Senior Leadership

The Senior Leadership Team works collaboratively and steers the College on the path for success. This team works primarily at the Notre Dame Campus, but you’ll regularly find them visiting other campuses, saying hello to our community in the hallways, or attending special events.

Learn how each team member contributes to the success of the College, and what their interests outside of work are too (you likely have a thing or two in common!).

Fred Meier – President and CEO

Fred Meier became President and CEO of RRC Polytech – Manitoba’s only polytechnic institution – in 2020, leading the College through transformative academic and institutional growth.

Fred’s vision has guided RRC Polytech in embracing its identity as a polytechnic, launching a bold strategic plan to anticipate industry needs and prepare a workforce for the jobs of tomorrow. Key priorities include delivering industry-aligned programming for over 20,000 students, advancing Truth and Reconciliation, embedding equity, diversity, and inclusion, and deepening industry partnerships in Manitoba and beyond.

Under Fred’s leadership, RRC Polytech surpassed the $60-million target for its largest-ever fundraising campaign in under two years. He also played a pivotal role in establishing the Price Institute of Advanced Manufacturing and Mechatronics and the Schroeder Institute of Entertainment and Media Arts, solidifying the College’s leadership in applied research and work-integrated learning.

Fred emphasizes collaboration and fostering a positive, inclusive work environment, recognizing employee engagement as essential to institutional success. He is also deeply committed to Truth and Reconciliation, seeking guidance and learning from Knowledge Keepers, Elders and Grandmothers in Residence to incorporate Indigenous knowledge into College practices, from policies to the naming of spaces.

Before joining RRC Polytech, Fred held senior leadership roles in Manitoba’s public service, including as Clerk of Executive Council and Secretary to Cabinet. He holds a Master of Science from the University of Manitoba. An avid cyclist, Fred enjoys exploring the outdoors, curling, and spending time with his family.

Dr. Christine Watson – Vice-President, Academic

Dr. Christine Watson has served in Canadian higher education senior administration, leadership, teaching and research roles for the last 20+ years. She has held administrative and teaching positions at RRC Polytech, Kwantlen Polytechnic University, University of Regina and First Nations University of Canada. She joined RRC Polytech in 2013 and currently serves as the Vice-President, Academic.

Christine holds a Ph.D. in English Literature from University of Queensland (Australia), M.A. (English Literature) from Queen’s University and a B.A. English (Honours) from University of British Columbia. She is married to her wife Alisa and has two sons, two dogs and two cats.

James (Jamie) Wilson – Vice President, Indigenous Strategy, Research and Business Development

Jamie Wilson (Opaskwayak Cree Nation) is a visionary leader with a passion for building bridges between communities and organizations, strengthening relationships with Indigenous Peoples, and creating opportunities for community and social development that support economic prosperity.

Jamie joined RRC Polytech at the beginning of 2022, to guide significant and transformational work within the College’s newly re-envisioned Indigenous Strategy, Research and Business Development portfolio. He brings a wealth of experience to the College, with a background as a private sector senior executive, Deputy Minister (Growth, Enterprise and Trade; Education), educator, member of the 75th Ranger Regiment, Infantry officer, and as Manitoba’s Treaty Commissioner.

In his spare time, you can find Jamie hitting the mat to practice jiu-jitsu with his teenage son.

Giselle Martel – Vice President, Finance and Administration

Giselle works with teams across the College, helping modernize and adapt our financial services to better support our ongoing operations and ensure RRC Polytech’s financial sustainability. 

She oversees the College’s finance portfolio, including budgeting and accounting, procurement, and ancillary services, and works directly with our finance team to ensure we provide consistent and reliable services.

Giselle has an extensive background in public sector and post-secondary leadership. In addition to 15 years of experience with the provincial government, before coming to RRC Polytech, Giselle held the position of Executive Director, Financial Planning and Budgeting at the University of Manitoba, where she provided strategic oversight and leadership to the budgeting process, analysis of financial information, and recommendations to support senior leadership. 

Giselle is a Chartered Professional Accountant who holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree from the University of Manitoba.

Outside of work, Giselle enjoys spending time with her family and traveling to beaches near and far.

Adam Gerhard – Chief Information Officer

Adam joined the College in 2020 as the College’s first Chief Information Officer. Prior to joining the College, he was Director of Planning and Governance in Information Services and Technology at the University of Manitoba, where he had responsibility for IT Governance, IT Architecture, and the Project Management Office, as well as the finance and administrative functions of the unit. Before that, he was Vice-President Corporate Services with RANA Respiratory Care Group (now Careica Health), and an IT Architect with IBM.

