Board of Governors

Lynette Magnus is a graduate of the University of Manitoba with a Bachelor of Commerce (Honours) degree.  She is a designated Chartered Accountant with over 25 years experience in accounting, finance, and corporate planning.  Most recently, Lynette was Vice-President and Corporate Controller at Manitoba Telecom Services.  Lynette also serves on Council and the Audit & Risk Management Committee for the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Manitoba, and is a community volunteer with the Stroke Recovery Association of Manitoba. Lynette was appointed to the Board of Governors in 2020.  She was elected Vice-Chair in 2021, and assumed 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 civil servant with Manitoba Infrastructure, responsible for the management of environmental services.

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.

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.

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

Dr. Benarroch is a Manitoban and former Dean of the I.H. Asper School of Business. He previously served as Provost and Vice-President (Academic) at Ryerson University, acting as the institution’s chief academic and operating officer as well as a tenured professor in the department of Economics, Faculty of Arts.  During his 21 years with the University of Winnipeg, he led the creation of its Faculty of Business and Economics and became its founding Dean.

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. He has a special interest in global economic outlook, the impact of trade on the environment and government economic policy.

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 community service and board experience includes the Premier of Manitoba’s Economic Advisory Council, the Certified Management Accountants of Canada, 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.

(elected by Senate)

Dr. John Anderson is a Professor in the Department of Computer Science at the University of Manitoba, and is also head of the department.  He received his PhD from the University of Manitoba in 1995.  His primary research interests are in the area of artificial intelligence, and involve teams of interacting robots.  This includes work in team formation and social learning, and the application of these to challenging problems such as robotic soccer and urban search and rescue. He is also interested in improving Computer Science education through the use of artificial intelligence and robotics, and in improving robotics competitions to better validate scientific research.

(student member - appointed by Government)

Alexandra is a second-year student majoring in Political Studies and minoring in Philosophy. Her interests include administrative work, social sciences, biology, and soccer. She currently holds a position on the executive board of the University of Manitoba Campus Conservatives club as the Director of Communications, and is a member of the Undergraduate Political Studies Students’ Association. Alexandra is passionate about maintaining an academic space that welcomes people of all beliefs and backgrounds, and is a major advocate for animal welfare.

(elected by Alumni)

Duane has taught at the early and middle, and senior years levels in Manitoba and British Columbia. He has also served for 20 years as an assistant superintendent and superintendent in three different school divisions in Manitoba.

As a facilitator and speaker, Duane has worked in British Columbia, Manitoba, the USA, and Mexico in the areas of organizational improvement, diversity, governance, and leadership. He has served on the Board of the National Principals Leadership Institute in NYC, was on the Cabinet for the United Way Manitoba, the Board of the Manitoba Association of School Superintendents, the Advisory Council of the EdCan, and is currently the board chair of Special Olympics Manitoba. In 2017, Duane completed his PhD in Educational Administration at the University of Manitoba with a thesis entitled Complex Poverty and Urban School Systems: Critically Informed Perspectives on the Superintendency.

Most importantly, Duane is the proud parent of two young adults, Keziah and Josiah Brothers.
 

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)

Mrs. Juanita DeSouza-Huletey is an Information Technology Management professional, as well as a seasonal instructor at University of Winnipeg and Red River College. She is currently a Manager, Application Services with the Workers' Compensation Board of Manitoba. Prior to that, Juanita was the divisional head of the IT Division at Winnipeg Police Service (WPS) and a member of the WPS Executive Management Team. Juanita also held two other managerial positions at the City of Winnipeg.

Juanita obtained her master’s degree from the University of Manitoba and successfully completed her course work as a PHD candidate. She has an undergraduate degree with double honors from the University of Ghana. Juanita also holds a number of professional designations and certificates. Juanita plays an active role within her community/industry and serves on a number of committees and boards at the executive and advisory levels within educational institutions, NGOs, professional and community based organizations. She has a passion for volunteering and believes in giving back to the community. It is worth mentioning that Juanita chaired the WCB United Way Campaign for two years during which WCB achieved the highest participation rate and most donations ever in its history. She is married and has three adult sons.

(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.

(appointed by Government)

Laurel Hyde graduated from the University of Manitoba with a Bachelor of Science degree in Agriculture, and has embraced a continuous learning attitude throughout her diverse career path, including involvement on several boards and within the community. Laurel represented the people of Manitoba as the lay person on the Judicial Inquiry Board for six years, was a board member of the U of M Alumni Association, and currently provides career counselling and mentoring to youth and international agricultural individuals. Laurel was appointed to the Board of Governors by the provincial government in 2017, was appointed Vice-Chair of the Board in 2019, and served as Chair of the Board from July 2021 - June 2023.

Laurel provides management consulting services to corporate clients within the agricultural industry, focusing on human resource management systems and organizational development, executive management coaching, and executive search. Her 38 years of experience also includes significant sales and marketing, communication, policy and strategic development expertise both in the private sector and in government.

Laurel’s passions include people and animals, with a focus on the elderly and at-risk youth and a motto to ‘spread kindness’. She is active in many people’s lives, assisting them with daily life challenges. Laurel and Bob have two daughters, of whom they are incredibly proud. Laurel has a significant love for horses, the wilderness, cottage life, and travelling the world.

