NORCAT Sudbury
NORCAT Timmins
NORCAT Underground Centre
NORCAT Thunder Bay
VP, Human Resources, Finance & Corporate Services North East Local Health Integration Network
Cathy is currently the Vice-President, Human Resources, Finance & Corporate Services with the North East LHIN. In this role, she is responsible for the finance, human resources, procurement and facilities functions. Since the amalgamation of 6 predecessor CCAC’s in 2007, the operation has grown substantially. The NE LHIN has an operating budget of just over $156 million and 730 employees. The NE LHIN has 22 offices throughout northeastern Ontario with branch offices situated in Sudbury, North Bay, Sault Ste. Marie, Kirkland Lake, Timmins and Parry Sound.
Cathy is a life-long learner and actively supports learning and growth opportunities for her team. She earned a post-graduate designation as a Certified Management Accountant in 1992, a Certified Financial Planner designation in 1998 and a Chartered Director designation in 2008. She was awarded a fellowship by the Society of Management Accountants in 2004 in recognition of her outstanding service to the Society, the profession and the community. She is currently undertaking studies to achieve her MBA with a specialization in Human Resources. She was also a Moderator for the two-year CMA Strategic Leadership program from 2009 to 2015 and continues as a Session Leader for the new CPA Certification Program. Cathy is also an active volunteer and enjoys contributing to her community.
Cathy is married and has two children, Matthew and Callista.
President, CEO – Cambrian College
Bill hails from Nova Scotia, but spent more than 20 years living and working in New Brunswick in postsecondary education in a variety of leadership roles, most recently at the New Brunswick Community College (NBCC) in Fredericton. He has held the positions of interim president and CEO (2009), vice president finance and administration, vice president academic and student development (2010-14), dean and professor. Best led the amalgamation of the New Brunswick community college system, which included six individual institutions, into a single crown corporation, and was responsible for implementing an $80-million (CAD) infrastructure expansion.
In addition to his leadership skills, Best brings with him entrepreneurial experience, business acumen and a keen interest in research, which are certain to be great assets to the Sudbury community. With a focus on student success, professional collaboration and academic differentiation, he will oversee Cambrian’s new five-year strategic plan, which will concentrate on nurturing sustainability and confirming the College as a northern leader.
Best holds a Master of Education from Acadia University, as well as undergraduate degrees in education and in business administration from the University of Western Ontario and Acadia University, respectively. He, his wife and their three children chose Sudbury as their new home for its northern setting and the opportunities Sudbury offers for quality education, and a wealth of family and lifestyle opportunities. Avid four-season outdoorspeople, the family enjoys ATV-riding, snowmobiling and water-skiing, as well as competitive sports such as basketball, volleyball, track and field, rowing and gymnastics.
Vice-Chair | General Manager, Smelting & Refining (Ontario) – Vale Canada Ltd.
Bruce Bichel is responsible for Vale’s Smelting and Refining operations in Ontario. In his role, he oversees the Nickel/Copper Smelter and Nickel refinery in Sudbury, along with the cobalt refinery and PGM facility in Port Colborne. He began his career in 1989 as a metallurgist in Flin Flon, MB at the HBM&S smelter and over the next 7 years progressed through various production related roles. In 1996, he joined INCO working in various refinery and smelter operations and project roles. Bruce and his family relocated to Indonesia from 2005 – 2009 to work at Vale’s nickel operations. In 2011, he assumed responsibility for the Ontario Smelting and Refining operations.
Bruce has a Chemical Engineering degree from the University of Saskatchewan (1989).
Chief Financial Officer, HR, and Real Estate - NORCAT
Silvana D’Angelo is the Chief Financial Officer at NORCAT. With over 25 years of financial and management experience in both the public and private sectors, she is responsible for providing direction and financial insight to all business units including identifying key risks and developing mitigation plans.
Silvana spent 8 years in public accounting at KPMG LLP providing accounting, auditing and tax services to clients of varying sizes in both the public and private sectors. Subsequent to that she worked in the mining industry as a Supervising Internal Auditor for Vale where she led various internal audits and provided recommendations to improve processes and maximize efficiencies where possible. Prior to joining NORCAT in August 2012, she worked as the Director of Finance and Human Resources for Sudbury Developmental Services where she was responsible for the daily financial, administrative and human resource activities of the Organization.
Silvana is a graduate of Laurentian University with an Honours Bachelor of Commerce Degree. She is a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA, CA) and a Certified Human Resources Leader (CHRL).
A lifetime resident of the City of Greater Sudbury, Silvana believes in giving back to the community. She currently serves as a Board member and Treasurer for the Health Sciences North Foundation.
