Sarah Watts-Rynard assumed the role of Chief Executive Officer at Polytechnics Canada in July 2018. Prior to this role, she served as Executive Director of the Canadian Apprenticeship Forum, supporting Canada’s apprenticeship community with research, promotion and by connecting stakeholders across trades, across sectors and across Canada.

Polytechnics Canada is the voice of leading research-intensive, publicly funded polytechnics, colleges and institutes of technology. The organization is involved in federal advocacy related to skills and innovation policy, reflecting the strengths of its member institutions.

Polytechnics collaborate with industry to develop the highly skilled people essential to the Canadian economy. Programs are career-focused and community-responsive across credentials that include bachelor degrees, diplomas, apprenticeships, post-graduate certificates, continuing education and corporate training. Experiential learning is an integral part of the polytechnic education model. Industry also turns to its polytechnic partners for applied research support, using their facilities, equipment and talent to propel business success.

Sarah is Vice-Chair of the Canadian Centre for Women in Science, Engineering, Trades and Technology (WinSETT Centre) and serves as a Director on the Boards of the Canadian Club of Ottawa and the CWB Welding Foundation.