Georgian College adds Decaire, Walker and Kwekkeboom to Board for 2026-27; three-year terms start Sept. 1

Georgian College has appointed three new members to its Board of Governors for 2026-27, naming Debbie Decaire, Bill Walker and Lise Kwekkeboom. Their three-year terms begin on Sept. 1. The board oversees governance and helps guide the college’s strategic direction.

Decaire is a community-focused leader with a career spanning financial services, entrepreneurship and executive roles. She held progressive positions at Scotiabank and ScotiaMcLeod before building and later selling a full-service benefits and pension agency after 15 years.

She brings experience in board governance, financial oversight and strategic planning, and currently serves as Chair of the Board at Catulpa Community Support Services. Decaire has also held leadership roles with the Rotary Club of Barrie and the Barrie Chamber of Commerce, including as president.

Decaire has been active at Georgian through committee work and philanthropy supporting future health-care professionals. She advised the Frontline Support: Health-care Heroes Closer to Home campaign, which raised funds to upgrade classrooms and equipment in the Sadlon Centre for Health, Wellness and Sciences at the Barrie Campus as part of launching the four-year Honours Bachelor of Science – Nursing degree program in fall 2022.

Her broader community contributions include support for Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre, Ripple of Kindness Barrie and various City of Barrie initiatives. She has received the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal and the Richard Dolphin Memorial Award for Outstanding Community Leadership.

“Georgian has long been a cornerstone of opportunity and growth in our community, and I’m proud to deepen my involvement and support its continued impact as a member of the board,” Decaire said.

“I look forward to working alongside fellow governors to strengthen partnerships, champion student success, and help advance the college’s game-changing vision for the future.” Kwekkeboom serves as Director of Education for the Chippewas of Rama First Nation, where she oversees a comprehensive portfolio spanning early childhood, elementary and secondary education, postsecondary supports, language and culture programming, recreation and library services.

She manages a multi-million-dollar annual budget and leads a large, multidisciplinary team. Her work emphasizes culturally grounded, community-driven approaches to Indigenous education.

Kwekkeboom has helped expand programs for learners of all ages, including developing the 7 Fire Alternative School in partnership with the Simcoe County District School Board and establishing an Immersion Centre supporting early learners and primary students. Her previous experience includes serving as Director of Marketing at Casino Rama Resort, where she managed large budgets and led teams across marketing and guest services.

Walker was also appointed to the board for 2026-27. The new governors join as the board continues its role in shaping policy and supporting the college’s long-term goals. Their three-year terms begin Sept. 1.