Portage College Board of Governors
Rudyk, Brian
Brian Rudyk is an educator and tradesperson with over 40 years experience in the automotive/RV industry and as an educator and administrator at Edwin Parr Composite School and Aspen View Schools. He received his Motor Mechanics Certificate at NAIT eventually earning Journeyperson and Red Seal Status. He received his Bachelor of Education degree with Distinction from the University of Alberta.
Competencies required for members of The Board of Governors of Portage College include the core competencies of leadership and governance as well as preferred competencies of finance, human resources, legal, risk management, and/or strategic planning. Mr. Rudyk was directly appointed on the basis of meeting the competencies, skills and attributes as described above.
Lett, Heather
Ms. Heather Lett has been an employee of Portage College since 2015. Ms. Lett is the Continuing Education Operations Supervisor at Portage College. Previously, she was the Student Advisory Team Lead and Records Clerk Assistant.
Pare, Kevin
Mr. Kevin Pare is currently the Ward 2 Councillor of Lac La Biche County. He has 30-years experience working in the oilfield industry. He has worked for Cenovus Energy, ConocoPhillips (Surmont), Alberta-Pacific Forest Ind., and Logan Resources. Mr. Pare is a long-time volunteer and advocate. He helped raise money for local charities and non-profit organizations in his community. Mr. Pare has completed both the Third-Class and the Fourth-Class Power Engineering Programs at Portage College.
Competencies required for members of The Board of Governors of Portage College include the core competencies of leadership and governance and the preferred competencies of finance, human resources, legal, risk management, and/or strategic planning. Mr. Pare was directly appointed on the basis of meeting the competencies, skills, and attributes as described above.
Brosseau, Elisa
Ms. Elisa Brosseau is currently the Mayor of the Town of Bonnyville. Prior to being elected Mayor, she was Deputy Mayor and a Town Councillor. She as serves Chair of Community Futures Lakeland and a board member on the Lakeland Credit Union. Ms. Brosseau holds a Bachelor of Human Resources and Labour Relations degree from Athabasca University and completed the Leadership, Advanced certificate at the University of Alberta Faculty of Extension.
Competencies required for members of The Board of Governors of Portage College include the core competencies of leadership and governance as well as preferred competencies of finance, human resources, legal, risk management, and/or strategic planning. Ms. Brosseau was directly appointed on the basis of meeting the competencies, skills, and attributes as described above.
Papirny, Laura
Ms. Laura Papirny is a Practical Nurse Instructor at Portage College and is a casual Emergency Department Nurse at the Elk Point Health Care Centre. Ms. Papirny is a certified CPR instructor as well. She served as Mayor for the Village of Glendon for 8 years (2013 to 2021), during which she volunteered for many community events and sat on several different boards, including the Lakeland PCN Board. She currently sits on the newly formed Glendon Public Library Board. She is also a founding member of the Lakeland Hospice Society. Ms. Papirny holds a Rural Nursing diploma from MacEwan University.
Fyten, Molly
Ms. Molly Fyten is an Environmental Services Manager who works with Lac La Biche County. Ms. Fyten has served as the President of Normandeau Community Centre, as well as the Board Director for the Craigend Recreation and Agricultural Society. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental Earth Sciences from the University of Alberta.
Competencies required for members of The Board of Governors of Portage College include the core competencies of leadership and governance, and preferred competencies of finance, human resources, legal, risk management, and/or strategic planning. Ms. Fyten was directly appointed on the basis of meeting the competencies, skills, and attributes as described above.
Sallstrom, Linda
Ms. Linda Sallstrom is an Economic Development Officer at STEP Economic Development Alliance, and the former Executive Director of St. Paul & District Chamber of Commerce. Ms. Sallstrom is a Board Director and volunteer at Boscombe Community Centre, and Secretary and founding member of the Lasting Impressions Toastmasters Club.
