NEWS RELEASE
NIAGARA COLLEGE
************************
Niagara College is pleased to officially announce the election of the new chair and vice-chair of the Board of Governors, as well as new Board members.
On Sept. 1, Lora Tisa, accomplished international retailer and former president of RW&CO Brand, began her term as chair, and Rashmi Biswas, co-owner of Lake and Associates Canada Inc., was elected vice-chair.
The duo will lead the College’s committed group of volunteer Governors through the 2024-25 academic year.
“It is an honour to lead the Board as Chair at this time of incredible growth and momentum at Niagara College,” said Tisi, who is also a notable Niagara College alum (Fashion Arts, 1979). “I look forward to another fantastic year supporting the college’s strategic direction and College leaders and employees who demonstrate their unwavering support for students.”
Tisi brings over 30 years’ experience leading several fashion brands through business, market share, revenue and profit growth, including Reitmans Canada Limited, American Eagle Outfitters, and The Northern Group. The granddaughter of a Delaware Nation Iroquois Elder, Tisi identifies as mixed-race Indigenous and mentors First Nation companies and serves as a board member for the Indigenous Advanced Education Skills Council (IAESC).
Biswas joined the Board in 2022 and she is the executive vice-president of Lake and Associates Canada Inc., a performance consulting firm specializing in leadership development, team effectiveness, and process facilitation. Working with private and public sector clients, Biswas has delivered services in North America, South America, Asia and the Middle East.
“Supporting the advancement of the College’s strategic plan through our work as a board gives me great pride,” said Biswas. “I look forward to the strides we will continue to take together in support of providing our students with outstanding applied education and training for a changing world.”
Tisi succeeds Mishka Balsom, a four-year governor who served as chair from September 2022 to August 2024.
“On behalf of Niagara College, I want to give thanks to Mishka for her remarkable dedication to our college and our students,” said President Sean Kennedy. “We are fortunate to have Lora lead our Board of experienced Governors whose leadership and contributions support the continued success of our college.”
New board member appointments
On behalf of the Board, chair Tisi is excited to welcome two new governors, each bringing unique experience and expertise to the table.
Lynn Guerriero (appointed) is the president and CEO of Niagara Health, and an accomplished leader in the Ontario healthcare system with over 30 years of leadership, management and clinical experience within a variety of healthcare provider settings. Guerriero has also held senior leadership roles at Cancer Care Ontario and prior to joining Niagara Health was Assistant Deputy Minister for the OHIP Division of the Ontario Ministry of Health. Guerriero holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Occupational Therapy from Western University and a Master of Health Science degree in Health Administration from the University of Toronto.
Maninder Singh (Student Representative): Having completed the Community Mental Healthcare program at Niagara College, Maninder is now pursuing the Palliative Care program. He has been an active student representative, including the four years he spent at Punjab University, Chandigarh, as well as his previous experience working as a nurse in India. Maninder is passionate about engaging with the community and exploring new ideas and experiences that contribute to personal and communal upliftment. His diverse interests include history, traveling, practicing martial arts, physical fitness, and making new friends.
For the full membership of Niagara College’s Board of Governors, and more information, click here
************************
