Candidate Statements - Staff to Board Election

Kathy Becker
Teaching Development Associate, Faculty of Engineering

I am excited to stand for election to the UW Board of Governors. My term as UWSA President will end this fall, and I have much more to give to our amazing campus community. Many of you have reached out to me for support since I stepped into this role; I hope you’ve appreciated my work thus far. The staff perspective must be considered as we navigate this strange new way of operating, and I feel well prepared to help ensure effective staff representation at the Board of Governors. Reach me at kabecker@uwaterloo.ca 

Aldo Caputo
Director, Centre for Extended Learning

As a proud member of the university community for 13 years, and current Director, Centre for Extended Learning, I would like to offer my knowledge, experience, and dedication to helping Waterloo excel and grow as a world-class institution. I am:

  • passionate about the learning mission of the university, innovation, and the future of post-secondary education
  • engaged with the higher education community nationally
  • a member of the Strategic Plan Developing Talent Action Team
  • a regular Board meeting guest attendee, as well as presenter/discussion leader

It would be an honour to serve as your staff representative on the Board of Governors.

Jason Gorrie
Systems Integration Specialist, Servers and Storage, Information Systems & Technology

I have over 20 years of experience on campus as a student and a staff member, with 9 of those years as a director and secretary of the UW Staff Association. This background gives me broad institutional, governance, policy and strategic planning experience. I have also served on various KW not-for-profit boards and councils.

I would like to continue my service in helping individuals and the institution by serving as your staff representative on the board.

Please do not hesitate to contact me with any questions!

Reuben Grin
Project Manager, Housing, Plant Operations

I started at UW in 2003 as a philosophy student, and by 2014 had somehow achieved a Master of Architecture. I first worked for UW for the summer of 2013 at the School of Architecture, and started permanently in 2019.

As staff I get to work with people who make this a world-class institution and a great place to work. I am a quick learner, an articulate speaker, and know that as staff we have an important and unique perspective on how the University works; it would be a privilege to speak on your behalf with the Board of Governors.

Nancy Heide
Director, The Centre

I am pleased to be considered as a Board of Governors staff representative. I have a strong passion for, and loyalty to, the University of Waterloo. As a staff member for the past 31 years, I’m constantly inspired by our students, staff, and faculty. During my time on campus, I’ve had the opportunity to be part of a supportive community, to see the university evolve and expand, and, personally, to grow my career and to earn my undergraduate degree as an employee. I would be honoured to represent the interests of staff as a member of the Board of Governors.

Trenny McGinnis
Administrative Officer, School of Pharmacy

I joined the University in 1981 and am now Administrative Officer in the School of Pharmacy. Throughout my career, I have been involved in policy development/interpretation, governance and leading staff. Colleagues can attest to my commitment to support staff, my knowledge of University governance, and my ability to achieve results. Staff are integral to the success of the University’s strategic plan and I would be honoured to be your voice on the Board. I will represent you holistically, with transparency, integrity and passion. 

Liam Morland
Web Accessibility Consultant, Information Systems & Technology

UW's 40th anniversary was starting when I arrived in 1996 to do my B.A. in Sociology and Peace and Conflict Studies. I joined the full-time staff in 2006. I served two terms as staff representative on the Joint Health and Safety Committee, much of that time as co-chair. I visited many parts of the university, working with members of CUPE, UWSA, and faculty to build a safer work environment. This gives me a broad perspective and network on campus. I have extensive experience on charitable corporation boards. I will advocate for you. Questions? lkmorlan@uwaterloo.ca.

Leanne Perreault
Director, Campaign Planning

I have been a Waterloo staff member for eight years, starting at the Stratford School of Interaction Design and Business, completing the Masters of Digital Experience Design while there, moving to University Relations spearheading the first Global Impact Report, and currently in Advancement as Director, Campaign Planning. This has afforded me a broad view of the University – both as student and administrator – and an extensive internal and external network. I have served on several Boards and Advisory Committees, including King’s University College at Western; the Huron-Perth Healthcare Alliance; the Stratford Perth Community Foundation; Gallery Stratford; and the Stratford Tourism Alliance.

Danielle Robichaud
Digital Archivist, Special Collections & Archives, Library

As a Library staff member, I actively position equity and reconciliation as frameworks in my professional practice. I have been a member of Faculty Association of the University of Waterloo’s Equity Committee since 2017, acting as a liaison for Librarians' and Archivists' Association of the University of Waterloo. I am also a member of the Association of Canadian Archivists’ Equity Task Force, which developed a series of equity commitments released in October 2020. A Board of Governors role would give me a better sense of how communications with external stakeholders unfold, allowing me to continue effectively advocating for staff needs.

Katy Wong-Francq
Senior Manager, Strategic Research Initiative, Office of Research

My name is Katy Wong-Francq and I am a Senior Manager, Strategic Research Initiatives, within the Office of the Vice-President, Research and International. I am excited for the opportunity to serve the University as a staff representative to the Board of Governors. My thoughtful and critical thinking skills are essential to the work I have performed on the University’s strategic plan. Being an active listener and effective communicator enables me to discuss and debate substantive issues. I have strong interests in strategic planning, leadership, risk management and human resources to envision a more impactful Waterloo. I welcome your questions: kwong@uwaterlo.ca.

Fred Zhu
Executive Officer, Faculty of Engineering

I am the Executive Officer for Faculty of Engineering. Since joining UW, I have had opportunities to collaborate with colleagues across campus, including my role as member on University level committees (JHSC, UCIST, Engineering Dean search). I am familiar with university operations and staff issues. Having worked for both central and Faculty levels at different institutions, I understand the changing landscape of higher education. I am very interested in governance and would love to represent your interest in UW’s highest governing body. I am committed to listening to you and to creating an environment where everyone can grow and thrive.