Lakeland College’s Board of Governors is pleased to welcome Dean Fahselt to the position of chair.

“Our Board of Governors is a key part of Lakeland’s governance system,” says Dr. Alice Wainwright-Stewart, president and CEO of Lakeland College. “I have been continuously impressed with Dean as I’ve worked alongside him in his previous roles on the board, and am excited to see the energy and expertise he will bring with him to this new role.”

Fahselt first joined the board in 2022, serving as vice chair and chair of the audit and finance committee. He brings with him over three decades of experience leading organizations in Canada’s crop, livestock and retail sectors, including co-founder and CEO of AgLink Canada since 2019. He is also owner and director of Fahselt Land and Cattle Co., a 160-pair cow/calf operation that transitioned to a 40-pair hobby herd in 2024. He is involved in the 4-H Vermilion Light Horse Club as associate leader and contributes to the Vermilion and Rosalind Agricultural Societies.

“It is a privilege to step into the role of chair of the Board of Governors,” Fahselt says. “Lakeland has a huge impact on students, industry and communities across the region. I am excited to work with my fellow board members and the college community to strengthen partnerships, support student success, and help position the college for continued growth and impact in the years ahead.”

The Board of Governors also welcomed two new members: Glenn Stang and Paul Zorgdrager. Stang is an executive with over 40 years of experience in finance and leadership, including 12 as CEO of a $2.8B Credit Union.

“I’m truly honored to join Lakeland’s governance team,” says Stang. “Throughout my work in the business community, I’ve seen firsthand how Lakeland College strengthens our region, preparing students to step confidently into the workforce and fueling the local economic momentum we all depend on. I’ve been proud to hire Lakeland students, support their growth, and watch them become key contributors to our community’s success. Stepping into this role now, I look forward to helping advance Lakeland’s strategic direction and ensuring the college continues to be a catalyst for opportunity, innovation, and shared prosperity across our region.”

Zorgdrager is an executive coach and leadership consultant with over 25 years of experience in the oil and gas industry, including as vice president of Lloydminster production operations and thermal production operations at Husky Energy in Lloydminster.

“I am excited and honoured to be joining the Lakeland College Board of Directors,” says Zorgdrager. “During my time in the Lloydminster area, I had the opportunity to support both the conventional and steam production programs Lakeland offered to develop and grow skilled staff for the local oil and gas industry through significant changes in production techniques. This focus on local industry needs allowed the industry, Lakeland College and people to grow and transform into the vibrant communities we share today.”

Stang and Zorgdrager join fellow public members Dr. Sean Lessard, Kelly Smith-Fraser and Barb Shackel-Hardman, as well as vice chair A.J. Mokelky. Trisha Mechor serves as the board’s non-academic staff member representative, and Wanjiku Kaai is the academic staff member representative.

Student representatives Jayci Best (agribusiness) and Kiefer Sinclair (business) joined the board this year as well. Best is a graduate of the animal science technology: beef program who is currently studying agribusiness and Sinclair is working towards his commerce degree with a double major after completing the business diploma program.

Stang and Zorgdrager replace out-going members Adam Waterman, previous board chair, and Brent Fischer. Waterman joined the board in 2020, bringing with him more than 15 years of experience in the oil and gas industry. He served as board chair from 2021 until 2026. Fischer, co-owner of Pleasantview Farms Ltd., joined the board in 2020.

"On behalf of the Lakeland, I want to express my sincere gratitude to Adam and Brent for their dedicated service,” says Dr. Wainwright-Stewart. “Their insight, leadership and commitment have helped strengthen our organization and advance our mission. It has been a privilege to work alongside them, and we thank them for the lasting impact they have made."

 

 

Photos: (Top to bottom) New board chair Dean Fahselt, new board member Glenn Stang, new board member Paul Zorgdrager, student board members Jayci Best and Kiefer Sinclair.