Board of Governors

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Lynette is a graduate of the University of Manitoba, holding a Bachelor of Commerce (Honours) degree. She is a designated Chartered Accountant with over 25 years of experience in accounting, finance, and corporate planning. Most recently, she served as Vice-President and Corporate Controller at Manitoba Telecom Services.  Lynette is actively involved in her community, supporting and volunteering at local organizations and charities. She also serves on the Council and the Audit & Risk Management Committee for the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Manitoba. Appointed to the Board of Governors in 2020, she was elected Vice-Chair in 2021 and took on the role of Chair on June 27, 2023.

Mr. Osiowy is a professional engineer with broad project management and environmental experience in both the industrial and public sectors.  A graduate of the University of Manitoba, he is a consulting engineer currently working for AECOM Canada Ltd specializing in environmental engineering and project management.  

Kimber was appointed to the Board in 2017 and served as the Chair of the Audit and Risk Management Committee from 2017-2023.  He was elected as Vice-Chair of the Board, effective June 27, 2023.

Ms. Anne Mahon is the University of Manitoba’s 14th Chancellor. Her spirit name is Waabishkaa Miigwanese Little White Feather and her clan is turtle.

She is a bridge-builder whose philanthropic ideals are matched by her demonstrated ability to bring people together to effect positive change.  She has built a reputation for lending her talents and spirit to the causes of the disempowered. Her work exists at the crossroads of storytelling, community-building, philanthropy and education. She creates meaning and change through volunteer work that supports the stories, lives and aspirations of those most in need.

Ms. Mahon is an oral history writer interested in people, their stories and making meaningful connections. Her writing focuses on stories of resilience and hope. All author proceeds from the sales of her books are donated to organizations that support the communities featured in each book.

Ms. Mahon has spent over thirty years volunteering in the community, including: United Way of Winnipeg, Immigrant & Refugee Community Organization of Manitoba (IRCOM), a founding board member of HumanKind International, and co-founded and co-facilitates the Book Mates Book Club at the Women's Correctional Centre.

Ms. Mahon graduated from the University of Manitoba in 1987 from the faculty of Human Ecology.

Photo of Dr. Michael Benarroch

Michael Benarroch became President of the University of Manitoba (UM) on July 1, 2020.

Dr. Benarroch served as Provost and Vice-President (Academic) at Toronto Metropolitan University from 2017 to 2020, acting as the institution’s chief academic and operating officer, as well as a tenured professor in the department of Economics, Faculty of Arts. He served as the Dean of the I.H. Asper School of Business at UM from 2011 to 2017, and enjoyed a 21-year-career with the University of Winnipeg, where he was chair of the department of Economics (1999 to 2007) and served as the university’s Faculty of Business and Economics founding dean from 2008 to 2011.

Dr. Benarroch has engaged with the boards of all three universities at which he has worked and has been an active leader in collegial governance. His extensive community service and board experience includes the Premier of Manitoba’s Economic Advisory Council and the Council of Economic Advisors for the Credit Union Central. He held a two-year term as chair of Manitoba’s Crown Corporation Council and was chair of the Board of Jewish Education. In 2022, he served as a member of the Manitoba Immigration Advisory Council and currently co-chairs the Post-Secondary Presidents’ Council of Manitoba. 

Dr. Benarroch holds a BA (Honours) in Economics from the University of Winnipeg, a master’s in Economics from Western University, and a PhD in Economics from Carleton University. 

elected by Senate

Dr. Douglas A. Brown is currently the Dean of the Faculty of Kinesiology and Recreation Management at the University of Manitoba. Dr. Brown holds a PhD in Sport History from the University of Western Ontario. His research has focused on the origins of the Modern Olympic Games, early Canadian Mountaineering and winter sports, generally. From these vantage points, Dr. Brown explores themes such as identity, ethnicity and human agency within sport as well as the aesthetics or poetics of sport participation. He is widely published in international publications and his research has been funded by the Social Science and Humanities Research Council of Canada.

(appointed by Government)

Ms. Juanita DeSouza-Huletey, is the Founder, CEO, and Lead Coach of Dynamic Solutions International Inc. (DSI), and a distinguished leader with extensive expertise in information technology, governance, and project management. With over 25 years of experience, she has held key leadership roles, including Divisional Head of Information Technology at the Winnipeg Police Service, where she contributed significantly to cost-effective and innovative organizational change.

Known for her approachability, assertiveness and adventurous spirit, Juanita has established herself as a trailblazer in both the industry and the community. She assumes various roles as a leader, speaker, educator, mentor, life coach, and patron. Her reputation as a subject matter expert is matched by her commitment to fostering inclusive change.

