Board Of Directors
NCDATT is the advocacy, and reference group on national issues affecting trades, apprenticeship, and technology education and training in Canada.
Lucy Griffith, M.Ed.
Co-Chair: Trades and Apprenticeship
Dean, School of Trades, Technology & Design - TVET Specialist at Vancouver Community College (VCC)
Lucy was elected into the role of Co-Chair: Trades and Apprenticeship in May 2024. Lucy is a dedicated advocate for Technical, Vocational Education and Training (TVET) and currently serves as the Co-Chair, Trades and Apprenticeship at the National Council for Deans of Apprenticeship, Trades, and Technology (NCDATT). With a Master of Education and a wealth of experience in both teaching and administration, Lucy has been instrumental in advancing trades education in BC and across Canada. In addition to her role at NCDATT, Lucy is the Dean of Trades, Technology & Design at Vancouver Community College (VCC). Her career is marked by her active involvement with Skills BC and Skills Canada, where she works to support and promote skilled trades competitions and initiatives that inspire the next generation of skilled workers. Lucy’s global perspective comes from her teaching and working experiences in numerous countries, where she has brought fresh ideas and innovative concepts to her approach in vocational education. She is passionate about ensuring that TVET evolves to meet the demands of a dynamic and diverse workforce.
Derek Kochenash, M.Ed.
Co-Chair: Technologies and Director representing Saskatchewan, Manitoba and Nunavut.
Dean, School of Skilled Trades and Technologies at Red River College Polytechnic
Derek was elected Co-Chair: Technologies in May 2024. Derek is also the Director representing Saskatchewan, Manitoba and Nunavut. Derek Kochenash is a natural leader, strong business development professional, and lifelong learner who is committed to connecting people and partners to solve problems, create opportunities, and change perceptions. As the Dean of the School of Skilled Trades and Technologies at RRC Polytech, Derek oversees the direction and administration of the College’s over 70 unique programs that train and prepare thousands of students annually to build, maintain, repair, and develop the infrastructure and emerging technology that we rely on in our daily lives. A 2001 Red River College Polytechnic Apprenticeship graduate, Derek returned to the College in 2006 as an instructor, before becoming an Academic Coordinator and then Chair of the Electrical, Math, and Sciences Department. He holds a Master of Education Degree (M.Ed.) focused in Adult and Continuing Education Administration from the University of Manitoba and is also a Red Seal-endorsed Sheet Metal Worker. His unique blend of experience in trades and education informs his decision-making and allows him to bridge the gaps between industry and academia resulting in programs and partnerships that take projects from concept to reality. Derek played an instrumental role in the construction of the College’s stunning yet functional Skilled Trades and Technology Centre and the development of the future-focused Price Institute of Advanced Manufacturing and Mechatronics. From advocating for more women working in trades and technology to removing barriers to support Indigenous learners, Derek continuously promotes understanding and acceptance as he strives to create pathways to empowerment for all equity-deserving groups. He is determined to lead transformative change in both society and the economy through education and boost respect for the professionals who pursue their careers in trades and technology.
Jim Szautner, M.Ed., RSE
Director, Past Co-Chair
Dean of Apprenticeship, Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT)
Jim is the past Chair of NCDATT. Jim held the role of Co-Chair of NCDATT from 2016-2020. Jim is the Dean of the School of Construction at SAIT Polytechnic in Calgary Alberta. He has championed trades and technology programs institutionally, nationally and internationally. He has served as the board chair for the Canadian Apprenticeship Forum (CAF) and past chair for the National Council of Deans of Apprenticeship, Trades, and Technology (NCDATT). Jim is a lifelong learner, holding multiple credentials. He obtained his Red Seal as a Truck and Transportation Technician journeyperson in 2001, completed his certificate in Adult and Continuing Education from the University of Alberta in 2009, earned his Master of Education in Adult Community and Higher Education from the University of Calgary in 2014, and received a Graduate Certificate in Educational Leadership from the University of Calgary in 2016. Most recently, Jim completed an Executive Coaching Graduate Certificate from Royal Roads University in 2021.
Laura McDonald, M.A.
Treasurer
Dean, Faculty of Trades and Technology, Kwantlen Polytechnic University
Laura McDonald was elected into the role of Treasurer in May 2024.
Laura McDonald is a seasoned professional with over 30 years of experience across secondary, college, and university educational environments. She currently serves as the Dean of the Faculty of Trades and Technology at Kwantlen Polytechnic University and has been instrumental in shaping and implementing the strategic vision of the faculty. She is a strong advocate for fostering respectful workplace environments for all employees and students.
Atop her role with NCDATT, Laura also sits on the executive of the British Columbia Association of Trades and Technology Administrators (BCATTA).
Laura is currently pursuing a Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership at Western University, with an expected graduation in Summer 2026. Laura's academic background includes a Master of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies (Adult Education) from Athabasca University, a post-baccalaureate in Business (Finance) from Thompson Rivers University, and a Bachelor of Arts (Psychology) from Simon Fraser University. She holds numerous certificates in fields like online teaching evaluation, women in leadership, and administrative justice.
Her work demonstrates a long-standing commitment to education, leadership, and collaboration across various sectors of the educational landscape.
Teresa Kisilevich, Ed.D.
Director representing British Columbia
Dean, Faculty of Applied & Technical Studies at the University of the Fraser Valley
Teresa was elected Director representing British Columbia in May 2024. Dr. Teresa Kisilevich became Dean of the Faculty of Applied and Technical Studies at the University of the Fraser Valley in August 2023, following over two decades at Okanagan College. There, she held numerous instructional and administrative roles, including Associate Dean positions in both the School of Business and Trades & Apprenticeship. Teresa is passionate about vocational education, fostering industry partnerships, and advancing equity, diversity, and inclusion in trades and technology education. Her formal credentials include a Bachelors of Education, a Masters of Workplace & Adult Education, and a Doctorate of Education from Western University, with research focused on building a culture of social justice in post-secondary institutions.
Dave King, RSE
Director representing Alberta, Yukon, and Northwest Territories
Dean, Trades & Technology at Lakeland College
Dave was re-elected into his role of Director representing Alberta, Yukon, and Northwest Territories in May 2024. Dave is presently the Dean of Trades and Technology at Lakeland College in Alberta. Previous to becoming Dean, he was one of two Chairs for our school. He holds a Red Seal Endorsed in HET and AST. He began his post-secondary career teaching in the HET program and AST program. Before joining Lakeland College in 2006, he was employed in the Automotive and Heavy Equipment/Ag industries for over 20 years. He was a committee member of both the HET Local Apprenticeship Committee and Provincial Apprenticeship Committee for the Automotive Service Technician program. He is very proud in the fact that he is a Red Seal Endorsed Journeyperson in 2 trades and that he has been able to provide my family with a great way of life and opportunities because of his chosen career!
Paul Murnaghan
Director representing Quebec, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, or Newfoundland and Labrador
Program Manager - Holland College
Paul was re-elected into his role of Director representing Quebec, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, or Newfoundland and Labrador in May 2022. Born and raised in Prince Edward Island, Paul completed his Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) at the University of Prince Edward Island, followed by a Bachelor of Education at the University of Maine at Fort Kent. He taught middle school for seven years before accepting a position at Holland College. Paul received his M.Ed. designation from the University of Prince Edward Island in 2006. He is currently the Program Manager at Holland College, overseeing the following departments: Applied Sciences & Engineering Technology, Computer Studies, and Metal Trades. Paul resides in Stratford, Prince Edward Island, with his wife and two children.