Board of Trustees
Mr. Donald Sturge
Board Chair
Donald Sturge is a retired educator having had an extensive career in education, with additional experiences in health, human resources, environment, social and child services issues. He has served in a volunteer capacity on several regional not-for-profit boards including Health, Education, Environment, Heritage and numerous other organizations from the community to the national level. He is a strong proponent of stakeholder engagement, community consultation and system co-design, as a means to achieving consensus and organizational strategic planning. Mr. Sturge is a member of the Institute of Corporate Directors (ICD). He co-authored a research paper, in the Journal of Telemedicine and Telecare, Enabling patient-centred policy for electronic consultations: A qualitative analysis of discussions for a stakeholder meeting. Mr. Sturge holds Undergraduate degrees from Memorial University and a Masters Degree in Guidance and Counselling/Education from the University of Ottawa.
Mr. Thomas Kendell
Vice Chair
Thomas Kendell is a retired educator who worked with visually impaired and blind students throughout most of his career. He has expertise in the area of Education and Special Education and has extensive volunteer experience with many community groups over the years.
He currently serves as vice chair of the Board of Trustees for Central Health, a member of the Board Executive and the Governance Committee. He also serves as a member of the South and Central Health Foundation and is co-chair of the Grand Falls-Windsor and area Community Advisory Committee on Primary Health Care.
Mr. Kendell has completed courses and received certificates through ICD (Institute of Corporate Directors) on Board Oversight of Strategy and Political Intelligence for Boardrooms and attended a national online and interactive conference in May 2020 on the next level of Governance for the new normal.
Mr. Kendell holds Bachelor degrees from Memorial University (Education and Special Education) and a Diploma from the University of British Columbia teaching students who are visually impaired and blind. He has also completed graduate courses in the field of Educational Psychology and Special Education.
Ms. Valerie Hoskins
Trustee
Ms. Hoskins is a resident of St. Alban’s in the Coast of Bays. She has an extensive background as an educator in Bay d’Espoir and as a provincial e-teacher. She has been a lifelong active volunteer with youth groups and still serves with the Rug Hooking Guild of Newfoundland and Labrador. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Arts and Education as well as a Masters of Education from Memorial University of Newfoundland and Labrador.
Mr. Rick LeDrew
Trustee
Mr. LeDrew is a resident of Springdale in Green Bay. He has a teaching background and retired as the Principal of Indian River High School in 2007. He holds a Bachelor's Degree in Education and in Arts from Memorial University of Newfoundland and Labrador as well as a Master's Degree in Education Management from the University of Aberdeen. He has been an active volunteer with a number of committees dealing with a wide range of issues including recreation, economic development and social issues.
Bernice (Bonnie) Pritchett
Trustee
Bonnie Pritchett's most recent employment was as President and Manager of Flight Enterprises Ltd. Ms. Pritchett has expertise in the areas of governance, health, social issues and policy and planning. She has a background in Marketing & Sales in the telecommunications industry and has held volunteer positions with the Gander & Area Chamber of Commerce and several boards and service clubs. She holds a Bachelor's Degree in Commerce from Memorial University.
Des Dillon
Trustee
Des Dillon is a retired provincial public servant who worked as a district manager/assistant regional director with responsibility for overseeing the delivery of social services. Mr. Dillon has extensive experience within the provincial public service and serving on boards related to health care. He holds a Bachelor of Social Work Diploma from Memorial University.
Fred J. Penney
Trustee
Fred J. Penney is currently employed as President of Penney Paving Limited. Mr. Penney has extensive expertise in the areas of engineering and education. He holds a Masters of Business Administration Degree and a Bachelor of Engineering Degree from Memorial University.
Judy White
Trustee
Judy White is a Mi’kmaq grandmother and member of the Flat Bay Band. She currently resides in Conne River. Ms White holds a Bachelor of Laws degree from Dalhousie University Law School, with an emphasis on Aboriginal law. She has also completed the Intensive Program of Lands, Resources and First Nations Government at Osgoode Hall Law School. Ms. White is currently the Assistant Deputy Minister with the Intergovernmental and Indigenous Affairs Secretariat, with the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador.
David Oxford
Trustee
David Oxford has been a registered social worker in Newfoundland and Labrador since October 2003. He has worked in child protection, foster care and youth corrections. He currently works with the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development.
Maisie Clark
Trustee
Maisie Clark has been the Mayor of the Town of Campbellton since 2001. She is a former teacher who has worked in Newfoundland and Labrador and Northern Manitoba. As a dedicated volunteer, Ms. Clark has served on numerous Boards, such as the Lewisporte Area Economic Development Committee, the Provincial Advisory Council on Aging and Seniors, and as President of the Lewisporte Area Chamber of Commerce.
Jennifer Whelan
Trustee
A resident of the Baie Verte Peninsula, Jennifer Whelan is the Executive Director of the Emerald Community Business Development Corporation. She has over 11 years of professional experience with the non-profit organization, which provides financial and technical services to entrepreneurs in the creation of small businesses.