Dean's Advisory Board Members

Robert Blais, FCPA, FCA

Partner at Baker Tilly SNT LLP

An honest and compassionate businessman, he has been with the firm since 1988 and is the firm's Managing Partner since 2019. He started his role as a summer student. His knack for providing solutions that fit his clients’ needs led him to a full time job in 1989, and eventually partnership in 2004.

As the professional standards leader and audit/assurance partner of the firm, Robert is driven to succeed. His knowledge of financial reporting standards (IFRS), accounting standards for private enterprises (ASPE) and reporting requirements for non-profit organizations has allowed him to serve a diverse clientele, including small and medium sized businesses, non-profit entities and Caisse Populaires.

Laurentian University graduate.

Dr. Sheila Côté-Meek

Vice President, Equity, People and Culture at York Univeristy

She is an experienced leader in higher education and brings with her a vast array of knowledge and skills that will allow her to support the growth of equity and a positive organizational culture at York University. Sheila is Anishinaabe from the Teme-Augama Anishnabai. She joins York from Laurentian University after more than a decade as part of their senior leadership team.

A leader in Indigenous education Dr. Cote-Meek has focused on bringing about systemic changes that attend to equity, diversity, and inclusion in post-secondary education.

Laurentian University graduate.

Carlo Crozzoli, CA, CPA, ICD.D

Board Member at DUCA Financial Services Credit Union Ltd

Carlo prides himself in working collaboratively to direct organizations towards better decisions. He is an executive and board member who builds high performing, enterprise-focused teams that tackle complex business challenges and consistently achieve objectives.

I am a proven business leader who conceives and delivers transformational initiatives and is an expert in risk-based decision-making.

Laurentian University graduate.

Ken Derrett

Consultant - Ken Derrett & Associates - Building Business throught Sports and Entertainment - USA

Ken is an accomplished general manager with a proven track record of brand and business building across North America. Brings a sales and marketing perspective and strong communication and team building skills to all situations. Offers extensive knowledge of sports, entertainment and broadcast industries in both the U.S. and Canada.

A creative problem solver recognized for leadership, relationship management, negotiation and revenue generating abilities. Understands how to deal with change and uncertainty and has the ability to make decisions that generate results.

Laurentian University graduate.

Michael DiBrina, TEP

Area President Gallagher Benefit Services (Canada) Group, Inc.

Michael  is a business owner who likes to get things done, and done right. Like most of his clients, he started his business on his own and has grown it into one of the most successful firms of its kind in Canada.

Born and raised in Sudbury, he started his career in 1989 with London Life. In 1997 Michael formed DiBrina & Associate’s & Sure Benefits Consulting. President and founder of the DiBrina Group of companies, Michael, along with his partners, grew the company to over 90 employees with 3 locations – Toronto, New Liskeard and head office in Sudbury.

Laurentian University graduate.

Pat Dubreuil

Vice President Community & First Nation Engagement at Manitou Gold INC

You could say Pat's career as an entrepreneur was preordained.

He is always looking for new opportunities. He is goal oriented and driven to succeed. He is not afraid to take on something completely outside of his comfort zone.

“I’m a very big believer in paying it forward,” he said. “I’m comfortable in the lifestyle that I have, I’ve generated some success, but I want to make a point of sharing it with others.”

Luciano Galasso, CPA, CA, ICD.D

Partner at Zzen Group of Companies

Lu is a northern-inspired individual from Sudbury. He began his career at the KPMG (Thorne Riddell) Toronto office where he received his CPA designation and later specialized in international taxation.

He is now a Partner with the Zzen Group of Companies, involved with land development and construction, and PVC building products manufacturing sectors. He is also the Chief Financial Officer for manufacturing operations, and asset manager. Luciano is also Chairman of the Board for Titanium Transportation Group, a trucking and logistics business listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange, and a board member of other public and private companies.

Laurentian University graduate.

Warren Gilman

Founder, Chairman and CEO, Queen's Road Capital Investment Ltd - Hong Kong

Warren has acted as advisor to the largest mining companies in the world including BHP, Rio Tinto, Anglo American, Noranda, Falconbridge, Meridian Gold, China Minmetals, Jinchuan and Zijin and he has been responsible for some of the largest equity capital markets financings in Canadian mining history.