A passionate advocate for Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging (EDIB), Juanita promotes inclusivity through workshops, influential speeches, and leadership in diverse organizations. Her dedication extends beyond her professional achievements, as she actively contributes to various executive and advisory boards, reflecting her commitment to uplifting marginalized communities and creating a culture of inclusion.

(appointed by UMSU)

Rachhvir Dhaliwal serves as the Vice-President University Affairs for the University of Manitoba Student's Union. Her passion for giving back to the community led her to take on the role of UMSU Vice-President University Affairs in which she ensures a safe, equitable, and fair university experience for students. Rachhvir is a third-year undergraduate student, currently pursuing a Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in Political Studies and a minor in Psychology, at the University of Manitoba. Her passion for learning, leadership, and dancing has been an integral part of her life.

(student member - appointed by Government)

Chloe Dreilich-Girard is a proud Métis woman and MMF citizen who was born and raised in Winnipeg, MB, with her family being from the towns of Elie, Binscarth, and the Métis community of Ste Madeleine. Chloe is in her second year of Juris Doctor at UM’s Robson Hall. Prior to this, she graduated from UM with a Bachelor of Arts, majoring in Criminology and minoring in Psychology. Chloe is a first-generation post-secondary student who dedicates much of her time outside of class to giving back to the community that has supported her on her journey. One of her main goals in working with community is to ensure that everyone has access to the necessary support to succeed.

Since starting at UM, Chloe has been an active student leader across campus. She has served in numerous roles for Neechiwaken, the University 1 Student Council, the University of Manitoba’s Criminology and Sociology’s Association of Students, the Arts Student Body Council, the University of Manitoba’s Indigenous Law Students Association and more. In her roles on campus, Chloe’s focus has been on amplifying voices, creating space, increasing awareness and bringing together community, all of which can be seen throughout her work.

(student member - appointed by Government)

Laura Effinger is a business professional with expertise in finance, accounting, strategy, and process improvement. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Finance and Economics from the University of Southern Indiana. Currently, Laura is the Senior Manager of Strategic Financial Planning & Analysis at The North West Company and is pursuing her MBA part-time. She serves as the Treasurer of Rainbow Harmony Project Inc., a 2SLGBTQIA* not-for-profit organization in Winnipeg. Additionally, at the University of Manitoba's Asper School of Business, Laura volunteers as a coach and mentor for the Case Competition program and serves as the student representative on the Professional Graduate Program Committee. Laura is also currently a fellow in the President's Students Leadership Program.  

(elected by Alumni)

Irene Fakankun has obtained a bachelor's degree in Biochemistry from Bells University of Technology, a Master of Research degree in Advanced Genomic and Proteomic Sciences from the University of Nottingham, and a Ph.D. in Biosystems Engineering at the University of Manitoba. She has always been part of a university system, either as a student or a teacher, contributing to continuous development. Her past contributions include being a member of the students' disciplinary committee and president of the health advocates club. She was also a member of the university consult, where she led the audit of revenue and business processes, which generated about $15,000 in additional profits.

At the University of Nottingham, she organized bioenergy outreach programs that resulted in public awareness and increased funding for her department and at the University of Manitoba she mentored undergraduate and research students at the Levin lab. Additionally, she served as a Graduate Student Association Council Representative and launched an online community called Schooling Moms, which addressed navigating the challenges associated with going through a graduate program as a parent.

Since graduating in 2021, Irene has continued working on research publications and as an instructor in the Chemistry department at the University of Manitoba. Furthermore, she is an adjunct faculty at Providence University College and the University of Winnipeg. She volunteers on the welcome team at her local church, as a writer on the scribes team of Awesome Treasures Foundation, and as a co-host of a family-focused group. She is a published scientist and communicator and was one of the women selected to present their work at the Soapbox Science event in 2021.

(appointed by Government)

Doug Finkbeiner graduated from the University of Manitoba with a B.A. in 1971 and an LL.B in 1974, was called to the Bar of Manitoba in 1975 and has practiced Corporate and Commercial Law since then. He has represented all sizes of businesses with an emphasis on the purchase and sale of businesses and commercial properties. A significant part of his practice also includes resolving shareholder disputes as they arise. More recently, he has been an arbitrator in commercial disputes and played a role as a conciliator mandated by an Order in Council of the government of Manitoba.