Competencies required for members of The Board of Governors of Portage College include the core competencies of leadership and governance, and preferred competencies of finance, human resources, legal, risk management, and/or strategic planning. Ms. Sallstrom was directly appointed on the basis of meeting the competencies, skills, and attributes as described above.
Thompson, Laurie
Ms. Laurie Thompson is currently the Principal of Kikino School situated in Lac La Biche County, Northern Lights School Division (NLSD) #69. Ms. Thompson has served as a member of the Site-Based Management Committee for NLSD #69, as former Co-Chair of the NLSD indigenous Advisory Committee, and as former Co-Chair of Priorities Setting Committee. She is also a Diversity, Equity, Human Rights Representative and President of Local Women In Leadership. She is currently pursuing a Doctor of Education in Distance Education degree. She holds a Bachelor of Education degree from the University of Alberta and a Master of Arts in Leadership and Training from Royal Roads University.
Competencies required for members of The Board of Governors of Portage College include the core competencies of leadership and governance and the preferred competencies of finance, human resources, legal, risk management, and/or strategic planning. Ms. Thompson was directly appointed on the basis of meeting the competencies, skills, and attributes as described above. June 2025.
Henson, Travis
Mr. Travis Henson is the Director of the Blackrod Oil Sands Project. Mr. Henson has over 25 years of experience in energy and resource development. He currently serves on the Dean’s Advisory Committee for the McPhail School of Energy at the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT).
Mr. Henson holds a Diploma in Power Engineering Technology from SAIT, a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Alberta, and a Master of Business Administration degree from Queen’s University. He also coaches minor hockey and volunteers with various industry and professional associations.
Competencies required for members of The Board of Governors of Portage College include the core competencies of leadership and governance and the preferred competencies of finance, human resources, legal, risk management, and/or strategic planning. Mr. Henson was directly appointed on the basis of meeting the competencies, skills, and attributes as described above. June 2025.
Schaeffer, Vicki
Vicki Schaeffer has been a dedicated member of the Students’ Association of Portage College since 2018, serving on both the SAPC Board and the Portage College Board of Governors, where she represented student interests with professionalism, empathy, and a strong commitment to advocacy. Known for her calm presence, thoughtful insight, and ability to build strong interpersonal relationships, Vicki consistently works to elevate the student voice and foster a positive, supportive campus environment. She has contributed to numerous college events, actively participates in governance discussions, and is deeply committed to understanding and addressing student issues. Vicki holds a High School Diploma from Portage College and has completed the first year of the Practical Nursing program.
Irwin, John
Mr. John Irwin retired from Alberta Advanced Education after a long career with the Apprenticeship and Industry Training division where he held various positions, including Consultant, Assistant Examinations Supervisor, Regional Supervisor, Area Manager, and Senior Consultant. Mr. Irwin is a former councillor with the Town of Bonnyville. He is a past Director, Vice President, and President of Lakeland Co-op. Mr. Irwin holds a trade certificate with an Interprovincial Standards Red Seal endorsement in the Carpenter trade.
Competencies required for members of The Board of Governors of Portage College include the core competencies of leadership and governance and the preferred competencies of finance, human resources, legal, risk management, and/or strategic planning. Mr. Irwin was directly appointed on the basis of meeting the competencies, skills, and attributes as described above.
Young, Ron
Mr. Ron Young has been on The Board of Governors of Portage College since November 2020. Mr. Young serves as the Chair of the Board’s Human Resources Committee and was responsible for overseeing the search and selection process for Portage College’s CEO. He is also an Assessment Appeal Board Member with the Municipal District of Bonnyville, a Trustee with the Northern Light School Division, and a former Council Member for the City of Cold Lake and Town of Grand Centre. Mr. Young holds a Bachelor of Education degree from the University of Alberta. He has been recognized with the King Charles III Coronation Medal (2024) for exemplary community service and an appointment to the Teaching Excellence Panel by Alberta’s Minister of Education (2012).