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Appointee Biographies

Ontario Northland Transportation Commission

ROBERTA SAWCHYN

As a Certified Hotel Administrator Roberta Sawchyn has worked in the hospitality industry for over 25 years. For the past 19 years she has held the position of General Manager for the Best Western Plus Nor'Wester Hotel & Convention Centre. She is Chair of the Thunder Bay Hotel Association, Board Director of the Thunder Bay CEDC, past board director of the Thunder Bay Chamber of Commerce and has volunteered for many local organizations such as the United Way and Easter Seals. Roberta is a life long resident of Thunder Bay and she works passionately in bringing her visions and experience of excellence to the community and surrounding areas. Having a strong and healthy community for her family to live and grow in is paramount.

RANDY NICKLE

is a Franchise Owner for A&A Restaurant Kenora. His community involvement includes formerly serving as a Chair of Tourism for Lake of the Woods Development Commission.

WILLIAM FERGUSON

William Ferguson is VP Creative and Partner at TWG Communications. With over 26 years of industry experience, William’s insight, knowledge, and expertise have been the driving force behind TWG’s diverse creative portfolio. As one of the agency’s founders, he has built a reputation of scouting the best design talent and directing strategic branding and innovative campaigns for a myriad of regional, national, and international clients. William’s community involvement is extensive and includes his current role as Vice President of the Canadore College Foundation, and previous roles including past Chair of the Board of Governors of Canadore College, past Chair of the North Bay Police Services Board, past Chair of Heritage North Bay, and a variety of community initiatives. William has been credited on many award-winning creative projects, has received awards for his sound and proven leadership and business acumen, and is a recipient of the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal.

CHAD EVANS

Chad Evans has over 20 years leading change and continuous improvement in the private and public sector. Under Chad’s leadership, Ontario Northland Transportation Commission (ONTC) has embarked on an enterprise asset management journey and built a strong plan for the return of passenger rail to Northeastern Ontario. He is certified as an ITIL Expert, ISO20000 Practitioner, Lean Six Sigma Green Belt and holds an MBA from the University of London, England.