Adam has been involved in national organizations, including the Canadian University Council of Chief Information Officers, and has served as a Regent as Chair of the Governance and Community Relations Committee of the University of Winnipeg Board of Regents. Adam holds a Bachelor of Computer Science and an MBA from the University of Manitoba, and is an alumnus of the Governor General’s Canadian Leadership Conference.

Outside of work, Adam is a Scouter with Scouts Canada, coaches cross-country skiing, and serves as chair of his church board. 

Melanie Gudmundson – Chief Human Resource Officer

Melanie is responsible for Human Resource Services, Payroll and Benefits, Safety and Health Services, Security Services, Corporate Legal Services, and a shared responsibility for the Centre for Learning and Program Excellence (Staff and Faculty Development). Melanie has been with the College since 2009, and joined the Senior Leadership team in 2018.

Prior to joining the College, Melanie worked for the Province of Manitoba in the Departments of Education and Training, Treasury Board Secretariat (Labour Relations and Compensation Services), and Family Services and Housing.

Outside of work, Melanie spends her time with her family camping in the summer and at the hockey rink in the winter.

Dr. Jeanine Webber – Executive Director, Academic

Jeanine’s post-secondary educational journey began with a Bachelor of Arts in Social Development Studies at Renison College at the University of Waterloo, followed by a Bachelor of Social Work (Honours) at York University, and a Master of Social Work and Doctor of Philosophy (Social Work) at the University of Toronto. 

During Jeanine’s doctoral studies, she had the opportunity to teach at York University, the University of Toronto, and at Humber Institute of Technology and Advanced Learning. Additionally, Jeanine has extensive leadership experience within the college sector including that of Program Coordinator, Associate Dean at Humber, and formerly as Dean for the Centre for Justice & Human Services at Lethbridge College.

Jeanine has a passion for creating pathways for non-traditional learners and ensuring everyone has access to education. She brings a collaborative, values-based strategic leadership style with extensive experience in strategic planning, program development, program evaluation and renewal, and project management.

Outside of work, Jeanine enjoys reading, hiking, photography, traveling, volunteering within the community, and most importantly, spending time with family and friends.

Aileen Najduch – Executive Director, Student Services and Global Partnerships

Aileen Najduch H.B.O.R., B.Sc., B.A., B.Ed., M.Ed. spent the early part of her career teaching in remote communities in Nunavut, Northwest Territories and later in northern Manitoba. These experiences provide her with a deep understanding into the role education plays in the success of Indigenous youth.

Aileen also has extensive experience and knowledge in curriculum development, supporting students with diverse learning needs, and collaborating with education stakeholders from various communities.

Outside of work, Aileen is a dedicated volunteer, canoe tripper, and holds a black belt in Shotokan Karate.

David Petis – Executive Director, Advancement

David leads the Advancement portfolio and works collaboratively to provide strategic direction on fund development, marketing and web presence, communications, and government relations.  

David has nearly 30 years of Canadian post-secondary experience in external relations, advancement, philanthropic giving, and alumni and community relations, having led major university branding exercises and the successful delivery of multiple comprehensive fundraising campaigns. He’s held senior executive positions at several institutions including Medicine Hat College, Brock University, and the University of Alberta.

As well, David holds Diplomas in Marketing and Business Administration from Fleming College along with a certificate in Human Behaviour. 

Outside of work, David enjoys community service and has served on several not-for-profit and community boards. Additionally, he enjoys reading, chess, participating in all kinds of sports, and travel, both exploring Canada on road trips and internationally when time permits. His favourite free time is spent with family.

Conor Lloyd, CD, APR – Director, College and Public Relations

Conor Lloyd, CD, APR, is a member of the College’s Advancement Team and the Director of College and Public Relations. As a Senior Leadership Team member, Conor provides strategic advice and guidance on communications, public relations, government relations, and internal and external relations. 

Conor joined RRC Polytech in 2013 and has helped grow RRC Polytech’s external and internal relations portfolio. Conor is heavily involved in the community working with the Cadets and Junior Canadian Rangers, Canadian Public Relations Society, and is a member of the Board of Directors for The Forks. 

Conor holds a diploma from RRC Polytech’s Creative Communications program and a B.A in Communications from the University of Winnipeg. Conor is a recipient of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal.

Outside of work, Conor and his wife are busy raising their daughter. When he’s not in the office, you can find him drinking copious amounts of coffee from Thom Bargen, yelling at the TV during any Formula One Grand Prix, or outdoors spending time at the lake with his family.