April 12, 2022

Medicine Hat College (MHC) is pleased to announce the provincial appointment of Sarah MacKenzie as chair of its Board of Governors, along with the addition of two new public members – David Hoekstra and Brian Stauth – as confirmed by an Order-in-Council on Apr. 5.

Members of the board serve three-year terms and are responsible for providing strategic direction and support to the institution, while representing the interests of the public, students, and employees.

Sarah MacKenzie was first appointed to MHC’s board in 2019 as a public member and has served as interim chair since March 2021. With a passion for small business, MacKenzie is the business manager of The Home Team | Royal LePage Community Realty and has served as president of the Medicine Hat and District Chamber of Commerce and interim chair of the Invest Medicine Hat advisory group. Her commitment to supporting healthy communities is also evident through her involvement with local events and organizations including MedHat Movember, Sunrise Rotary Club, and the Medicine Hat Lacrosse Club.

“I look forward to continuing the work that’s being done to support learners and our region. Our ongoing collaboration with stakeholders allows the college to remain responsive to workforce needs while aligning to provincial direction,” says MacKenzie.

She also welcomes the board’s newest members and the experience they bring to MHC’s leadership team.

“David Hoekstra and Brian Stauth, along with our current board members, provide a wealth of experience and diversity that we pull from as we make important decisions to support college activity. The board is well-rounded with representation from finance, human resources, legal, small business, agriculture and multiculturalism.”

As the current general manager of Big Marble Farms and director of the Alberta Greenhouse Growers Association, and through experience on the Canadian Horticultural Council, Hoekstra brings a strong background in agricultural to the board. Previous roles in provincial and federal governments, including executive assistant, constituency office manager, policy advisor, and assistant to the parliamentary secretary, along with educational credentials in politics, history, economics, and leadership and applied public affairs offer significant depth to the institution.

Stauth, Medicine Hat’s director of fire and emergency services, is a proven leader and lifelong learner. With roots in agriculture that led to apprenticeship and small business ownership, followed by education and employment in emergency services and administration, Stauth’s broad base of knowledge and commitment to the region are valued by MHC.

“The board is proud to support Medicine Hat College and its role as a Comprehensive Community College within Alberta’s post-secondary system,” adds MacKenzie. “Together, we are focused on building relationships and aligning our activity with the region to grow opportunities for our learners and strengthen the vibrancy of Southeast Alberta.”

More information on MHC’s Board of Governors can be found here.