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The University of New Brunswick’s Board of Governors is pleased to announce the appointment of nine new members and a newly appointed chair and vice-chair.

Robyn Tingley, former vice-chair and past chair of the finance and advancement committees, has been appointed chair. She replaces Larry Hachey, who has served as chair since 2017. Tom Gribbons, chair of the finance and properties committee, has been appointed vice-chair.

The Board’s nine new members represent a wide range of interests and experiences. Among them are two mayors, the former director of the Mi’kmaq-Wolastoqey Centre, a retired senior relationship management associate at a federal Crown corporation, a past president of the UNB associated alumni, two UNB student leaders and two corporate vice-presidents.

UNB’s Board of Governors is a group of dedicated volunteers who work to successfully strengthen and build relationships with our internal and external stakeholders.

In addition to being responsible for strategic oversight, risk management and fiduciary responsibility of the institution, Board members also assess the performance of UNB’s president and approves educational programs and the conferral of degrees based on the recommendation of the Fredericton and Saint John Senates.

"UNB is an institution of excellence and innovation, constantly striving to positively impact our province," says Tingley. "It is a pleasure to continue to serve and I look forward to welcoming our newest members to the Board, whose talents and experiences will further strengthen UNB."

“Choosing to study at UNB was one of the most pivotal decisions I’ve made in my life,” says Gribbons. “Giving back to the university by helping the Board guide it to future growth at this point in time is both exciting and satisfying.”

Dr. Paul Mazerolle, president and vice-chancellor of UNB, congratulated Tingley and Gribbons on their recent appointments and welcomes new members.

“I look forward to working with Robyn and Tom in their new roles as we work together, strengthening UNB and enhancing our commitment to tackling society’s great challenges,” he says.

“As stewards of UNB, our members work to support the values, vision, mission and strategic goals of the university,” he adds. “They are leaders who are locally engaged, which is what we need to continue to enable positive social change across our communities.”

About the new Board members and leadership

Nancy Creamer Ervin resides in Rothesay, N.B. She graduated from the University of New Brunswick’s Saint John campus in 1983 with a bachelor of business administration. Nancy is a vice-president and portfolio manager at TD Wealth Private Investment Advice. With strong ties to the community, Nancy has been involved with numerous committees, boards and charities. She is a member of the TD Female Advisory Council; on the board of directors for the Saint John Airport Authority; a board member for the Saint John Regional Hospital Foundation and its finance committee; and on the leadership team for the Business Community Anti-Poverty Initiative. In the past, she has raised funds for and sat as a member of many boards and committees, including: Chair of the United Way Saint John, Kings & Charlotte 2020 Community Campaign and CIBC Run for the Cure; Kennebecasis Valley Oasis Youth Centre; Muriel McQueen Fergusson Foundation; Teen Resource Centre; St. Joseph’s Hospital Foundation; and Hospice of Greater Saint John. Nancy also served on the TD National Advisory Committee and the board of governors for both Rothesay Netherwood School and St. Thomas University.

Rhonda Connors-Losier is a retired senior relationship management associate at the federal Crown corporation Farm Credit Canada (FCC), where she was part of a commercial credit team providing lending solutions to the Agri-Food and Agri-Enterprise industries. She has been involved with a number of community committees and organizations, such as the FCC Agri Sprit Campaign, the MS Society of Canada, Canadian Cancer Society and the United Way. In addition, she is a member of 100 Women Who Care (Moncton chapter) and is on the executive of Handball NB as treasurer. She has a bachelor of education from UNB’s Fredericton campus and an MBA from Université de Moncton.

Tom Gribbons, CIM, is a vice-president, portfolio manager and insurance advisor at RBC Wealth Management, Dominion Securities, in Saint John, N.B. He is responsible for wealth and investment guidance to high-net worth families, businesses, non-profit agencies and institutions in Atlantic Canada from Saint John. Tom has a bachelor of science in forestry from UNB and is the recipient of the Queen’s Golden Jubilee Medal from the Government of Canada. He has also served in leadership capacities on various community organizations and committees, such as the Business Community Anti-Poverty Initiative, the Saint John Board of Trade and Vibrant Communities Saint John, among others.

