As Vice-President, Growth, International and External Relations at Algoma University, Craig is dedicated to fostering sustainability and engagement. His executive leadership covers a wide range of areas, including student recruitment (both domestic and international), strategic enrolment management, advancement, alumni relations, international partnerships, government and community relations, strategic alliances, communications, marketing, and issues management. His efforts focus on aligning these functions to promote the university’s long-term sustainability, mission-driven growth, and commitment to inclusive excellence and reconciliation. By collaborating with internal and external stakeholders, Craig actively works to enhance Algoma’s profile, strengthen community and industry ties, and broaden the university’s national and global networks.

Craig’s leadership is grounded in a solid educational background. He holds a Master’s degree in Local Economic Development and a Bachelor’s degree in Urban and Regional Planning from the University of Waterloo. His academic achievements are complemented by over 20 years of senior leadership experience in the public and postsecondary sectors. At Laurentian University, he served in executive roles related to administration, external relations, research collaborations, and economic development. Prior to that, he spent ten years in the Ontario Public Service, working on key projects in economic development, research, innovation, and finance. Craig has also completed executive programs at the Harvard Kennedy School of Government and the Ivey School of Business.

Dr. Sheila Embleton is a nationally respected academic leader and scholar with extensive experience in university governance, administration, and public service. She was appointed Interim President and Vice-Chancellor of Algoma University on July 1, 2025, following a distinguished career spanning more than four decades in Canadian higher education.

A Professor Emerita of Linguistics at York University, Dr. Embleton previously served as Vice-President Academic and Provost, and was named a Distinguished Research Professor in recognition of her scholarly excellence. She holds a PhD in Linguistics from the University of Toronto and is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada.

Dr. Embleton brings a principled, collaborative leadership style shaped by her strong commitment to academic excellence, collegial governance, academic freedom, and equity. Most recently, she served as Interim President and Vice-Chancellor at Laurentian University, where she played a key role in restoring operational stability and rebuilding trust and governance across the institution.

Throughout her career, Dr. Embleton has been a strong advocate for internationalization, gender equity, and Indigenous engagement in higher education. She has served on numerous national and international academic boards and advisory councils and is widely recognized for her inclusive and strategic approach to leadership.

At Algoma University, Dr. Embleton is focused on sustaining momentum in core areas such as academic quality, student success, cross-cultural learning, Truth and Reconciliation, and on maintaining fiscal responsibility in these challenging times. She works closely with the Board of Governors, Senate, executive leadership, and community partners to advance the University’s Special Mission and support its growing presence across Sault Ste. Marie, Brampton, and Timmins.

Dr. Brett Goodwin has over 25 years experience in higher education in both the US and Canada. He currently serves as the Associate Vice-President, Research and Graduate Studies and the interim Vice-President, Academic and Research at Algoma University. He holds a Ph.D. in Biology from Carleton University. He held post-doctoral and visiting scientist appointments at the Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies in New York State. He held faculty, Graduate Director, and Chair positions in the Biology Department at the University of North Dakota. Here he had an active research lab, mentoring both undergraduate and graduate student researchers, receiving competitive federal and state funding for research, and taking leadership roles across campus focused on fostering active and effective teaching and accreditation. At Fleming College, he held Dean, VP Research and VP Academic roles and served on provincial and federal advisory bodies around applied research at colleges.

At Algoma, Dr. Goodwin is responsible for growing research and supporting academic programming, particularly establishing the new School of Graduate Studies and affiliated graduate programming. He does this by working collaboratively with faculty, staff, and administration. The goal is to create academic programming that is committed to academic excellence, responsive to student needs, engaging for faculty, and embedded in a university community involved in research. 

Richard is a Chartered Professional Accountant and a Chartered Business Valuator. He holds both a Master’s of Accounting and a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Waterloo. Richard’s career spans 15 years of senior leadership roles across the Ontario college system, most recently as Vice President of Strategic Enrolment, Partnerships & Employment at Sault College.

He previously served as Vice President, International at Sault College, Vice President Finance & Administration at Sault College, and Vice President of Finance & International at Canadore College. Prior to joining the Ontario college system, Richard worked in both the forest products (Tembec) and steel (Algoma Steel) industries.

Throughout his career, Richard has helped drive large-scale organizational growth and transformative strategies to enhance revenue and improve operational performance.

Lauri Green is a people-focused human resources executive with more than 35 years of experience in Ontario’s public and broader public sectors. She most recently served as Director of People Planning at York University, where she led the development of HR strategy, data stewardship, compensation, HR systems, and strategic recruitment initiatives.

