Vince Di Ruzza
Associate Professor, Teaching Stream/Director HRM Program
Vince Di Ruzza was appointed Director for the Human Resources Management Program in 2011 and has lectured at Waterloo since 1999. He has played a key role in the development of the HRM program and continues to provide academic leadership and career counselling to students. Outside of the classroom, Vince collaborates with local industry in developing and directing initiatives related to the success of the HRM program.
With nearly 30 years of diverse business experience, Vince has solidified a track record of success in the areas of human capital management, leadership and organizational development, staff relations, staff development and quality client service improvements. Vince is also a leadership and career coach with a passion for setting people up for professional success.
A respected leader in his field, Vince has created, implemented, and facilitated award winning programs in leadership and career development (LIIC Life and Health Insurance Industry). His recent work involves a leadership and quality service model known as CAP (Culture, Attitude, Partnership).
Vince is a graduate of the University of Guelph and holds his Certified Human Resources Professional / Leader (CHRP/L) designation.
For organizations who would like to know more about our program and graduates, please contact Vince at vdiruzza@uwaterloo.ca.
Vince teaches HRM 301 (Strategic HR Planning), HRM 303 (Compensation), HRM 400 (Honours Seminar in HR), and PSYCH 465/467 (Applied and HR Apprenticeships).
Katrina Di Gravio
Instructor
Katrina has been with the university for over 35 years. Katrina began her career as a member of the Human Resources department in 1980, as senior Staff Relations Coordinator. She has a Master Trainer certification, is a certified Psychological Health and Safety Trainer, and is a founding member of the Leadership Development Training Team. Most recently, she served as the Director, Organizational Human Development, a unit dedicated to professional learning and development opportunities for all employees. Katrina is well known and respected within the campus community. She was the primary university resource for training and development for over 15 years. Katrina established Waterloo's Principles of Inclusivity and served on the President's Anti-Racism task force.
Katrina now teaches both Human Resources Management 200 and Psych 340 Training and Development for the department of Psychology.
Mark Gernon
Instructor
Mark Gernon has over 20 years experience working in management and human resources, with a focus on labour relations. Mark began his career working with Canadian Airlines and has worked in aviation security, construction, the Ontario Government and currently has his own consulting practice where he offers guidance and support in a number of Human Resource areas including training, recruiting, human rights, employment standards, workplace safety and insurance, union relations, labour grievances and arbitration.
Mark is a certified human resources professional / leader (CHRP/L), and is a First Aid Instructor.
Mark teaches HRM 307 (Labour Relations).
Neil McDermott
Instructor
Neil McDermott is an Occupational Hygienist and Health and Safety Consultant at Public Services Health and Safety Association (PSHSA). Mr. McDermott has 18 years’ experience as a health and safety professional specializing in safety, occupational health and industrial hygiene. Neil has worked extensively over the years with organizations from various industries. At PSHSA, he works as part of the health care team so he has developed a particular interest and specialty in this industry. Neil joined the University of Waterloo as a part-time instructor during the fall of 2016. He finds the experience of teaching students to be very enjoyable and rewarding.
Neil McDermott has earned an Honours Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from Queen's University and a Human Resources Management (HRM) Post Graduate Certificate from Sheridan College. Mr. McDermott has also completed an applied Masters in Science degree in Occupational Health Sciences through McGill University. Rounding off his experience and education, Mr. McDermott is a Canadian Registered Safety Professional (CRSP) and a Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH).
Neil teaches HRM 305 (Health and Safety).
William Peckham
Instructor
William Peckham’s passion for HRM began when he himself attended the University of Waterloo many years ago. Currently, William is employed by the Waterloo Regional Police Service as the Manager of Organization and Culture Development. Previously, Will worked as an HR Operations Manager at Kiewit, which is a large, privately owned construction company with over 30,000 employees.
Will has worked in a variety of educational organizations including the Waterloo Catholic District School Board, TMU, Conestoga College, and now the University of Waterloo. Will has taught various HR courses at Conestoga College and is now an Instructor in the Department of Psychology at the University of Waterloo.
Will is a Certified Human Resources Leader (CHRL) with the Human Resources Professionals Association (HRPA) and holds a Bachelor of Arts with an HRM Option from the University of Waterloo as well as a Master's degree in Industrial Relations and Human Resources from the University of Toronto.
Will teaches HRM 200 (Basic Human Resources Management).
Marcus Goral
Instructor
Marcus’ career in human resources has included HR management roles in healthcare, social services, and retail organizations. Currently, he is the Manager of Organizational Development at Hamilton Health Sciences, a multi-site academic healthcare system, where he leads programs on learning, leadership, team effectiveness, and change management. His career in healthcare has also included roles in talent management, focusing on engagement, performance, recruitment, and recognition. Prior to his roles in healthcare, Marc has served as a Human Resources Manager supporting locations across multiple provinces.
Marcus is a graduate of the University of Waterloo, where he received his Bachelor of Arts in Honours English & Religious Studies. He then returned to the University of Waterloo to complete a Diploma in Human Resources Management. He went on to receive a Graduate Certificate in Organization Design & Development from Royal Roads University. Marcus is a Certified Human Resources Leader (CHRL), and he also serves on a provincial committee with the Human Resources Professionals Association (HRPA).