Sarah Watts-Rynard assumed the role of Chief Executive Officer at Polytechnics Canada in July 2018. Prior to this role, she served as Executive Director of the Canadian Apprenticeship Forum, supporting Canada’s apprenticeship community with research, promotion and by connecting stakeholders across trades, across sectors and across Canada.
Sarah has a degree in Journalism and English from Carleton University. Since graduating, she has built a career that includes time in government, the private sector and at skills-focused non-profit organizations. She has experience related to non-profit governance, fundraising, advocacy and marketing. She leads a team of passionate and dedicated employees committed to high-quality skills and innovation policy, reflecting the strengths of polytechnic education in Canada. In 2018, Sarah was awarded an honorary diploma in the Skilled Trades by Niagara College.
Sarah is Chair of the CWB Welding Foundation and Vice-Chair of the Canadian Centre for Women in Science, Engineering, Trades and Technology (WinSETT Centre).
Bola is responsible for the creation and execution of strategic communications efforts, coordination of institutional events, and advancing digital outreach efforts that promote the mission and visibility of Polytechnics Canada and its members. With a strong background in marketing and communications, Bola brings expertise in crafting compelling narratives, managing multi-channel campaigns, and fostering stakeholder engagement to amplify organizational impact.
Ricardo’s work centres on policy research, writing and advocacy related to the adoption of artificial intelligence and new technology, as well as the alignment of labour market needs and training. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from Concordia University.
Vincent Custode joined Polytechnics Canada as the Director of Policy where he is responsible for developing and executing policy, advocacy and government relations initiatives.
Prior to joining Polytechnics Canada, Vincent built his career engaging senior stakeholders across government and industry with the Public Policy Forum, Toronto Region Board of Trade and C.D. Howe Institute. He holds a Master of Political Science from Brock University.
Diana’s work focuses on research, writing and advocacy related to innovation policy and the role of polytechnics within Canada’s science, technology and innovation ecosystem.
Her background includes academic research and teaching, as well as a consulting role, in which she led specialized research projects analyzing national research and innovation systems. Diana holds a Master of Arts in Public Affairs from Carleton University.
Kamila spearheads the development of strategic communications plans, event coordination and digital media initiatives with the aim of elevating the corporate brand of Polytechnics Canada and its members. She holds an Honours Bachelor of Social Sciences in History and Political Science from the University of Ottawa.
Alex oversees the operational activities for Polytechnics Canada and the CEO. She is also responsible for planning and executing projects and events that support the association’s advocacy initiatives and raise awareness about the polytechnic model of education. Alex holds a Master of Arts in Brand Management from Coventry University and a Bachelor of Communication and Media Studies from Carleton University.
Hannah is passionate about advancing federal policy that supports strategic workforce development at Canada’s polytechnics. Her focus spans apprenticeships, work-integrated learning, mid-career upskilling, immigration and post-graduate transitions. She has experience in government relations, research, post-secondary teaching and student leadership, and has conducted national policy research on Canada’s post-secondary system. Originally from the United Kingdom, Hannah holds a PhD in Human Geography from Queen’s University, where she was a Vanier Scholar.