Silvana is married and is the proud mother of two children who are actively involved in various sports in the community. Silvana is passionate about physical fitness and in her spare time enjoys long-distance running and yoga.
Chief Executive Officer - NORCAT
Don has spent more than two decades leading, growing and transforming organizations and businesses. A career innovator, he consistently identifies opportunities and addresses challenges to achieve meaningful and tangible results. Among Canada’s foremost thinkers on innovation, work and learning, and entrepreneurship, he works with multinational companies, tech start-ups, academic/research institutions governments and clients the world over.
Currently, Don defines the strategy and directs operations of NORCAT, a global, multi-faceted enterprise dedicated to advancing the dynamic and evolving needs of the new world of work and the innovation economy. In his role, he has transformed NORCAT to become a global leader for training and development, transformed NORCAT’s underground operating mine into the global one-stop shop for all that is the future of mining technology and innovation, pioneered the “Platform Effect” business model to support sustainable innovation in small to mid-sized cities, and continues to define the future of learning with NORCAT’s integrated experiential and simulation learning technologies. These achievements have generated community engagement and business partnerships, accelerated start-up tech firms and improved the operations of major clients across a myriad of industries.
Previously, Don served as VP of Strategy/Operations for the MaRS Discovery District, the world’s pre-eminent urban innovation hub that supports the growth of tech ventures in Canada. Prior to that, he was Senior Manager, Strategy & Operations Consulting, at Deloitte.
A former tech entrepreneur and engineering adjunct professor, Don is an active angel investor, serves on the board of several organizations and is a member of the Young Presidents’ Organization. He was a Top 40 under 40 recipient, two-time TEDx speaker, and founding member of a non-profit theatre company in Toronto.
He holds an undergraduate degree in Chemistry from Queen’s University and a Master of Applied Science and Engineering from the University of Toronto.
Research Chair, Centre for Research in Occupational Safety and Health - Laurentian University
Dr. Tammy Eger is the Research Chair in Occupational Health and Safety at the Centre for Research in Occupational Safety and Health and an Associate Professor in the School of Human Kinetics at Laurentian University. Her research interests focus around the application of ergonomic and human factors principles in industry with a particular focus on vibration reduction, fatigue management, musculoskeletal injury prevention, and new technologies to enhance driver situational awareness. She has over 15 years of experience leading research project teams working in mining, construction, transportation, and steel making. Prior to joining Laurentian University, Tammy worked as an Ergonomist with the Mines and Aggregates Safety and Health Association (now Workplace Safety North), and the Occupational Health Clinics for Ontario Workers (Sudbury Clinic).
Tammy holds two Bachelors degrees from Queen’s University and she also obtained a M.Sc. and Ph.D. in Occupational Biomechanics from Queen’s University. Her research program is currently funded by, the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada, the Canadian Foundation for Innovation, the Ontario Ministry of Labour, the Ontario Research Fund, and the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation.
Vice-President of Real Estate - MaRS Discovery District
Randal Froebelius is Vice-President of Real Estate for MaRS Discovery District and leads the development, construction, leasing and operations team for the MaRS Centre in the heart of Toronto’s Discovery District, a large urban innovation hub. He has been involved with MaRS since its initial construction in 2005.
Randal has broad experience in the development, construction, leasing and management of institutional, commercial office, industrial, retail and residential properties. He has held project management positions in large general contracting firms and progressively senior management roles at Bramalea and Beutel Goodman Real Estate Group. Prior to joining the MaRS team he was responsible for all property management and leasehold construction activities associated with the Kolter Property Company’s six million square foot portfolio of assets in Toronto and Dallas.
Randal holds a BESc from the University of Western Ontario and an MBA from the Richard Ivey School of Business. He is a licensed Professional Engineer in the Province of Ontario and is a member of the Executive of BOMA International (Building Owners and Managers Association. He is currently enrolled in the Global Professional Master of Laws program at the University of Toronto.
Project Manager - Sudbury Integrated Nickel Operations / Glencore
Greg Maybee is a Project Manager with Glencore’s Sudbury Integrated Nickel Operations. Greg has over 20 years of experience in the mining industry. He has been with Sudbury Integrated Nickel Operations since 2004 in various engineering, operations and project roles. In his current role he is co-leading a joint Glencore and Vale team advancing studies for the proposed Nickel Rim South Extension JV Project. Greg’s background in rock mechanics particularly suits his current role as the team looks to the future of deep mining in Sudbury.
Originally from the Toronto area Greg has a Bachelor of Engineering (Civil) from McGill University and a Masters in Mineral Resources Engineering from Laurentian University. He is a licenced Professional Engineer in the Province of Ontario.
