up a communications department at Queen's Park. She has also served as the chief of staff to an Ontario cabinet minister. Currently, she serves on the board of directors of Ontario Place.

Franklin starts her role as president and CEO of ACAATO on January 29, 2007.

The Association of Colleges of Applied Arts and Technology of Ontario is the voice of Ontario's 24 colleges, which deliver a vast range of education and training programs to more than 150,000 full-time and 350,000 part-time students.