SAIT.ca - Board of Governors - Board of Governors Biographies 
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Irene Lewis, President and CEO
SAIT Polytechnic |
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Irene Lewis has been President and CEO of SAIT Polytechnic since 1998. Her distinguished career in education spans more than 45 years, the breadth of Canada's educational system and two continents. A former teacher in primary, secondary and post-secondary systems, she has also authored textbooks and hosted an educational television series.
Prior to joining SAIT, Ms. Lewis was President of a college in Edmonton and led its transition to an independent board-governed institution. She also worked in Singapore for more than five years, where she had a central role in articulating that country's vision for the development of its workforce.
In 2007, Ms. Lewis introduced a 100-year capital expansion plan for SAIT that aims to triple its student body. She has transformed SAIT’s campus, overseeing the development and construction of several new buildings, including a new residence tower and underground parking garage. She is also the driving force behind the world-class $450-million Trades and Technology Complex that is currently under construction and slated for completion in 2012.
Ms. Lewis has served in advisory roles to provincial and municipal governments. Currently, she is a member of the Alberta Health Services board, responsible for overseeing the entire health system in Alberta. She is also a member of the boards of several national and international organizations, including Polytechnics Canada, eCampus Alberta, RC 2020, and the Post-secondary International Network, as well as a member of the 2010 Olympic Games Ambassadors Program. In addition, she serves on several provincial and regional committees including the Calgary Airport Authority Business Development Advisory Council, and is Chair of the Alberta Economic Development Authority’s Energy and Environment Committee.
Ms. Lewis is an Adjunct Professor at the University of Alberta and a well-respected ambassador for the post-secondary community. She has received numerous awards and recognition for her service to education and to Alberta throughout her career, including:
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