Board of Governors

Fanshawe College is governed by a Board of Governors comprised of 17 members, including external board members, internal board members representing each of the student, support, academic and administrative staff constituencies, and the college president. The Board is responsible for the governance of the College, including developing and overseeing the implementation of policies; setting the vision, mission, and direction for the organization; approving the college’s annual business plan, budget and annual report; and ensuring the organization is effectively and appropriately managed to achieve its mandate.

The Board meets regularly throughout the year. The meeting schedule, agenda for the upcoming meeting, as well as minutes of past meetings are available online:

View Meeting Materials

Fanshawe's Board of Governors for 2025/26 is comprised of:

Sandy Jansen, Chair

Sandy began her career in healthcare over 30 years ago as a clinical pharmacist. Since then, she has held multiple leadership roles at St. Joseph's Health Care London, London Health Sciences Centre and in Tillsonburg and Ingersoll. In January 2022, Sandy was appointed as the Vice President, Patient Care and Risk Management for St. Joseph's Health Care London. Prior to accepting this role, Sandy served as President and Chief Executive Officer of Alexandra Hospital Ingersoll and Tillsonburg District Memorial Hospital. Sandy is passionate about growing and mentoring future healthcare leaders and building a better healthcare system through partnership, collaboration and integration. Throughout her varied and expansive career Sandy has always prioritized the education of future healthcare providers, developing people and creating a culture of continuous learning. Sandy recognizes the criticality of leader accountability and integrity as well as humility and humanity. Sandy is a surveyor with Accreditation Canada and a frequent guest lecturer with the Ivey Business School.

Sandy graduated from the University of Toronto with a Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy and is a licensed pharmacist in Ontario. She completed her Masters in Health Leadership at Athabasca University and is a graduate of the Rotman Advanced Healthcare Leadership Program. She is a Certified Health Care Executive with the Canadian College of Health Leaders. Sandy obtained her ICD.d.

Prior to joining the Fanshawe Board of Governors, Sandy served as an executive member of the Board at Women's Community House and recently completed a six-year term on the Board of the Thames Valley Family Health Team, including two years as Chair of the Board.

Sandy joined the Fanshawe College Board of Governors on September 1, 2021.

Larry MacKinnon, Vice-Chair

Larry MacKinnon is the Director of Business Development for the London Economic Development Corporation (LEDC) where he is responsible for the attraction of new job creating investment, and support for the growth and development of existing companies across several industry sectors. A Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) through the International Economic Development Council (IEDC), Larry has a master's degree in Library and Information Science, a diploma in Political Science, and a bachelor's degree in Economics, all obtained at Western University.

Larry has been a Fanshawe College and Western University instructor in Entrepreneurship and Marketing Research Methods and has operated his own company providing competitive intelligence and market research services to the business community.

Larry is a past Board Chair for Brescia University College and past President of the London Small Business Centre. He currently volunteers as a Board member of the Consider Canada City Alliance.

Larry joined the Fanshawe College Board of Governors on September 1, 2021.

Laura Elliott, Second Vice-Chair

Laura Elliott served as Director of Education and Secretary with Thames Valley District School Board from 2013 - 2019, prior to her retirement in September 2019. Previously she served as Executive Superintendent of Program Services with Thames Valley DSB, Superintendent (secondment) Student Success/Learning to 18 with the Ontario Ministry of Education: Manager of Membership Records with the Ontario College of Teachers; and Superintendent of Education with the Durham District School Board. With a career in education spanning more than 35 years, she was committed to the education of elementary and secondary students as a foundation for college success.

For the past three years, Laura was the Executive Director for the Council of Ontario Directors of Education – the professional organization supporting Ontario’s 73 Directors of Education (public, Catholic and French). She also was the Project Manager for School College Work Initiative involving all Ontario colleges and school boards as they provided dual credit and Level 1 Apprenticeship programs for students who were at risk of not earning an Ontario Secondary School Diploma.

Laura is also the Chair, Board of Governors for Ontario Tech University and has served on the board for 7 years.