He was previously Managing Director and Head of Asia Pacific Region for CIBC for 10 years where he was responsible for all of CIBC’s activities across Asia. Mr Gilman is a mining engineer who co-founded CIBC’s Global Mining Group in 1988. During his 26 years with CIBC he ran the mining team in Canada, Australia and Asia and worked in the Toronto, Sydney, Perth, Shanghai and Hong Kong offices of CIBC.

Jonathan Goodman, P.Eng, CFA, MBA

Chairman and CEO at Dundee Corporation, President and CEO at Dundee Gooman Merchant Partners

Jonathan has 30 years in mining investment and operating experience. Over a distinguished career, he has gained extensive knowledge and relationships in the global mining and resource finance sectors.

He leverages deep financial, business and operations expertise along with his passion to de-risk and develop strong, sustainable mining companies, enhance social responsibility, increase their value and ultimately achieve significant returns for investors and sustainable benefits for stakeholders.

Tom Greco

President/CEO, Advance Auto Parts Inc - USA

Tom joined Advance Auto Parts in April 2016 and has held his current role as President, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and a member of our Board of Directors since August 2016. Previously, Tom served as CEO and a member of our Board of Directors from April 2016 to August 2016.

Advance Auto were pleased to find an exceptional leader and operator with a proven track record of designing and executing winning strategies, driving profitable growth and building an exceptional talent base. Tom's commercial expertise and energtic, solutions-oriented approach to leading complex, customer-focused operations in a competitive environment.

Laqurentian University graduate.

Dale Hooper

Partner at CCI Deloitte

Dale is a dynamic leader driven by passion, creativity, and a relentless determination to win. A builder and advocate of strong teams who think big and execute with discipline. Recognized as a strategic thinker with achievements spanning a 20+ year career in media and consumer packaged goods. General Management experience in the Cannabis Industry with a global organization.
 
Previously served on Board of Directors of the Canadian Paralympic Committee, St Joseph's Hospital Foundation and Canadian Sports Institute Ontario.

Laurentian University graduate.

Barbara Ko

Executive Director, CPA Canada International - China

Barb is actively working with us in order to build partnerships for accounting students. Last year, Barbara and Oliver made a donation of $250,000 to the Faculty of Management in order to facilitate exchange of accounting students in China or in Canada. They view this donation as a way to give back.

Barb  is a strong supporter of young scholars who are prepared to broaden their scope globally, and to obtain quality education in accounting and finance.

She represented the Canadian Professional Accounting education program in China, and worked with Canadian universities for more than 20 years (TPEI Accounting and Education Foundation is the representative of CPA Canada in China). 

Helen Mulc

Assistant Deputy Minister, Northern Development Division at Ministry of Northern Development and Mines

Helen is an experienced senior public sector executive who demonstrate the ability to lead and motivate a diverse and geographically dispersed team and a portfolio to recognized levels of success.

Strong business, community and economic development qualifications through education and experience with a demonstrated track record of over 25 years of hands-on and subsequent senior leadership experience in strategic planning, issues management, business and community development and restructuring, project management, and economic development strategies.

Proven ability to successfully identify, lead and manage projects, people and transformational initiatives through innovative approaches and exceptional customer-focused service delivery.

Laurentian University graduate.

Lou Pagnutti FCPA, FCA

Retired, Former Global Managing Partner, Business Enablement, Ernst & Young, London, UK

Lou worked with EY teams and clients around the world, he learned that despite different languages and cultures, we’re more alike than we are different. Our consistent global infrastructure and shared values allow our high-performing teams to differentiate themselves.

He was responsible for EY services and business functions across the globe. He oversaw the strategy and the execution for all functions, including technology, finance, risk management, legal, shared services, and procurement. 

Laurentian University graduate.

Keith Phillips

President & CEO at Piedmont Lithium Ltd - USA

Appointed as President & CEO at Piedmont Lithium Ltd on July 6, 2017. Keith has a career on Wall Street spanning 30 years during which he has worked on strategic and financing transactions representing over $100 billion in aggregate value.

Keith was most recently a Senior Advisor with merchant banker Maxit Capital, after leading the mining investment banking teams for Merrill Lynch, Bear Stearns, JPMorgan and Dahlman Rose. He has worked with numerous mining companies, including many established global leaders, and has dedicated most of the past decade to advising exploration and development-stage companies in achieving their strategic objectives, with a particular focus on obtaining relevance in the United States capital markets. 

