Published on August 15, 2022
Accomplished entrepreneur and IT professional Yasmin Jivraj brings over 30 years of technology and business leadership to her new role as chair of NAIT’s Board of Governors. Jivraj’s chair appointment begins on August 15, 2022.
An innovative leader with a history of award-winning accomplishments in the information and communications technology sector, Jivraj began her career creating business software applications for private and public sector organizations before becoming a successful entrepreneur. Jivraj co-founded Atlas Systems Group in 1988, which then merged with CompCanada to become Acrodex, where she assumed the role of president until the company was sold in 2015. Under her strategic leadership, Acrodex extended across Canada and emerged as a leading provider of enterprise-wide IT solutions. Jivraj now co-owns Dexcent – an industrial automation engineering consulting company – and serves as a board member providing executive guidance and strategically contributing to the company’s overall business direction.
Throughout her career, Jivraj has served on numerous boards. She currently sits on the boards for Alberta Blue Cross and Alberta Foundation of the Arts and has been a NAIT board member since 2017. Jivraj was awarded a NAIT Honorary Bachelor of Technology degree in 2011 for her contributions to the advancement of the IT industry in Canada.
NAIT also welcomes Jason Pincock to the Board of Governors for a three-year term starting August 15, 2022. Pincock is currently the Chief Executive Officer for DynaLIFE Medical Labs.
With Jivraj’s chair appointment, NAIT says goodbye to chair and long-time board member, Ray Pisani. Pisani joined NAIT’s Board of Governors in 2013 and was appointed chair in 2019. He was a strong guiding hand through budget reductions and the pandemic. He helped welcome NAIT’s current president and CEO, Laura Jo Gunter, and provided valuable input on the Minister of Advanced Education’s Alberta 2030: Building Skills for Jobs strategy.
Quotes
“On behalf of NAIT, I am pleased to welcome Yasmin as the new board chair. As a member of NAIT’s Board of Governors for the past five years, Yasmin has a deep understanding of our polytechnic’s vision. Her board experience, paired with her in-depth knowledge in a broad range of technologies and business models, make her a great fit for this role. I am confident that the board is in good hands with Yasmin and look forward to working with her to deepen our impact on learners, their careers and the industries we support.” - Laura Jo Gunter, NAIT President and CEO on new NAIT board chair, Yasmin Jivraj
“I’m very honoured and excited to be NAIT’s next Board of Governors chair. Post-secondary education shapes industries and fuels the economy, and I have seen first-hand the role NAIT has played in this by producing exceptional talent and critical innovation. I look forward to working with the board and NAIT leadership as we look toward the future of education and industry, transforming our polytechnic approach to continue to fuel the workforce and economy as we have for the past 60 years.” - Yasmin Jivraj, NAIT Board of Governors Chair
“We are so grateful for Ray’s many years of service to NAIT. As one of our strongest supporters, he was a dedicated and active board member, and his strong governance perspective earned him the board’s respect and admiration as board chair. We can’t thank him enough for his years of leadership.” - Laura Jo Gunter, NAIT President and CEO on former NAIT board chair, Ray Pisani
About NAIT
The Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT) is a leading Canadian polytechnic, delivering education in science, technology and the environment; business; health and skilled trades. With over 34,000 credit and non-credit students and a 98 per cent employer satisfaction rate, NAIT grads help fuel the economic engine of the province. NAIT also contributes to Alberta's prosperity by helping businesses and communities become more competitive through industry-driven research and corporate training. Recognized as one of Alberta's top employers, NAIT provides outstanding returns on investment for its graduates, industry partners, the provincial government and the people of Alberta.
Media inquiries
Nicole Graham
NAIT Media Relations
C 780.916.8307 E media@nait.ca
NAIT welcomes new chair and members to board of governors
Entrepreneur and business leader Yasmin Jivraj assumes board chair role
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