Outside of his professional life Greg volunteers as a minor hockey coach and is an avid mountain biker.
Chief Advisory Officer - NORCAT
Trina has managed to carve out niche markets where her background in human resources and safety, has helped drive significant growth as a human capital strategist and safety leader in Canada and globally. She is recognized for her leadership in consulting and dedication to improving human capital planning, skills development, and promoting gender diversity.
With her leadership, intrapreneurial spirit, and an innovative vision that others can get behind, Trina founded NORCAT Advisory in 2019, which now includes a diverse team of consultants.
Poised to become the first woman president for the Northeastern Ontario Construction Association in its 75-year history, Trina strives to enhance industry standards. Her commitment to advocacy and action is reflected in her board and committee involvement: NOCA H&S Committee Chair, NOCA Women in Construction Committee volunteer, alternate member on the Construction Legislative Review Committee, HRPA board director. Trina's leadership led to her being awarded the Council of Ontario Construction Associations President's Award in 2022, recognizing her standout contributions as Co-Chair of the WSIB-OH&S Committee.
In recognition of her commitment to safety and advocacy for women, Trina was named among Canada's Top Women in Safety in 2022, received OHS Canada's Community Leader Award (Silver) in 2023, and was honored by Consulting Magazine as a top woman in consulting for her excellence in leadership.
Hans Matthews is from the Anishnawbek Nation, Ontario, Wahnapitae First Nation. He is a professional geologist, earth scientist, and an Aboriginal leader having held several senior positions in the mining, environment and energy fields. Hans is president of the Canadian Aboriginal Minerals Association, a group he co-founded with other prominent Aboriginal leaders in 1992. His breakthrough skills in bringing together the mining industry and communities helped establish better relations, mutual benefits and community participation and decision making in Canada's resource sector.
Hans has introduced addressing the environmental and social impacts of resource development through his current role as Chair of the Shkagamik Kwe Health Centre and co-founder of the Aboriginal Environmental Leadership Circle (AELC), and former directorship roles in Mining and Aboriginal Community services at PriceWaterhouseCoopers, National Energy Board, University of Sudbury and the Prospectors Developers Association of Canada and as Councillor Wahnapitae First Nation.
Director, NORCAT Underground Centre
Greg Major has been at the forefront of mine skills and health and safety training for over 25 years, helping to ensure that each and every worker has the skills and knowledge to work safely each and every day. Greg has held multiple positions at NORCAT including Manager of Training, Mine Manager, and currently is the Director of NORCAT’s Underground Centre. Greg also is responsible for maintaining the integrity of NORCAT’s underground training modules as NORCAT’s MLTSD signing authority.
In his role as Mine Manager, Greg led his team in an ambitious initiative to modernize the Centre’s underground infrastructure to enable leading mining technology companies to use the facility as a modern underground testing laboratory. This successful endeavor has enabled companies to be able to use the Centre to test emerging technologies such as underground telecommunications, autonomous vehicles, and battery electric innovations.
In 2020/2021 Greg was part of the leadership who helped to design and manage the construction of NORCAT’s state-of-the-art Underground Centre surface facilities. Under Greg’s leadership the surface facilities have been transformed to include modern training rooms, technology testing client offices, and shared common areas for NORCAT staff and clients to utilize and has quickly become the one-stop-shop for all that is mine skills training and technology testing.
When not at work Greg spends time with his family and has been happily married for over 30 years. He lives out of the city and enjoys the open spaces and the relaxed living this provides. Greg enjoys trail riding with his family and friends as well as golf and a little baseball.
Vice Chair, General Manager Labrador Operations, Vale Base Metals
John is the General Manager of Vale’s Labrador Operations and is responsible for all aspects of the Voisey's Bay Mine site located in the traditional territory of the Labrador Innu and Nunatsiavut Inuit. He is an accomplished leader with 20 years of progressive experience across a range of operations within Vale, including engineering, operations and strategy.
John holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Mining Engineering from Queen's University and his P.Eng designation in the province of Ontario.
Doug Patrick is currently the COO for Patrick Mechanical Limited and it's groupof associated companies, of which take the lead in Northern Ontario for large-scaleconstruction, contracting and industrial, commercial, and residential projects. Doughas over 40 years of experience in the Commercial, Industrial and Mine Constructionindustries, focusing closely on growth and development, as well as the managementof sustainable business.
