Algoma University names new Board of Governors chair, vice-chair

The Algoma University Board of Governors has appointed Kelli-Ann Lemieux as its Chair for 2024-25, alongside Rob Battisti as the new Vice-chair.

Lemieux joined the Algoma University Board of Governors in July 2022. Lemieux is Vice-president, Surgical and Clinical Services at Health Science North (HSN). As an academic research hospital, HSN gives Lemieux a strong understanding of higher education teaching and research. She holds a master’s degree in Business Administration (MBA) from Athabasca University and holds designations as a Certified Health Executive (CHE) and Medical Laboratory Technologist (MLT). She has also completed Indigenous Cultural Competency and Safety Training, Leadership Accountability Training, and most recently the Chairing Boards course through the Institute of Corporate Directors. 

Lemieux has a long history of community leadership and service, including as the Treasurer of the Sudbury District Nurse Practitioner Clinics, director on the Medical Laboratory Professionals’ Association of Ontario (MLPAO) board, vice-chair of the local chapter of the Canadian College of Health Leaders (CCHL), and a board member with Camp McDougall.

Rob Battisti joined the Algoma University Board of Governors in 2022. He is the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) at PUC Services Inc. and holds a master’s degree in Business Administration from Lake Superior State University. He is a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) and a Certified Management Accountant (CMA). Battisti holds certificates including Master CFO, LEAN philosophy and principles, and health and safety training. He previously served as the Vice President of Finance and Operations at Algoma University from 2018 to 2021.

Battisti’s commitment to the community includes serving as treasurer for SAFE Communities and Kiwanis Community Theatre Centre, board member for Algoma Workforce Investment Corporation (AWIC), and chair of the Sault Area Hospital Foundation. 

“It’s an incredibly exciting time for Algoma University, our students and our communities,” said Lemieux. “Student success is central to all we do. I’m pleased to report our domestic course pass rates are an impressive 91.9 per cent, while international rates are 91.4 per cent, and surveys show that students feel engaged and included in the classroom. We’re estimating domestic enrolment will increase nine per cent this year, and Algoma U is putting a stronger focus on creating opportunities for First Nations, Métis and Inuit students to attend university, with a projected 11 per cent increase in Indigenous enrolment.

“With strong, stable finances, the university will be welcoming 51 new full-time faculty members who bring academic, career and research excellence in areas like cyber security. We’ll also launch new programming that focuses on training the work-ready professionals our communities need most, including master’s degrees in Computer Science and Social Work.”

Lemieux added that the Board of Governors will continue to focus not only on opportunity and success for their students, but also for the communities around them. 

“With an economic impact of $577.6 million, this year we will build and invest in our communities, including starting construction on Makwa Waakaa’igan, a cross-cultural centre of excellence that will eventually house the Ontario Mental Health and Addictions Research and Training Institute. When Algoma University succeeds, Sault Ste. Marie, Brampton and Timmins will always benefit.”

The Board of Governors is also welcoming new members Rajat Marwah, Julia Duncan and Minion Paul, and Lemieux thanked outgoing chair Mike Moraca and departing Board of Governors members Dr. Paul Dupuis, Rose Linklater and Isaac Withers. Lemieux also extended her continued thanks to Algoma University’s administration and staff.

Background 

Kelli-Ann Lemieux

• Lemieux was elected to the Algoma University Board of Governors on June 23, 2022 for a three-year term starting on July 1, 2022.
• Lemieux served as Vice-Chair from November 30, 2023 to June 30, 2024.
• Lemieux was appointed Chair of the board on June 20, 2024.
• Lemieux chaired the 2023-24 Human Resources Committee and was a member of the Risk and Finance and ad-hoc Board Executive committees.
• Lemieux is the Vice-President, Surgical and Clinical Services at Health Science North.
• Her education and training includes a master’s degree in Business Administration (MBA) from Athabasca University; Certified Health Executive (CHE); Medical Laboratory Technologist (MLT); Indigenous Cultural Competency training; safety training; leadership accountability training; and the Chairing Boards program from the Institute of Corporate Directors.
• Lemieux’s current and past roles include Treasurer of the Sudbury District Nurse Practitioner Clinics; director on the Medical Laboratory Professionals’ Association of Ontario (MLPAO) board; vice-chair of the local chapter of the Canadian College of Health Leaders (CCHL); and a board member with Camp McDougall.

Rob Battisti

• Battisti was elected to the Algoma University Board of Governors for a three-year term starting Sept. 1, 2022.
• Battisti was appointed Vice-Chair on June 20, 2024.
• Battisti served as Chair of the Algoma University Risk and Finance Committee in 2023-24, and was also a member of the Human Resources Committee and the ad-hoc Board Executive Committee. 
• Battisti is the Chief Financial Officer (CFO at PUC Services Inc. His credentials include a master’s degree in Business Administration from Lake Superior State University; certifications as a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) and Certified Management Accountant (CMA).  
• Battisti holds certificates including Master CFO, LEAN philosophy and principles, and health and safety training.
• Battisti’s prior roles include serving as treasurer for both SAFE Communities and Kiwanis Community Theatre Centre, board member for Algoma Workforce Investment Corporation (AWIC), and chair of the Sault Area Hospital Foundation. 

Rajat Marwah

• Marwah was elected to be an external member of the Algoma University Board of Governors for a three-year term starting July 1, 2024. 
• Marwah is the Chief Financial Officer of Algoma Steel and has over 20 years of experience in executive leadership, financial management, strategic planning, and enterprise risk management. 
• Marwah holds a Bachelor of Commerce (honours) from Sri Ram College of Commerce, Delhi University in India, and a Chartered Accountancy certification from the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India.
• Marwah has worked across the globe, including posts in India, Romania and Czech Republic. 

Julia Duncan 

• Duncan was elected for a one-year term to the Algoma University Board of Governors, ending June 30, 2025. She is an internal, non-teaching staff member.
• Duncan holds a Master of Applied Linguistics from the University of Birmingham, a Bachelor of Education from Nipissing University, and a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature from Laurentian University (Algoma University College). 
• Duncan has been a part of the Algoma University staff since 2018, and is currently an educational developer who supports faculty members with best practices in teaching methodologies. She specializes in curriculum work with new program development and cyclical reviews. 

Minion Paul

• Paul was elected to a one-year term to the Algoma University Board of Governors ending June 30, 2025 as the student representative.
• Paul is a third-year Algoma U student pursuing a major in Psychology with a minor in English. She is the President of the Algoma University Students’ Union (AUSU) for the 2024-25 academic year, and previously served as AUSU vice-president of advocacy

About Algoma University
Algoma University is a public University that offers bachelor’s degrees, master’s degrees and graduate certificate programs in liberal arts, sciences and professional disciplines. Algoma University has three campuses in Ontario, each deeply rooted in their community: Brampton, Sault Ste. Marie and Timmins. Algoma University has a Special Mission to cultivate cross-cultural learning between Indigenous populations and other communities. For more information, please visit www.algomau.ca.