He has a strong connection to the west coast campus, but Dennis Waterman says his role on Memorial University’s Board of Regents means considering the school as a single entity first and foremost.
The Corner Brook resident was among 10 people appointed to the university’s corporate body earlier this week.
Besides living in the west coast city, Waterman is also the former director of administration and finance at Grenfell Campus in Corner Brook.
“Grenfell does hold a special place with me and I will certainly be there to work with the Grenfell people to try and develop Grenfell as best we can,” Waterman said in an interview after his appointment.
He declined to go into any detail of how he intends to approach any issues particular to Grenfell Campus. He said he is just honoured to be asked to be a board member and is looking forward to the work involved to advance the best interests of Memorial as a whole.
The Board of Regents is responsible for the management, administration and control of the property, revenue, business and affairs of Memorial University.
“For the most part, I just want to be involved in the development of Memorial University as a world-class university,” he said. “It is certainly one of the top-ranked universities in Canada and, if I can contribute to the development of that, that’s my goal and my aim.”
Here are the latest appointees to Memorial University’s Board of Regents:
Robert Bishop
Robert Bishop served as the deputy city manager of finance for the City of St. John’s and has experience in governance, policy and planning, and environmental issues. He served previously as a member of Memorial University’s Board of Regents until the expiry of his last term in December 2017.
Mark Bradbury
Mark Bradbury is president of MGB Professional Services Ltd. and previously worked with Nalcor. He has served previously as a joint Memorial University and College of the North Atlantic board member, and has experience in governance and finance.
Frederick Cahill
Frederick Cahill is president and chief executive officer of the Cahill Group of Companies. He has experience in human resources, finances, construction and engineering. He currently serves as chairperson of Memorial University’s Genesis Centre and vice-chairperson of the Resource Development Corporation.
John Gibbons
John Gibbons has worked with the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency as well as the Canada Revenue Agency and has experience in governance, project management, policy and planning, community development, and finance.
Doug Letto
Doug Letto is the owner of Doug Letto Consulting and worked for the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation for 30 years. He has a master’s degree in political science from Memorial University and is an active member of the St. John’s Board of Trade.
Kelvin Parsons
Kelvin Parsons worked as a lawyer for 30 years and has experience in law enforcement, education, governance, policy and planning, and social issues. He served as a Member of the House of Assembly from 1999 to 2011, including as minister of justice and attorney general from 2000 to 2003.
Donna Rideout
Donna Rideout is a chartered accountant and financial planner who has worked as a partner with Waiters Hoffe Chartered Accountants for offices in Gander, Happy Valley-Goose Bay and Clarenville. She has served extensively on boards, including the Gander International Airport Authority and Gander and Area Chamber of Commerce.
Catherine Rowsell
Catherine Rowsell is vice-president, human resources and labour relations, with NARL Refining LP. She has worked with Fortis, Suncor, Fircroft, Nalcor, and Rio Tinto. She has experience in organizational effectiveness, human resources and labour relations.
George Saunders
George Saunders is a former mayor of Bishop’s Falls and currently works as a planning consultant. He has experience in governance, health, education, policy and planning. He has a master’s degree in educational administration from Memorial University.
Dennis Waterman
Dennis Waterman has served as Memorial University’s director of administration and finance at Grenfell Campus, as well as associate chief executive officer of the Western Health Corporation. He is currently a board member of the Business Investment Corporation and has experience in governance, education, human resources, and finance.
Source: Department of Advanced Education, Skills and Labour
