Experience includes policing, higher education and health care sectors
The Justice Institute of British Columbia (JIBC) welcomes five new members to its Board of Governors who have been appointed by the Province of British Columbia.
Colin Watson and Kathryn McNaughton started their terms on July 15 while the terms for Michelle Cameron, Eddy Elmer and Barbara Fitzsimmons were effective July 31. All five appointments are on initial one-year terms.
New Governors bring wide range of expertise
Colin Watson is the Chief Constable of the Abbotsford Police Department and previously served 27 years with the Victoria Police Department, the last eight years as Deputy Police Chief.
Kathryn McNaughton’s career has included the roles of teacher, university educator, and educational administrator. Currently, she is a Certified Executive Coach focused on working with people in post-secondary leadership roles.
Michelle Cameron, a registered member of Ts’il Kaz Koh First Nation in Burns Lake, B.C., is a workplace investigator and mediator, with specialized expertise in post-secondary settings. Following completion of a law degree, she is now articling with a law firm specializing in workplace investigations, mediations, and arbitrations.
Eddy Elmer is a gerontologist and researcher dedicated to equity, diversity, and inclusion. He is a public speaker, guest lecturer, and media contributor with extensive expertise in aging, sexuality, mental health, and community corrections.
Barbara Fitzsimmons retired in 2020 as Chief Operating Officer for B.C. Emergency Health Services. Prior to that, she served more than 30 years at B.C. Children’s Hospital, first as a registered nurse in paediatric oncology, then in administrative roles until her appointment as its Senior Vice President.
New Chair elected, Vice-Chair re-elected
Existing Board members Darryl Gray and Jim Wishlove were also re-appointed to two-year terms ending in 2026. Wishlove has been elected Board Chair while Samina Tajwar was re-elected as Vice-Chair.
Former Board Chair Maria Preovolos and Governor John Stubbs retired from the Board while Governors Jamie Sterritt and Terry Yung stepped down to pursue other opportunities.
“We thank the departing Board members for their years of service and sage counsel as we navigated the post-secondary landscape, including our emergence from the pandemic,” said President and CEO Len Goerke.