Since 2005, Doug has engaged in challenge and growth due to his strongdedication to his work. Opportunity has brought forth many new businessopportunities, acquisitions, and ventures. Doug’s years of dedicated experience haveresulted in a great understanding of business operations and construction principals.Within his 7 ventures expanding through out the North, with some involvement in theUSA, Doug has gained a following of over 450 skilled trades workers and miners.
Doug understands the strength of teamwork and has always been thankful forhis network of family, friends, and piers. Coming from the small town of North Bayand moving to Sudbury in the 80’s, Doug’s engagement in mechanical trades andbusiness opportunities began at an early age. Construction work is now his lifestyle,passion, and family affair. Doug takes pride in the work and quality of work that hisbusinesses and ventures have serviced and will continue to service across theprovince and beyond.
Chair | General Manager Mining Projects – Sudbury Integrated Nickel Operations (former)
Shayne Wisniewski is the former General Manager Mining Projects at Glencore's Sudbury Integrated Nickel Operations. In this role, he played a key role in developing the strategy of mining innovation in Sudbury including leading the adoption of battery electric vehicles (BEV's). He has over 30 years of experience in the mining industry, including five years working in Chile and Peru.
Shayne held senior management roles in the mill and mines of the Company. His expertise lies in aligning teams toward a common vision and goal, and motivating people to produce and be accountable.
As Fraser Mine Director, Shayne expanded the mine from 200 to 400 people while executing two capital projects. Prior to that, he successfully directed the completion and conversion of the Nickel Rim South Project to an operating mine, exceeding production and feasibility expectations.
Born and raised in Sudbury, Ontario, Shayne obtained a degree in Civil Engineering from the Royal Military College of Canada.
Chief Operating Officer - NORCAT
Jason Bubba is the Chief Operating Officer at NORCAT. With a vision that every worker goes home safe and sound to their family every day, Jason is dedicated to developing and delivering world-class programs, services, and resources to reduce injuries, save lives, and enhance productivity in the workplace.
With 25 years of experience at NORCAT Jason understands the history and the roots of the organization and draws on that experience to help drive where NORCAT is going into the future. Jason has been involved in training development since 1995 and has been at the forefront of learning technology development including simulation, virtual reality, augmented reality, and eLearning. Jason works with new start-up mines and global mining companies, helping them to formulate their training strategies and learning technology implementation.
Jason is also a seasoned entrepreneur whose many ventures ranged from customized interface control systems for the process control industry to owning and operating a large retail store.
Jason is dedicated to his community, having served on many volunteer boards including the position of Past President of the United Way Centraide Sudbury and / et District, and currently serving on the Board Of Governors at Cambrian College in Sudbury. Jason has been honoured with several awards recognizing his volunteerism in the community and has been the recipient of the 40 Under 40 awards program and an Ontario Ministry of Citizenship and Immigration Volunteer Service Award.
Chief Technology Officer - NORCAT
Ed Wisniewski is the Chief Technology Officer at NORCAT. With a small team of programmers and information technologists, Ed ensures the success of NORCAT’s training products, training services, and the high-tech infrastructure. He also provides a wealth of skills that the residents of NORCAT tap into to help further develop their technology requirements and needs.
With over 17 years of experience at NORCAT, Ed has been involved in the development of all of the products which define NORCAT as a Training and Innovation centre since 1995 and has kept NORCAT in the forefront of software development and information technology.
Ed was the partner / CEO in a successful software development company for approximately 10 years. He has developed a product line of tools for other developers in the world of automation. He sold his company to further his future with NORCAT.
In his spare time, Ed works to further his music career. With skills on the piano, guitar, bass, and drums, he has written music for local charity campaigns and plays in a band who dedicate their time to benefit concerts that raise money for cancer awareness along with food drives during holiday seasons.
When he’s not pretending to be a rock star or computer geek, Ed spends his time with his family actively involved in keeping up with the 6 am hockey games with his two boys in the winter or spending countless hours at camp water skiing, tubing, fishing, and just downright having fun.
Vice President, Technology, Optimization & Innovation - Agnico Eagle
Ms. Guay is Vice President, Technology, Optimization & Innovation. Prior to this role, she was Vice President, Technical Services (2018 – 2022) and has held several other key positions at Agnico Eagle including Senior Corporate Director Technical Services, Corporate Director Business Strategy, Program Manager, Meliadine and Corporate Director, Metallurgy.
Ms. Guay has worked in the mining industry for nearly 25 years and has extensive technical and operational expertise. Prior to returning to Agnico Eagle she worked Coffey Mining in Australia and as a consultant with SNC-Lavalin in Montreal. She also worked with ArcelorMittal as processing plant director for their large open pit iron ore operation and on Cambior’s gold and polymetallic mines.