(appointed by UMSU)

Tracy Karuhogo, an international student from Uganda, is a dedicated advocate for positive change. She is currently studying Psychology and Women and Gender Studies and has made significant impact on campus through her involvement.

Tracy has served on the University of Manitoba Students Union for 3 years, holding positions such as Women’s Representative, Vice President Student Life, and currently as President. In addition, she serves as Secretary for the Canadian Alliance of Students Association.

Tracy’s deeply committed to women’s rights and has organized the Winnipeg community’s Take Back the Night event, fighting against violence targeting women. She also volunteers on the Black History Manitoba Celebration Committee. With her passion for public policy and law, Tracy aims to effect meaningful change and building a more inclusive and equitable society. Tracy is also a recipient of Canada's Top 100 Black Women to Watch 2023.

(appointed by Government)

Kathryn Lee, CPA, CGA, graduated from the University of Manitoba in 2006 with a Bachelor of Commerce (Honours) degree. She completed her certified professional accounting designation in 2013 through the Certified General Accountants of Manitoba. Kathryn is currently in the process of completing a Master of Business Administration through Laurentian University.

In addition to Kathryn’s passions of learning and education, sports has been an integral part of her life. The sport of gymnastics is where she has been an avid volunteer, coach and athlete. As an athlete she competed at a national level as a member of the Manitoba provincial team.

Kathryn currently works for MNP LLP Winnipeg as a Tax Manager as part of the Taxation Services Team. Her focus is in corporate tax planning for owner-managed businesses.

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(appointed by Government)

Shane Li is a graduate of the University of Manitoba with a B.Comm. (Hons.) degree, an MBA in Finance, and a Master of Science in Management. He is a designated Chartered Business Valuator (CBV), Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP) and Certified in Production and Inventory Management (CPIM) designations.

Shane serves as President & CEO of Red Leaf Capital, where he strives to build a strong tech innovation ecosystem and invest in visionary entrepreneurs. Founded in 2009, Red Leaf Capital is the first General Partner - Venture Capital Fund member of the Canadian Venture Capital and Private Equity Association in Manitoba.

Before joining Red Leaf Capital, Shane also served as the President of North Forge East Business & Technology Incubator, an award-winning and federal designated incubator, the Senior Economic Development Officer of the Municipality of Pinawa, the Chief Financial Officer of Treaty One Nation, the indigenous government owns and develops the largest urban reserve in Canada. Further, Shane is an Instructor at the University of Manitoba's Asper School of Business, a member of the Manitoba Immigration Advisory Council, a member of the Manitoba Innovation Growth Program and Research Manitoba in the Review Committee and a Mentor at the Futurpreneur Canada.

(appointed by Government)

Lynette Magnus is a graduate of the University of Manitoba with a Bachelor of Commerce (Honours) degree.  She is a designated Chartered Accountant with over 25 years experience in accounting, finance, and corporate planning.  Most recently, Lynette was Vice-President and Corporate Controller at Manitoba Telecom Services.  Lynette also serves on Council and the Audit & Risk Management Committee for the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Manitoba, and is a community volunteer with the Stroke Recovery Association of Manitoba.

(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 civil servant with Manitoba Infrastructure, responsible for the management of environmental services.

(appointed by UMSU)

Mr. Pittman is a committed and passionate individual who currently serves as the Vice President - Advocacy of the University of Manitoba Students' Union. With a deep-seated dedication to student rights and well-being, he works to amplify the voices of students and to raise awareness of the pressing issues that affect them. Throughout his academic career, Mr. Pittman has demonstrated leadership qualities and a strong sense of responsibility towards his community. He has been actively involved in various community-based organizations, both on and off campus, and has been a vocal advocate for justice and equality. He is committed to accurately, and pragmatically advocating for students and their needs.

(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.

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(student member - appointed by Government)

Ashley is a fourth year Bachelor of Arts student majoring in English and minoring in Philosophy. She currently holds an executive position on the University of Manitoba Campus Conservatives as the Director of Membership. She also holds a position on the University of Manitoba Students Union Judicial Board. Throughout her post-secondary career, she has been involved in organizations both on and off campus such as other student clubs and volunteer work within her community. These opportunities have allowed for her specific focus on mental health advocacy, leadership and community development. She is committed to foster a welcoming environment for students and advocating for the overall well-being for the members in her community.

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(student member - appointed by Government)

Steven D. Puznak is a fourth-year student at the University of Manitoba, where he is pursuing a degree in Political Sciences with a minor in Sociology. Steven's academic journey is driven by his passion for understanding the complex web of international relations. He is dedicated to exploring the influences of politics, history, culture, and economics on nations. Steven is set to commence his journey to law school at the University of Manitoba in the coming year.

Steven's passion extends to both sports and community involvement. He has not only coached but has also participated in various sports, notably representing Team Manitoba at the 2020 Jeux de la Francophonie Canadienne.

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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.

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.

(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 Teacher (OCT) and member of the Association of Mental Health Professionals (OAMHP) they are also pursing the ICD Directors Education Program

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

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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.