David Perley is a Wolastoqi scholar, lecturer and consultant from Tobique First Nation. Over the years, he has completed terms as director of the Mi’kmaq-Wolastoqey Centre, chief and councillor of Tobique First Nation and Aboriginal education consultant for the New Brunswick department of education. As a lifelong educator and leader in the area of Indigenous revitalization and Wolastoqey culture and language revival, David has worked to decolonize the education system in order to bring Indigenous knowledges, language, culture and ceremony to campus life. He, along with Elder Imelda Perley, are also founders and coordinators of the Wolastoq Language and Culture Center Inc. situated at Tobique First Nation. David received an honorary doctorate of letters from UNB in the spring of 2019.

Donna Reardon was first elected to Common Council in May of 2012, was re-elected in 2016 and elected as the 79th Mayor of the City of the Saint John in 2021. A trained dietician, Donna administers her husband’s medical practice and serves on the board of Uptown Saint John Inc. Her volunteer career began over 20 years ago, from serving on her children’s school committees to involvement in the District 8 Education Council. Donna also served on the Preservation Review Board, Saint John Transit Commission and Hospice.

Kate Rogers has been the mayor of Fredericton since May 2021 and is the first women to serve in that role. Previous to that, Kate served as a city councillor for nine years. As a graduate of UNB’s MA program in political science, Kate has built her career since then through leadership roles in the non-profit sector, arts administration and policy research and development. She is a past executive director for the Fredericton Foundation, Inc., the Charlotte Street Arts Centre and the New Brunswick Crafts Council, as well as managing director of the NB Social Policy Research Network, among others.

Peter Syroid is a CFA charterholder and equity portfolio manager with Vestcor Inc., a pension fund manager with approximately $20 billion in assets under management. A Fredericton native, he received both his BSc in mechanical engineering and TME diploma from UNB in 1998, returning to complete his MBA in 2003. As past president of the UNB Associated Alumni, Peter has served on council since 2015 and is a recent finance instructor through the faculty of management. He is also a former director of the CFA Society Atlantic Canada chapter.

Robyn Tingley is a speaker, author and communications strategist who makes her home in Rothesay, N.B. after having worked abroad as a corporate HR and communications executive for a Fortune 100 company with responsibilities spanning four continents. Her work promoting gender diversity and inclusive work environments has been recognized by Oxford University, University of King's College, and various business and government groups across North America and Europe. In 2019 she was invested in the Order of New Brunswick for her corporate and community leadership, as well as her work to support gender equality. She has served on UNB's Board of Governors since 2015.

Vishnu Vardhan is a fifth-year mechanical engineering student at UNB’s Fredericton campus. His previous leadership roles include being a RedShirt and BlackShirt for the UNB Orientation Team, peer mentor for the faculty of engineering and, more recently, vice-president of student life for the UNB Student Union.

Neil Vibert is the vice-president operations and owner of Chemex Solutions, a multinational chemical manufacturing and distribution operation with production and warehousing throughout Canada and the U.S. A graduate of UNB’s bachelor of science (civil engineering) and TME program, Neil has served on the Université de Moncton board of governors and several of their committees as well as served on the board for the Northern NB Economic Advisory Council. Neil is an experienced leader who specializes in entrepreneurship, human resources and marketing. He has been heavily involved in various government projects over the last few years and has been affiliated with many groups including Business New Brunswick, and has sat on boards such as the Lameque Co-op, the Miscou Tourism Committee, the Lameque International Baroque Music Festival, and currently sits on the NB Provincial Judicial council.

Kordell Walsh is the president of UNB’s Student Union and a bachelor of philosophy in interdisciplinary leadership student, minoring in history at UNB Fredericton. Kordell is a driven and dedicated worker with experience in event planning and public outreach. Highly motivated in team environments, strong leadership skills, and organized, Kordell also served as president of the Tibbits Hall Residence House Committee and student advisor to the Minister for the Ontario Ministry of Education.

Media contact: Angie Deveau

Photo: Robyn Tingley