Sarah Watts-Rynard

Sarah Watts-Rynard is the next CEO of Polytechnics Canada effective July 30, 2018. She will succeed Nobina Robinson who is retiring after nine years of service. Currently serving as executive director of the Canadian Apprenticeship Forum (CAF), Watts-Rynard has been credited for increasing public appreciation of the skilled trades in Canada and for engaging with education and industry partners to make CAF the premier research body for apprenticeship. Polytechnics Canada expects that her experience in communications and research will help its members raise awareness of the socioeconomic benefits of applied, advanced education. Watts-Rynard views Canadian post-secondary education as more than just a choice between college or university and stresses that polytechnic education blends classroom and work-integrated learning in a way that suits labour market demands. She sees Polytechnics Canada as a voice for the polytechnic system, ensuring that levels of government and the Canadian public are made aware of the significant role Canada’s polytechnics play for the economy and learners.