By Candice Zhang

On November 3, 2020, George Brown College’s (GBC) Board of Governors announced the retirement of President Anne Sado, effective June 30, 2021. Sado, the college’s first female president, held her position for nearly 17 years. The Board of Governors will begin the search for her successor.

“Anne has had an exceptional tenure as President, leading through a time of historic growth and change,” wrote Kevin Constante, the Chair of the Board of Governors in a media release. “She has been a positive and relentless force, determined to ensure George Brown supports its students to achieve their educational and career goals.” 

During her time as president, Sado played an important role in creating change within college education by advancing practical work-placement opportunities around the country, doubling enrollment at GBC, establishing the Office of Research and Innovation, and developing industry partnerships across different sectors. 

Regardless of the difficulties and challenges, Sado says that she is proud of the accomplishments throughout her career. 

“George Brown has become one of Canada’s largest, most diverse and respected colleges, and is well positioned to continue to respond, adapt, and transform its learning ecosystem – both now and into the future,” Sado wrote in the media release.

Her efforts to develop a well-rounded learning environment have been recognized by national leaders. As well as receiving the Colleges and Institutes Canada (CICAN) Presidents’ Leadership Network Distinguished Service Award in 2017, Sado was appointed a Member of the Order of Canada in 2013 and obtained the Queen’s Diamond and Golden Jubilee Medals. 

The college says further information about the search process for Sado’s successor will be announced.