April 22, 2021 (Calgary) - Bow Valley College is pleased to announce that Shannon Bowen-Smed joined our Board of Governors on April 20, 2021, and has been appointed to the future role of Board Chair by the Government of Alberta, effective July 1, 2021. Ms. Bowen-Smed will succeed Dave Collyer, who has held the role of Board Chair since 2014 and will finish his term on June 30, 2021. This proactive succession planning creates a strong continuity of governance for the College. Mr. Collyer has been, and continues to be, instrumental in the creation and delivery of Bow Valley College’s Open Doors – Open Minds strategy. During his influential time at the College, Mr. Collyer has been a strong advocate and champion for skills-based education. He believes that providing access to post-secondary education, providing flexible learning pathways that deliver job-ready skills and competencies are critical to Alberta’s needs.

“Shannon Bowen-Smed is a highly successful and well-respected entrepreneur and business leader, with a deep commitment to community well-being. These attributes will serve her well in her role as Chair of the Board of Governors of Bow Valley College,” says Mr. Collyer.  “I have every confidence that under Shannon's leadership the Board will continue to provide the governance and strategic guidance necessary to ensure the College maintains its track record of outstanding performance and evolves to meet the changing needs of students and southern Albertans.”

Ms. Bowen-Smed, the CEO of Bowen Workforce Solutions, is a proud Calgarian, bringing extensive workforce and industry knowledge to Bow Valley College and to the Calgary community. She has a deep understanding of the Canadian labour sector and is frequently recognized for her workplace and employment issues expertise.  She has been honoured as a United Nations SHEInnovator and one of Canada’s Top 100 Female Entrepreneurs among many other industry awards for her entrepreneurial leadership.

“Shannon knows Bow Valley College well and shares a deep commitment to the College’s mandate. I am so pleased that she is joining the Board of Governors and will later assume the role of Chair to build on a strong governance model and strategic framework during a period of system transformation and renewal. Shannon’s brand of leadership is measured, nuanced, and collaborative, so I am very much looking forward to working with her as we shape the future of college education,” says Dr. Misheck Mwaba, Bow Valley College President and CEO.

Ms. Bowen-Smed is a champion for competency-based education and work-integrated learning and is committed to strengthening and diversifying Alberta’s workforce.  “I am truly honoured and humbled by the opportunity to assume the Board Chair position with Bow Valley College.  As someone who has spent my career connecting great people with great jobs, I can say that Bow Valley College has been instrumental in helping employers source some of the world’s brightest,” says Ms. Bowen-Smed. “My deep appreciation to the outgoing Chair Dave Collyer, the Board of Governors and the Bow Valley College team for all the incredible work they have done. This College has and will continue to play a significant role as an economic lever to Calgary and Canada’s future, and I am thrilled to be part of that journey.”

Ms. Bowen-Smed is a committed philanthropist and holds leadership positions in several key organizations in Calgary, including Calgary Economic Development, Calgary Zoo, YWCA Hub Capital Campaign and WXN Canada’s Most Powerful Women: Top 100 Advisory Board.

Building on Mr. Collyer’s outstanding leadership, Ms. Bowen-Smed will continue the College’s bright future and share her dynamic expertise with Bow Valley College’s leadership. The College will continue to provide educational excellence for our students, grow our highly skilled community of alumni, create value for our stakeholders and partners, and contribute to shaping the future of post-secondary education in the province.

Bow Valley College Executive Team