She holds a Master of Business Administration from Athabasca University, a Master of Education in Educational Administration and Bachelor of Education, both from the University of Toronto, and a Bachelor of Science from Western University. Laura is committed to her on-going learning, especially in Indigenous and Human Rights.

Laura joined the Fanshawe Board of Governors September 01, 2022.

Peter J. Devlin, Fanshawe College President

Peter Devlin was appointed Fanshawe College's fifth President effective September 2013.

Prior to joining Fanshawe, President Devlin served 35 years in the Canadian Armed Forces and retired commanding the Canadian Army at the rank of Lieutenant General. He has several UN, NATO and Coalition tours and his awards include Orders of Military Merit from the United States, Brazil and Colombia as well as the Canadian Meritorious Service Cross, France's National Order of the Legion of Honour and Commander of the Canadian Order of Military Merit.

President Devlin serves on provincial and national college committees. These include member of the Colleges Ontario Committee of Presidents and Committee of Presidents Executive. He is the Chair of Colleges and Institutes Canada's Board (CICan), a member of CICan's Presidents Leadership Network, and a Director on the Polytechnics Canada Board. Peter also serves on the London Economic Development Corporation's Board of Directors and the Canadian Association of Defence and Security Industries. President Devlin was recently appointed the Honorary Colonel of The Royal Canadian Regiment.

President Devlin received an undergraduate degree in Honours Economics from Western University, a graduate degree in Strategic Studies from the US Army War College and a certificate in Advanced Executive Management from Queen's University. He has also studied at Command and Staff Colleges of the Canadian Defence Academy. He is a graduate of the Institute of Corporate Directors (ICD.D) and of the Competent Boards ESG Program (GCB.D). He received an Honorary Doctorate from the Royal Military College of Canada.

Peter has been married for 40 years, and together he and his wife Judy have four children.

Ryan Aarts

Ryan Aarts is Chief Executive Officer of the John Aarts Group and its subsidiaries (J-AAR Civil Infrastructure, J-AAR Structures, J-AAR Materials, and Dutch Brothers Ready Mix). He also serves as a Director of Orange Rock Developments and the London & District Construction Association. Under his leadership, J-AAR employs more than 500 people across civil, structures, materials, ready-mix, and fleet services.

Ryan is passionate about building community through construction, supporting workforce development, and fostering leadership by helping others reach their greatest potential.

Outside of work, he enjoys cycling, skiing, and triathlon.

Ryan joined the Fanshawe College Board of Governors September 1, 2025.

Tim Anderson

Tim possesses more than two-decade of aviation experience over which time he gained extensive international experience, from the Arctic to Europe, South America, and Antarctica. Since 2011, Tim, alongside his wife Nicole, have been the owner/operators of Anderson Aviation Services Inc. providing aviation services to the general aviation community. Tim has also written article for several aviation publications and is a member of several aviation groups.

Tim holds an AME M1/M2 license and is a commercial, multi-engine, instrument-rated pilot and aircraft owner. Currently, Tim coordinates the two-year Aviation Technician - Aircraft Maintenance Program. Passionate about aviation, he imparts his knowledge and enthusiasm to students at the Norton Wolf School of Aviation, where he has been teaching since September 2016.

Tim joined the Board of Governors September 1, 2023.

Mamta Chail

Mamta is a visionary leader dedicated to fostering a future where every child, young person, and family ihas a thriving future. With a Master of Business Administration from Royal Roads University and dual Bachelor of Arts degrees in Sociology and Political Science from The University of Western Ontario, Mamta brings a strong educational foundation to her leadership roles.

Currently serving as the CEO and President of Youthdale Treatment Centres, Mamta oversees a leading Toronto-based non-profit organization that supports children, youth, and families with complex mental health needs. Prior to this, Mamta was the Executive Director at Wellkin – Child and Youth Mental Wellness a lead agency where she successfully led significant organizational transformations.