Doug is actively involved in the community, supporting and volunteering for local charities and organizations as much as possible, including the Manitoba Paraplegia Foundation where he am currently a Trustee and Chair with over 40 years of involvement. He also have a long history with the United Way of Winnipeg where he sits on the major donor cabinet, resource development committee  and campaign advisory committee. In the past, he has also been a member of the United Way Board of Trustees and an Executive member as well as a member of cabinet. Doug also chaired the 2012 United Way of Winnipeg campaign. Furthermore, he has held board of director positions with Prairie Theatre Exchange and the Misericordia Health Centre Foundation.

Mr. Finkbeiner's committee experience extends to the Law Society of Manitoba where he served as President and was eventually appointed as a Life Bencher. He is a frequent lecturer on commercial topics for the Law Society of Manitoba, Robson Hall and other organizations.

Finally, Doug have been recognized in Best Lawyers in Canada peer reviews annually for 15 years (since 2006), was named "Lawyer of the Year" by Best Lawyers for Corporate Law, Winnipeg (2017), Corporate Law, Winnipeg (2013), Banking and Finance Law, Winnipeg (2020), and more recently was the
recipient of the Manitoba Bar Association Distinguished Service Award (2022).

As a proud University of Manitoba alum, Doug is be honoured to serve as a representative on the UM Board of Governors.

(elected by Alumni)

Reanna McKay is a proud Nihithaw artist, writer, educator, and advocate from Barren Lands First Nation and an Architectural Intern with Number TEN Architectural Group. Reanna received a Master of Architecture and a Bachelor of Environmental Design from the University of Manitoba. She has dedicated her career to amplifying Indigenous voices, knowledge systems, and sustainability in architecture. As a professional, Reanna is on the project team for Wehwehneh Bahgahkinahgohn, a transformation of the historic Hudson’s Bay building in downtown Winnipeg for Southern Chiefs’ Organization and several other Indigenous community-centered projects. In addition, Reanna is a Sessional Instructor in the UofM's Department of Architecture, a Co-Chair of the Welcoming Winnipeg Committee, the Manitoba Regional Director on the Royal Architecture Institute of Canada Board of Directors, and the 2023 Youth-First Nations Indspire Award Laureate.

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(appointed by Government)

Lynette is a graduate of the University of Manitoba, holding a Bachelor of Commerce (Honours) degree. She is a designated Chartered Accountant with over 25 years of experience in accounting, finance, and corporate planning. Most recently, she served as Vice-President and Corporate Controller at Manitoba Telecom Services.  Lynette is actively involved in her community, supporting and volunteering at local organizations and charities. She also serves on the Council and the Audit & Risk Management Committee for the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Manitoba. Appointed to the Board of Governors in 2020, she was elected Vice-Chair in 2021 and took on the role of Chair on June 27, 2023.

(elected by Senate)

Dr. Nickerson is a Distinguished Professor of Medicine and Immunology in the Max Rady College of Medicine. As a clinician-scientist he has advanced the field of kidney transplantation and led the development of national organ sharing program. In the fall of 2022 he assumed the position of Vice Provost (Health Sciences), Dean Rady Faculty of Health Sciences and Dean of the Max Rady College of Medicine.

(appointed by Government)

Mr. Osiowy is a professional engineer with broad project management and environmental experience in both the industrial and public sectors.  A graduate of the University of Manitoba, he is a consulting engineer currently working for AECOM Canada Ltd specializing in environmental engineering and project management. 

(appointed by Government)

Greg Parent (Winnipeg) is a Registered Professional Engineer in Manitoba and Program Leader at Defence Construction Canada. Mr. Parent has held leadership roles across many engineering and operational areas at Manitoba Hydro, the City of Winnipeg, and the Federal Public Service.  His experience includes engineering, operations, maintenance, design, planning, construction, and business, facilities, and contract administration. Mr. Parent holds a Master of Business Administration and a Bachelor of Science in Engineering (Electrical) from the University of Manitoba, and a certificate in asset management from the Institute of Asset Management. He is President of Winnipeg Toastmasters Club 250. 

(appointed by Government)

Mr. Shreeraj Patel is a highly skilled financial professional with over 20 years of experience in commercial and corporate banking. His journey in commercial banking began with BMO, where he covered various industries and was later promoted to a diversified risk adjudication role. In 2014, he joined RBC as an Associate Director and was appointed Vice President of Commercial Financial Services in 2017. Raj leads a team that manages real estate development, construction services, and supply chain operations.

Raj serves on the United Way Winnipeg Board of Trustees, the Asper School of Business Equity, Diversity, and Inclusivity Taskforce, and the James W. Burns Leadership Institute Advisory Board. He also contributes to institutions like the University of Manitoba as a committee member under the Finance and Infrastructure Committee of the Board of Governors. Raj is also a current board member of CentrePort Canada and the TELUS Manitoba and Saskatchewan Community Board. His past roles include serving as a Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce director and the Winnipeg Chamber Chair for the 2020/21 term. 