Lauri’s career began at the LCBO, where she advanced through increasingly senior roles in employee relations, corporate health services, and HR generalist functions—laying a strong foundation for her leadership in complex public sector environments.

She holds a Master’s degree in Human Resources Management and a Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources and Labour Relations, and is a Certified Human Resources Leader (CHRL). She is currently pursuing a Master’s in Public Policy and Administrative Law to further deepen her expertise at the intersection of HR and governance.

Lauri is an active member of the HR Review Regulatory Committee of the Human Resources Professionals Association (HRPA) and regularly contributes as a volunteer at CAUBO’s annual conference. A passionate advocate for inclusive leadership, service excellence, and evidence-based HR practices, Lauri is deeply committed to building resilient, purpose-driven workplaces.

She strongly supports the Special Mission of Algoma University and is dedicated to exploring how its values can be reflected in people practices across the institution.

Lorretta Neebar joined AU as the University Registrar and Executive Director, Student Services on October 15, 2024. She is responsible for overseeing the Registrar’s Office, Institutional Planning, and Student Affairs, bringing her extensive experience and expertise to lead our work in student services, strategic planning, and operational improvement across all three of our campuses. 

Lorretta brings over 20 years of experience in higher education administration. She has a proven track record of building relationships and creating positive, equitable, and inclusive environments in post-secondary institutions. Most recently, Lorretta served as the Chief Administrative Officer at the Canadian Race Relations Foundation, where she worked closely with Indigenous consultants to develop strategies and training focused on truth, healing, and reconciliation in support of creating an effective organization and driving meaningful change. This experience has deepened her unique insights into the responsibilities of leadership, particularly in advancing Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) initiatives, in the Ontario higher education landscape.

Before her role at the Canadian Race Relations Foundation, Lorretta held key leadership positions at the University of Toronto Mississauga (UTM), including Registrar and Director of Enrolment Management. She was a key member of UTM’s first strategic enrolment management (SEM) committee and led initiatives that positively impacted student success, service delivery, and operational efficiency.

Lorretta’s commitment to fostering an inclusive and innovative learning environment aligns perfectly with Algoma University’s Special Mission, which cultivates cross-cultural learning between indigenous and non-Indigenous people. Her experience will be invaluable as we continue to diversify our student body. In addition to her extensive experience, Lorretta is an award-winning professional and a leader of high-performing teams. Under her leadership, these teams have received several prestigious awards for their contributions to innovation and service excellence in higher education.

As Chief Operations Officer (COO), David leads Algoma University’s facilities and operations portfolio, overseeing campus operations, vendor and contractor management, major capital projects, maintenance, and planning and construction initiatives.

A lifelong resident of Sault Ste. Marie, David brings nearly 40 years of experience in facility management and construction. Prior to joining Algoma University, he spent 25 years with the Algoma District School Board in senior roles overseeing facility operations, maintenance, and construction. Over his career, he has successfully managed large-scale infrastructure projects and numerous multi-million-dollar, education-focused construction initiatives from planning through completion.

David’s leadership in strategic planning, resource management, and operational excellence is key to supporting Algoma University’s continued growth and development.

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Martin Bayer (he/him) is the Vice-President, Nyaagaaniid, Anishinaabe Initiatives, Equity, Diversity & Inclusion. He joined AU on April 1, 2025, and is located at the Sault Ste. Marie campus. 

Beginning in 2001, he has been a Partner at Weaver, Simmons LLP in Sudbury, Ontario, specializing in Aboriginal law. His work has primarily involved advising First Nations and resource companies on mining, hydroelectric projects, and forestry in Ontario. Additionally, he served as Chief Negotiator for the Anishinaabek Nation, representing 40 First Nations in negotiations with Canada to establish a self-government/agreement. He also played a key role in negotiations between First Nations, Ontario, and Canada to finalize a significant land claim settlement.

Martin received King Charles III’s Coronation Medal for his significant contributions to Canada. “I am truly honoured to receive this prestigious award for my years of service to various organizations and boards. Giving back to the community has been a privilege, and this recognition is beyond my expectations,” he said. 

Previously, Martin was a Lecturer and Director of the Aboriginal Legal Education Certificate Program at Laurentian University and worked with the Department of Justice Canada in the Native Law Group. He holds a BA in Political Science from Laurentian University, a Juris Doctor from the University of Toronto, and certifications in dispute resolution, mining law, negotiations, and Aboriginal law.