Laurentian University graduate.

Sarah Riopelle, CFA

Vice-President and Senior Portfolio Manager Investment Solutions RBC Global Asset Management Inc.

Since 2009, Sarah has managed the entire suite of RBC Portfolio Solutions which totals $140 billion in assets. Sarah is a member of the RBC GAM Investment Strategy Committee, which sets global strategy for the firm, and the RBC GAM Investment Policy Committee, which is responsible for the investment strategy and tactical asset allocation for RBC Funds’ balanced products and portfolio solutions.

Sarah joined RBC Global Asset Management in 2003 as a Senior Analyst within Investment Strategy. From there, she moved to the Canadian Equity team as an analyst and then a portfolio manager. She began her career in the investment industry in 1996. Prior to joining the firm, Sarah worked at RBC Capital Markets in both the Quantitative Research and Investment Strategy groups.

Kelly Scott

CEO Barrydowne Paint, PaintPass

At our independently owned store, you'll experience a level of service you thought no longer existed. We are proud to deliver the kind of specialized attention and help that you simply won't find at larger chain stores.

Our customers are also our neighbours and friends, and trust us to share our expertise and provide them with superior products and outstanding service. Our team is made up of skilled service professionals that are trained in our extensive line of products. They are skilled home project and coatings experts who can help you every step of the way.

Laurentian University graduate.

Suzie Yorke

CEO & Founder of Love Good Fats

Suzie Yorke is a recipient of the 2020 RBC Canadian Women Entrepreneur Awards Ones To Watch Award. A mom and a yoga enthusiast, Suzie developed Love Good Fats, a company that produces high-fat, low-carb, and low-sugar products, after she identified a gap in the marketplace and an opportunity to help others through food. With a background in marketing and deep passion for health, Suzie is on a mission to spread the word that fat is back, and sugar is out!  

At a very young age I decided that I wanted to have my own brand and be an entrepreneur. I remember telling my mom at age eleven that one day I was going to run my own company. I really had no idea what that was going to be but the idea has always excited and inspired me. It just took 40+ years to get there!  

Dr. Michel Delorme

Dean Faculty of Management, Laurentian University

Michel was appointed as Dean for the Faculty of Management for a period of five years, effective July 1, 2019.

He has held several leadership positions in American and European universities, such as director of Simmons University School of Business (Boston, USA), Vice-President of Academic Affairs at Burgundy School of Business (Dijon, France), Vice-President of Academic Affairs at the École supérieure pour le développement économique et social (ESDES), the Business School of the Catholic University of Lyon (Lyon, France) and Vice Dean for Knowledge Development and Research at the Rennes School of Business (Rennes, France).

Jennifer Abols

Executive Director of the Goodman School of Mines and Predisent and CEO of MIRARCO, Laurentian University

Jennifer is a bilingual, professional engineer with over 25 years’ experience in the mining and minerals sector. Her wealth of experience across the mining cycle made her the perfect candidate to build Laurentian’s reputation as Canada’s Mining University. 

A leader with a proven track record in project execution, commissioning management, engineering management, business and strategic development, process operations, marketing and sales.

Laurentian University graduate. 

Tracey MacLeod

Chief Advancement Officer, Laurentian University

Tracy is a highly motivated, results-oriented Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE), with 20 years of experience in advancement portfolios at three Ontario universities.

She worked in Advancement at Laurentian University from 1994 to 1997, at Queen’s University from 1997 to 1998, and at Nipissing University from 1998 to 2004, culminating in the role of Manager of Alumni Relations and Development at Nipissing University. In 2013, she completed the Senior University Administrators Course from the Centre for Higher Education Research and Development.

Laurentian University graduate. 

Kristy Rousseau, MBA, CFRE

Director - Advancement, Laurentian University

Kristy served as Acting Director of Development since May 2014 and is a Certified Fund Raising Executive with nearly 10 years of professional fundraising experience. 

Before becoming Acting Director of Development, she served as Manager of Individual Gifts for Laurentian’s Development Office starting in 2011. Kristy played a key role in The Next 50 Campaign, which helped to raise over $65M for the University’s strategic priorities. Previously, Rousseau worked as a Development Officer at the Sudbury Regional Hospital Foundation.

Laurentian University graduate.