(elected by Senate)    

Dr. Susan Prentice is Professor of Sociology at the University of Manitoba. As a family sociologist, she focuses primarily on care, gender, and public policy, with a particular speciality in childcare. She also conducts research on systemic discrimination, including in higher education. In both domains, she practices public sociology. Among her appointments, Dr. Prentice holds a seat on the Tri-Council Agency Institutional Programs Secretariat’s (TIPS) Advisory Committee on Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Policy. In 2019, she was appointed to the first national Expert Panel on Early Learning and Child Care. She has held several terms on the University’s Senate, and also acted as Graduate Chair of Sociology for multiple terms. More information, including selected publications, can be found at: https://umanitoba.ca/faculties/arts/departments/sociology/facstaff/prentice.html. She tweets at @SusanPrentice.

(appointed by Government)

Michael Robertson is a partner at Cibinel Architecture Ltd.  Michael is an expert in Indigenous design and community development and has developed and delivered multiple capital projects related to the academic, institutional, and cultural areas.

The 2024 Recipient of the University of Manitoba’s Distinguished Alumni Award in Community Service, Michael is a Past Chair of the United Way Winnipeg’s Board of Trustees, a former board member of BUILD Inc, and a long-time volunteer serving people experiencing homelessness.

As a passionate advocate for equity and community service, Robertson has dedicated much of his time to helping others through a variety of commitments, from his volunteer work, to his projects with the Ma Mawi Wi Chi Itata Centre, Siloam Mission and Main Street Project and his service to the University of Manitoba over the years as a member of the President’s Advisory Council and former member of the University of Manitoba Board of Governors.

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(appointed by Government)

A member of Skownan First Nation, Diane Roussin is an Anishinaabe leader committed to the pursuit of mino bimaadiziwin (the good life). Working at the local, regional and national levels to promote Indigenous People’s values and ways of knowing, being, doing and feeling, she has led many avant-garde initiatives. Currently heading the Winnipeg Boldness Project, Diane is a driving force in establishing the first and longest serving Indigenous Social Innovation Lab in Canada that seeks large-scale systems of change for children and families.

Diane is a pacesetter in the creation of a robust Indigenous Innovation ecosystem in Canada with many influential roles including; Chair of the Indigenous Innovation Initiative Council with Grand Challenges Canada; member of the inaugural Indigenous Innovation Advisory Council with Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technologies and Council of Aunties for the Fireweed Fellowship, the first national Indigenous Entrepreneurship Accelerator.

Her Board commitments are geared toward forging new ground and include: The Winnipeg Foundation where she seeks to create space for Indigenous philanthropy; the Winnipeg Art Gallery that hosts Quamajuq, the largest public collection of Inuit art in the world; North Forge Technology Exchange, Canadas largest non-profit fabrication lab; and Animikii Inc., a leading Indigenous technology company.

Diane is a TEDx speaker on the topic of Indigenous Social Innovation. She is a recipient of the Governor General’s Meritorious Service Medal for Outstanding Indigenous Leadership and of the Manitoba Women Trailblazers Award by the Nellie McClung Foundation. Diane holds a Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Social Work Degree.

(appointed by UMSU)

Divya is a leader and advocate for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI). Her professional and volunteer work for a wide range of causes has spread across Canada and beyond. At the age of 19, Divya Sharma is experienced with community engagement, the public and non-profit sector, government, and student politics and has been recognized locally, nationally and internationally. Sharma is the youngest board member of several organizations; Provincial Women’s Advisory Council, Manitoba Council for International Cooperation, CBC Community Advisory Board, Association of Fundraising Professionals MB, Asian Women of Winnipeg, Inclusion Winnipeg, paving the way for young people.

As the President of the University of Manitoba Students' Union, Divya advocates for policies and campaigns that promote DEI and support 30 000 students. Director of Communication for the Community of Big Hearts, a social enterprise dedicated to Indigenous reconciliation. Due to her dedication to DEI, she was selected to serve as a youth delegate for the United Nations 68th Commission on the Status of Women and as a UNICEF, U-Report Ambassador. Divya carries the spirit of seva after moving to Canada at the age of 9 and takes pride in continuing to volunteer.

elected by Alumni

Brenna holds a PhD and MSc in Health Care Administration and a Bachelor in Medical Rehabilitation, Occupational Therapy. Brenna is a healthcare administrator with 30+ years of senior management experience and is an experienced Board Director (elected and appointed) with provincial health, regulatory, not-for-profit and professional organizations. Her senior management career in healthcare administration includes professional association, government, public health, hospital, community and education settings. In addition to her management portfolio, Brenna has been actively involved in research, teaching and fundraising activities. Areas of research have included program evaluation, immunization, cervical cancer screening, HPV, public policy and HIV.

