2000 Recipient

Kerry Bittner, Business Administration, 1966

Kerry graduated with a diploma in Business Administration in 1966. Upon graduation, he joined Air Canada in the Winnipeg Revenue Accounting Division. He continued his position with Air Canada until 1970. At that time, he moved with Air Canada to Montreal accepting a position in the Marketing Department progressing to Marketing Manager, North American Routes.

In 1976, Kerry was hired by Manitoba Blue Cross as sales manager. In 1984 he was appointed President, Manitoba Blue Cross. During his time with the company, he saw the company grow from an annual income of $4.0 million to over $200 million in 2003 and by number of employees from 40 to more than 180.

Kerry retired from Manitoba Blue Cross in December of 2003 after 28 years of service.

Kerry is very active in his community. He is a member of the Board of the Manitoba Medical Service Foundation, a foundation granting money for medical research, and a member of the Board of Manitoba Public Insurance. He is also currently a member of the Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce and the Knights of Columbus St. Charles Branch. In the past, he has served on the Boards of Fred Douglas Place, Villa Rosa Inc. and the Better Business Bureau. He was also the founding chair of the RRC Polytech Alumni Committee until 2002.