Cathy Tuckwell welcomed as new Board Chair

Thunder Bay and Orillia, Ont. - Cathy Tuckwell is Lakehead University Board of Governors newly appointed chair following the board’s annual general meeting on Oct. 9. Her term will run until 2026.

Tuckwell succeeds Maria Vasanelli who joined Lakehead University’s Board of Governors in 2015, served on several standing committees, and led as chair for the past two years. Vasanelli will remain on the board as past-chair.

"I want to begin by acknowledging past-chair Maria Vasanelli. Her leadership throughout the latter half of the presidential search and during the university’s leadership transition was a model of thoughtful decision-making and consensus-building,” said Tuckwell, adding that it has been a pleasure working alongside Vasanelli.

“After last year’s Blue Ribbon Task Force report, it is clear that universities, including Lakehead, must take steps to secure a stronger influence over their future. We all want Lakehead to thrive and be sustainable in the long term; as board chair, I look forward to working with the board, Dr. Siddall and her team — faculty, staff, Ogimaawin Indigenous Education Council, and the Lakehead University Student Union — to ensure Lakehead remains a vital contributor to both the Thunder Bay and Orillia communities."

Tuckwell was elected to the board in 2017, serving in various capacities over the last seven years including vice-chair (2022-2024) and member of the finance and operations committee, governance and nominating committee, learning and liaison committee, and audit and risk committee. She brings over 27 years of experience in the investment management industry to the board, specializing in high-net-worth individuals, institutions, mutual fund management, and estate and trust administration.

“Cathy’s vast professional experience will prove valuable as we work to put Lakehead on a sustainable path within an environment of fiscal restraint that is impacting the entire post-secondary sector, at the same time as generating enthusiasm for Lakehead’s future as we embark on our next ambitious strategic plan,” said Dr. Gillian Siddall, President and Vice-Chancellor. “I look forward to working alongside Cathy as we continue to elevate our university, support our students, and shape a brighter future together.”

Professionally, Tuckwell has served as President of the Edmonton Society of Financial Analysts, Chair of the Canadian Council of Financial Analysts, and most recently as Chair of the Compliance Officer Network for the Portfolio Management Association of Canada. It has not been all work and no play! She also served as a volunteer with Squash Canada in various capacities including VP High Performance and representative at the Canadian Olympic Committee, and still plays competitive doubles squash.

With Tuckwell stepping into the role of chair, Mark Smith will become vice-chair. New members to the board this year include Robert Lamb, Dr. Leigh Potvin, Yolanda Wanakamik and Simran Talpade.

2024-2025 Board of Governors:

Cathy Tuckwell, Chair
Mark Smith, Vice-Chair
Maria Vasanelli, Past-Chair
Jason Lisi, Secretary (non-voting)
Rajni Agarwal, City of Thunder Bay Member
Robert Arnone, External Member
Dr. Claudine Cousins, External Member
David Elliott, LGIC Member
Thomas Kehoe, External Member
Sunil Kumar, External Member
Robert Lamb, External Member
Pauline Mickelson, LGIC Member
Michael Nitz, External Member
Rachael Paquette, External Member
Dr. Leigh Potvin, Faculty Senate Member
Dr. Gillian Siddall, President and Vice-Chancellor (ex-officio)
Anna Sampson, Staff Member
Dr. Bryanna Scott-Kay, Ogimaawin Indigenous Education Council Member
Brent Sylvester, LGIC Member
Simran Talpade, Student Member
Yolanda Wanakamik, Alumni Association Member