Georgian welcomes new members of Board of Governors
May 5, 2026
Meet the newest members of Georgian College’s Board of Governors for 2026-27, whose three-year term begins on Sept. 1: Debbie Decaire, Bill Walker and Lise Kwekkeboom.
The board plays a vital role in advancing the college’s mission and strategic direction. The group’s diverse perspectives, expertise and commitment to public service help ensure strong governance and support the continued success of our students, employees, partners and regions we serve.
Debbie DeCaire
Debbie (Deb) is a community-minded leader known for advancing education, health and civic well-being through strong governance, collaboration and philanthropy. With a thriving career spanning financial services, entrepreneurship and executive leadership, she held progressive responsibility with Scotiabank and Scotia McLeod and subsequently built and sold a full-service benefits and pension agency after 15 years.
Bringing expertise in board governance, financial oversight and strategic planning, Deb is widely respected for her integrity and ability to translate vision into meaningful, lasting impact. She currently serves as Chair of the Board at Catulpa Community Support Services and has held numerous leadership roles with the Rotary Club of Barrie and Barrie Chamber of Commerce, including as president.
At Georgian, Deb has served on numerous committees and is a major donor – supporting the education of future health-care professionals. She was advisor to the Frontline Support: Health-care Heroes Closer to Home campaign designed to raise funds to upgrade classrooms and equipment inside the Sadlon Centre for Health, Wellness and Sciences at Georgian’s Barrie Campus as part of launching the four-year Honours Bachelor of Science – Nursing degree program in fall 2022.
Georgian has long been a cornerstone of opportunity and growth in our community, and I’m proud to deepen my involvement and support its continued impact as a member of the board. I look forward to working alongside fellow governors to strengthen partnerships, champion student success, and help advance the college’s game-changing vision for the future.
– Deb
A dedicated philanthropist, Deb has made significant contributions to health care and community infrastructure, including support for Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre, Ripple of Kindness Barrie and various City of Barrie initiatives.
Her commitment to service has been recognized with the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal and the Richard Dolphin Memorial Award for Outstanding Community Leadership.
As the proud grandmother of nine, Deb hopes to set a positive example for the next generation and encourage others to give back.
Lise Kwekkeboom
Lise is a dedicated Indigenous education leader and community builder, currently serving as Director of Education for the Chippewas of Rama First Nation. In this role, she oversees a comprehensive education portfolio spanning early childhood, elementary and secondary education, postsecondary supports, language and culture programming, recreation, and library services, with responsibility for a multi-million-dollar annual budget and a large, multidisciplinary team.
She’s deeply committed to advancing Indigenous education through culturally grounded, community-driven approaches. Lise has played a key role in strengthening programs and services for learners of all ages, including the development of the 7 Fire Alternative School in partnership with the Simcoe County District School Board, and the establishment of an innovative Immersion Centre supporting early learners and primary students. Her work focuses on revitalizing language and culture while fostering student success and well-being.
In addition to her leadership in education, Lise brings extensive experience in strategic planning, operations, and team leadership from her previous role as Director of Marketing at Casino Rama Resort, where she managed large-scale budgets and led high-performing teams across marketing and guest services.
Education is most meaningful when it reflects the voices, cultures, and aspirations of those it serves. I look forward to contributing to Georgian’s board, supporting student success, and helping strengthen pathways that connect learners to opportunity, culture and community.
– Lise
Lise serves on the Board of Directors for the Kinoomaadziwin Education Body and has held several governance roles supporting regional education initiatives.
She’s recognized for her collaborative leadership style, commitment to continuous improvement, and ability to build strong, trust-based relationships that advance meaningful outcomes for students and communities.
Bill Walker
Bill is Vice President, Government Relations, at BWXT, where he brings extensive experience in public policy, constituent engagement, and the nuclear energy sector. Previously, he was a Business Development Consultant with AtkinsRéalis (CANDU Energy) and as President and CEO of the Organization of Canadian Nuclear Industries.
Bill served three terms as the Member of Provincial Parliament for Bruce–Grey–Owen Sound. During his time in government, he held several senior leadership roles, including Chief Government Whip, Minister of Government and Consumer Services, Associate Minister of Energy, and Deputy Speaker. In opposition, he served as Progressive Conservative critic across multiple portfolios, including Seniors, Long-Term Care, Community and Social Services, and Children and Youth Services, and was Deputy Health Critic for Rural and Northern Ontario. He also chaired the PC Caucus Nuclear Committee.
I’m honoured to support the work of Georgian as a member of the Board of Governors. Georgian plays a vital role in preparing a skilled workforce and strengthening communities across our region. I look forward to contributing my experience in government, industry, and community leadership to help advance the college’s impact, foster strong partnerships, and create meaningful opportunities for students.
– Bill
In recognition of his leadership in advancing public policy, Bill received the Provincial Public Policy Stewardship Award from the Canadian Nuclear Isotope Council in 2020.
Before entering public office, Bill was Operations Manager at Bruce Power and Executive Director of the Bruce Peninsula Health Services Foundation, where he led a successful multi-million-dollar fundraising campaign supporting local hospitals.
A lifelong resident of Hepworth, Bill is deeply committed to community service across Grey and Bruce counties. He has contributed to numerous organizations, including the Wiarton Willie Festival, the Heart and Stroke Foundation, and the Bluewater Education Foundation. More recently, he served as Chair of the Ontario Trillium Foundation and Vice-Chair of the Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada and is a member of the organizing committee for the International Plowing Match & Rural Expo 2026.
Bill is an amateur auctioneer and a licensed marriage officiant, serving couples across Bruce Grey.
We’re pleased to welcome these three accomplished leaders to the Board of Governors and appreciative of their dedication of time and expertise. Their contributions will play an important role in advancing our strategic priorities and strengthening Georgian’s impact across the communities we proudly serve.
– Kevin Weaver, President and CEO
About Georgian’s Board of Governors
The board is the governing body of the college and consists of community volunteers and Georgian representatives. One-third of its membership is appointed through the Public Sector Appointment process and two-thirds is appointed directly by the board.