(student member - appointed by Government)

Bianca is a fourth-year undergraduate at the University of Manitoba, pursuing a Bachelor of Arts Honours in Political Studies. A dedicated student leader, she is serving her second term as Director of Arts Services on the Faculty of Arts Student Body Council and has previously held the role of Vice President of the Undergraduate Political Studies Student Association. Passionate about 2SLGBTQIA+ rights, Bianca is actively involved with Queer BIPOC students on campus. She also a Co-op student, working at Narratives Inc., focusing on Indigenous Reconciliation, policy analysis, and community planning. Beyond academics, Bianca volunteers locally, advocates for gender diversity, leads the Youth Climate Corps in Manitoba, and promotes mental health awareness. Inspired by her parents, Survivors of the Cambodian genocide, she aims to continue working towards community building. 

(appointed by UMSU)

Christopher/C. Yendt (he/they) is a PhD Candidate in the Faculty of Education at UM, and the President of the University of Manitoba Graduate Students’ Association (UMGSA). Their research focuses on the experiences of queer student leaders and the challenges they face in navigating queer and student identities in post-secondary spaces. Previously their research focused on mental health literacy (MHL) among pre-service teacher education candidates in Ontario. An experienced student leader in both undergraduate and graduate student spaces, they served as the President and CEO of the Graduate Students’ Association (GSA) at Brock University, where they led the development of a new strategic plan and secured student support for a seven-million-dollar building while facilitating transformational change at the board, executive and staff levels to grow capacity and position the organization to meet future challenges. They also served as Vice-President, Finance, Board Member, Board Vice-Chair and Chair. In 2021 they were given the title of Honorary Member and President Emeritus for their work with the GSA. They have served on the Board of Trustees, Senate and Alumni Association of Brock University, Compass Community Health, Rainbow’s End CDC, CMHA-Niagara, the Greater Niagara Chamber of Commerce, and the St Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton. A four-time graduate of Brock University, Ontario Certified Corporate Director through the Institute of Corporate Directors (ICD.D) an Ontario Certified Teacher (OCT) and member of the Association of Mental Health Professionals (OAMHP).

Assessor to the Board of Governors. Appointed by the University of Manitoba Faculty Association.

Orvie Dingwall (BA, MLIS)  is the Past President of the University of Manitoba Faculty Association (UMFA), having served as President from 2021-2024. She is a Health Sciences Librarian at the University of Manitoba and is Head of the Outreach unit that provides library services and resources to health professionals throughout Manitoba. Her research is published in journals such as the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Journal of the Medical Library Association, and Journal of the Canadian Health Libraries Association. Orvie is a past President of the Canadian Health Libraries Association (2010) and is an active member of the Canadian Association of University Teachers (CAUT) Librarians' and Archivists' Committee (2018-2021; 2024-present).

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Rainer was elected the Support Staff Assessor for June 1, 2023 - May 31, 2025.

I was born as the 7th child of a family of 9 children and grew up in Germany. I completed my education and apprenticeship there, I also did 15 month of mandatory Bundeswehr  service. I immigrated to Canada in 1992 as my wife is Canadian and we decided to live in Winnipeg, Mb. We have two adult children both graduated from the University of Manitoba and work in their respective fields. Over the years I worked in various millwork shops in Winnipeg. In Sept. 1992 I started work at the University of Manitoba as an Assistant Manager in Minor Project Services, Operation & Maintenance. I really enjoy working in this environment and I am proud of what my work unit accomplished over the years. My hobbies are gardening and everything woodwork related.

Jasmine was elected as the Alternate Support Staff Assessor for June 1, 2023 - May 31, 2025.

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Jeff Leclerc is the University Secretary at the University of Manitoba, a role he has held since 2003.  As University Secretary, Mr. Leclerc is a member of the President’s Executive Team and senior governance officer of the University, providing advice and guidance on jurisdiction, strategy, policy and process and ensuring the effective operation of the University’s bicameral governance system.
 
Mr. Leclerc holds a Master’s degree in Educational Administration from the University of Manitoba, completed the Institute for Educational Management at Harvard University and holds the Chartered Director designation.  Active in his community, he also currently serves on the Board of the Canadian University Boards Association, is a member of the Pension Committee for the University of Manitoba Pension Plans, and a Trustee of the United Way of Winnipeg.