Ms. Guay holds a Bachelor of Science in Mining Engineering (Laval University).
General Manager, Canada - KGHM International
Steven Dunlop, M. Sc, P. Geo. currently holds the position of General Manager - Canada for KGHM International. In this role, Steve is fully accountable for leading and managing all assets within the region, including Sudbury Operations, both operating and non-operating, as well as Victoria and Ajax Projects. In particular, Steve is responsible for directing all activities including safety, mining, environmental, and administrative functions while delivering value to the company and protecting stakeholder interests.
Steve began his working career with the Ontario Geological Survey in 1996, assisting in various field and laboratory programs. Subsequently, Steve assisted in running a field program for a junior Diamond exploration company in Northern Ontario and afterward worked with INCO Technical Services Ltd as an assistant geologist/mineralogist for the Exploration and Research division. Steve joined FNX Mining Company’s Exploration Division in May 2002. Over the course of 18 years, he accelerated into various positions with FNX/Quadra/KGHM in Exploration and Mining Operations, which included Project Geologist Exploration, Sr. Project Geologist Levack Exploration, Chief Mine Geologist, Sudbury Geosciences and Exploration Manager, Senior Manager Geosciences and Technical Services as well as General Manager for Sudbury Operations.
Steve’s dedication to the Mining Industry is apparent by his volunteer position on the Mine Manager’s committee and the Board of Directors for the Ontario Mining Association (OMA). Steve also holds a position on the Board of Directors for Kivi Park, a not for profit, recreation and community 4-season park in Greater Sudbury.
Steve holds a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry and Geology from McMaster University and a Master of Science in Geology from Laurentian University. During his time at McMaster, Steve was three-time captain of the schools varsity volleyball team, leading his team to three trips to the nationals. He continues to coach including his eldest daughter’s high school volleyball team towards Provincials as well as volunteering on the coaching staff of his youngest daughter’s competitive basketball team.
Chief Operating Officer - Clean Air Metals
Mike Garbutt is currently the Chief Operating Officer of Clean Air Metals, a junior mining company focused on advancing the Thunder Bay North project through studies and construction. Mike has over 25 years of experience in the industry in various capacities across mine operations, projects, and engineering.
He was most recently the Deputy General Manager with IAMGOLD at the Côté Gold Project with a primary focus on operational readiness of the asset. Prior to this Mike was a Senior Principal and Mining Sector Leader with Stantec Consulting, supporting major mining companies in the execution of a wide range of capital projects and studies across the globe. He was also the General Manager of Sudbury Operations for KGHM and held senior technical and operating roles during a 14-year career with Glencore.
Mike currently resides in Sudbury. He is a professional engineer in the province of Ontario and holds an MBA from Laurentian University. He currently serves on the board of the Ontario Mining Association as well as the Canadian Mental Health Association, Sudbury-Manitoulin.
President - Asiniikaa Mining and Construction
Shawn is a member of the Red Rock Indian Band, which is a signatory to the Robinson Superior Treaty of 1850. Throughout his career, Shawn has had the opportunity to work in many aspects of Industry. With a 20-year career in Water and Wastewater treatment, Shawn has vast experience as an operator and a Supervisor for 15 years with Vale at the Vermilion Treatment Plant.
Shawn is now the President of the Indigenous-owned Asiniikaa Mining and Construction based in Atikameksheng Anishnawbek Reserve. This endeavour has allowed Shawn to work closely with many First Nations throughout Ontario. Shawn's philosophy and vision of Asiniikaa Mining and Construction focuses on developing meaningful relationships while honouring each Indigenous community's interests.
While establishing lasting relationships, he is extremely cognizant of the effects of mining development on communities and their historical and present-day uses of lands and resources.
Vice President External Partnerships and Strategic Enrolment - Cambrian College
Shawn Poland is currently Vice President External Partnerships and Strategic Enrolment at Cambrian College where he oversees recruitment, marketing, communications, career services and government relations activities.
Prior to joining Cambrian, Shawn worked in marketing, communications and economic development. He came to Cambrian after a well-travelled academic journey that included Wilfrid Laurier University, University of Waterloo, and St. Mary’s University of Minnesota, and Laurentian University. He has been a competitive coach and volunteer in the community for over thirty years, supporting many organizations including Laurentian University, the Greater Sudbury Soccer Club and Kivi Park.
He is a current board member of the Greater Sudbury Development Corporation GSDC), Greater Sudbury Police Services, and the Finlandia Foundation. He previously served on the Trillium Foundation Grant Review Team and is a past member of the Laurentian University Board of Governors, and Past Chair, Laurentian University Alumni Association among others.