In addition to her professional accomplishments, Mamta actively contributes to the community as a board member for Children's Mental Health Ontario.

With certifications including PROSCI Change Practitioner, Public Sector Leadership, LEAN Six Sigma Black Belt, and in the process of attaining her CHE, Mamta is well-equipped to drive transformative initiatives that champion marginalized voices and dismantle systemic barriers, fostering a system of compassion, justice, and opportunity for all.

Mamta joined the Fanshawe Board of Governors September 01, 2020.

Todd Copeland

Todd Copeland has extensive experience supporting entrepreneurs, championing relationships and building partnerships across different industry sectors. He has recently been appointed to the role of Executive Director for Community Futures Western Ontario (CFWO). As Executive Director he represents the common interests of 21 community futures offices offering business advisory and financial support to entrepreneurs, small business owners, social enterprises and non-profits across rural Southwestern Ontario and manages the Southern Ontario Fund for Investment in Innovation (SOFII). SOFII offers non-dilutive loan financing to innovative small businesses ready to grow and scale in both rural and urban communities. Todd has previously served on the Board, Executive and as Chair of the Marketing Committee for CFWO and the Board, Executive, Loan Committee and as General Manager for Community Futures Middlesex.

Prior to his involvement with the community futures program, Todd led early-stage technology development, commercialization, strategic planning and development initiatives for the research side of the hospitals in London and began his career in scientific and regulatory consulting working for clients across different industry sectors. Todd graduated from the University of Waterloo with his degree in Biology and Business Economics and has been a resident of rural Middlesex County for more than 20 years, coaching minor sports and on the Board of Directors for Ilderton Minor Hockey Association for 10 years, 7 years as its President. He is passionate about the important role that colleges play in equipping youth with the skill sets required to succeed in their careers and about building an increased awareness of supports available within colleges to address evolving needs of entrepreneurs and small business owners.

Todd joined the Fanshawe College Board of Governors September 1, 2025.

Courtney Ecker

Courtney has over eighteen years of experience in marketing and communications for both the non-profit and higher education sectors. She has worked at Fanshawe College for fifteen years in the Reputation and Brand Management department holding various positions such as Marketing Officer, Special Project Manager and currently as the Senior Manager of Marketing overseeing the College brand, external marketing strategy, website and customer relationship management functions.

Originally from the east coast, Courtney graduated from Dalhousie University with a Bachelor of Commerce degree in Marketing Management. She has continued her technical and leadership training over the years, including graduating from the first cohort of Fanshawe's own Emerging Leaders program. She recently completed an MBA Essentials executive education program from the University of Toronto's Rotman School of Business. She is a member of the Canadian Marketing Association, and her marketing leadership has been recognized with several awards from the International Association of Business Communicators.

Courtney is highly engaged in all aspects of her career and the community. She is an advocate, mentor and fundraiser for a variety of organizations. She sits on multiple Fanshawe operational and steering committees including Digital and eLearning, Microcredentials, FanshaweOpen, External Website, ERP Selection, Military Connected Campus, Signage and Program Advisory - Bachelor of Commerce Degrees. In the community, Courtney continues to give back as a fundraiser for epilepsy awareness, as a mentor for the Women in Communications and Technology London Chapter, as a parent advisor for research projects in Pediatric Neurology for Children's Hospital, LHSC and as a strategic marketing volunteer advisor for Children's Health Foundation.

Courtney joined the Fanshawe College Board of Governors as the Administrative Representative September 1, 2022.

Mihad Fahmy

Mihad's legal career has focused on workplace law and human rights. Currently, in her workplace investigations practice, she conducts a wide range of investigations into allegations of sexual harassment, human rights infractions, workplace bullying and other forms of workplace misconduct, and is an approved investigator on the Federal Workplace Harassment and Violence Prevention Regulations Roster of Investigators. Prior to moving into third-party neutral work, Mihad was union side counsel for over 15 years, appearing before grievance arbitration boards in a variety of sectors. Mihad also served as Human Rights Advisor to the National Council of Canadian Muslims (NCCM) advising the advocacy organization on human rights and anti-discrimination issues. She is currently a part-time Adjunct Professor at Huron, Western University, teaching a course on Freedom of Religion and Religious Accommodation. In addition, Mihad is engaged in the Hurma Project, an initiative that focuses on addressing abuses of power within faith communities.

Mihad is a graduate of Queen's University Faculty of Law and was called to the Ontario Bar in 1997. She went on to obtain her LL.M. in 1999 with a focus on minority rights and constitutional law.

Mihad has always been actively engaged in her community. Prior to joining the Fanshawe Board, she served as Co-Chair of the Muslim Resource Centre for Social Support and Integration (MRC) and was a member of the Board of Directors of the London & Middlesex Children's Aid Society.

Mihad joined the Fanshawe Board of Governors September 01, 2022.

Michael Geraghty

A senior executive recognized as an innovator, experienced in leading strategic change and delivering sustainable business growth in fortune 100 companies and start up ventures. A team builder with excellent communication skills and over 40 years of experience across several industries including executive leadership roles in business and product development, sales and marketing, and information technology.

Michael left the corporate world in 2015 to pursue his entrepreneurial passion. Michael currently leads a portfolio of small businesses that deliver Corporate Training services and Executive Coaching to large and small organizations across Canada.

Michael earned an Honours B.Sc. in Computer Science from The University of Western Ontario, as well as an M.B.A.

Michael joined the Fanshawe Board of Governors September 01, 2020.

Denise Luksys

Denise has been a staff member with Fanshawe College for over 24 years in the Facilities Management & Community Safety department as part of the Project & Construction Management team. With more than two decades of experience, and a diploma in architectural technology, Denise brings with her knowledge and leadership with the desire to interact with others and always wanting to learn more. She is successful by continually challenging herself with complex projects, tight timelines and financial pressures.

As a senior Project Coordinator, she provides results through her professionalism, approachability and fairness. She received Fanshawe College's President's Leadership Award in 2014. In 2015 Denise received the National Leadership Award from Colleges and Institutes Canada (CICan).

To stay connected, Denise volunteers her time at Open Houses, graduations, as a United Way Champion and with the Ronald McDonald House Charity in the Family Room at LHSC.

Denise joined the Board of Governors September 1, 2023.

Monica Olanski

Monica started her career in health care over 30 years ago in clinical research at the London Regional Program. Since that time, she has held multiple leadership roles at Cancer Care Ontario, London Health Sciences Centre (LHSC) and St. Thomas Elgin General Hospital. While at LHSC, Monica held numerous city-wide leadership roles in Medicine, Critical Care and Project Management Office.

In 2017, Monica moved into the role of Integrated Director of Information Technology, supporting 12 hospitals on their digital health journey, and led several digital transformational initiatives focusing on the clinical requirements of integrating technology at the bedside. In 2021, Monica took on the role of Vice President Patient Care Services and Chief Information Officer at St. Thomas Elgin General Hospital and has led a number of strategic clinical and digital initiatives supporting the advancement of patient care and information technology.

Monica is passionate about quality, patient care, and empowering staff to achieve their best in the pursuit of excellence. Monica is very invested in community partnerships and collaboration, with the goal of achieving the best possible outcomes for those we serve in our communities. Leading with integrity, humility, grace and appreciation are foundational in Monica's leadership style. Monica received her MBA in 2018 through the Australian Institute of Business focusing on Change Management and Entrepreneurship.

Monica joined the Fanshawe College Board of Governors September 1, 2025.

David Ross

David is an experienced finance leader with a passion for using finance to help organizations unleash their potential. With nearly 20 years of experience working with organizations across multiple industries including several throughout the public sector, David is committed to creating support teams that are enablers of effective and efficient organizations, focusing on collaboration and communication across programs and unburdening leaders, staff, customers, and stakeholders by streamlining administrative processes.

Dave is currently the Chief Financial Officer at the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (Ontario), overseeing the WSIB’s financial planning and operations, financial reporting and corporate controllership, actuarial services, investment and pension administration teams and functions.

Previously, Dave was the Deputy Chief Financial Officer and Interim Chief Information Officer at St. Joseph's Health Care London, leading St. Joseph's finance team and overseeing St. Joseph's operating and capital budget cycles, financial reporting, external audit processes, performance improvement initiatives, investment portfolio management and financial support of strategic projects and priorities as well as St. Joseph’s IT operations and strategic priorities within the London regional hospital system.

Dave has taught as a part-time lecturer at the Richard Ivey School of Business since 2010 and has had the privilege to support several community organizations over his career. Prior to joining the Fanshawe Board of Governors, Dave served as Chair of the London District Catholic School Board Finance and Audit Committee, completing a 9-year term, a past member of the Western Fair Board of Governors, completing a 6-year term, a member of the Victorian Order of Nurses, Middlesex-Elgin Board of Directors and a founding board member of the London Youth Advisory Council.

Prior to his time with St. Joseph's, David was a Senior Manager in the KPMG LLP London audit practice with a focus on public sector and not-for-profit clients, obtaining his CPA designation in 2010 after graduating from the Richard Ivey School of Business Honors Business Administration program.

Dave joined the Board of Governors September 1, 2023.

Ankit Sharma

Ankit Sharma is a Business Management student at Fanshawe College and currently serving as the Student Representative on the College’s Board of Governors for the 2025–2026 term. He is also part of the Fanshawe Student Union’s Board of Directors. In addition to his academic journey at Fanshawe, he has gained hands-on experience in customer service, sales, and logistics, which has helped to develop strong organizational and communication skills. Ankit is passionate about student advocacy and committed to supporting student success, equity, and a better campus experience for all.

Ankit joined the Fanshawe College Board of Governors September 1, 2025.

Karen Vecchio

Karen Louise Vecchio is a former Canadian Member of Parliament who represented the riding of Elgin-Middlesex-London from 2015 to 2025. She held several key roles, including Deputy House Leader for the Official Opposition, Chair of the Standing Committee for the Status of Women, Shadow Minister for Families, Children and Social Development and Shadow Minister for Women and Gender Equality, where she worked to advance policies supporting equality, opportunity, and well-being across Canada.

Following her time in federal politics, Vecchio has continued her community leadership. She serves on the Board of Directors for the Hospice of Elgin the Central Community Health Centre and the St. Thomas Community Foundation where she contributes her governance experience to support health and wellness initiatives in her region. In addition, she works as a wedding officiant, bringing her passion for connection and service to couples on one of the most important days of their lives.

Karen lives in St. Thomas, Ontario, with her family and remains deeply rooted in her community, continuing to dedicate her time to public service and local engagement.

Karen joined the Fanshawe College Board of Governors September 1, 2025.

Terry Zavitz

Terry Zavitz a.Mus.A. CFP CLU CHS EPC GSA TEP, Senior Vice President, HUB Zavitz.

Terry Zavitz is the founder and President of Zavitz Insurance & Wealth, now known as HUB Zavitz, a 42-year insurance brokerage company specializing in group, disability and life insurance, plus retirement, financial and estate planning.

She gives countless hours of her time to the community and her industry having been the Chair of the Board for LHSF as well as Advocis and Board member for LHSC. She has been involved in numerous committees for not-for-profits and charities.

Terry has been honored with many awards for her work including the Queens Diamond Jubilee, Women of Distinction, Business Hall of Fame and an Honorary Business Diploma from Fanshawe College.

Terry joined the Fanshawe Board of Governors September 01, 2020.

By-laws and Policies

The Board of Governors’ by-laws and policies can be found below. If you encounter any difficulties accessing, please contact Lisa McIntyre at the Board Office.

Table of Contents

Glossary

Section I - Board By-Laws

Section II - Category A - Ends

A-05: Vision and Mission

A-35: Student Success

A-40: Meeting Labour Market Needs

Section II - Category B - Board Processes