Lethbridge Polytechnic is pleased to welcome Janene Moch as the new chair of the Board of Governors. The Government of Alberta appointed Moch to a three-year term which began June 30.
Moch, who joined the board in March 2021, brings decades of experience in finance, education and governance to the role.
“I’ve always been drawn to opportunities where I can help navigate change, and this felt like a natural fit,” says Moch. “We have a strong board, an exceptional executive leadership team and a real opportunity to support southern Alberta’s evolving needs. I’m excited to help guide what comes next.”
Born and raised in southern Alberta, Moch holds a bachelor of management from the University of Lethbridge and is a Chartered Professional Accountant with a master’s in forensic accounting. Earlier in her career, she taught Business Finance part-time at the polytechnic.
Moch describes her approach to board leadership as analytical but deeply human, shaped by decades of experience working with clients, colleagues and community leaders.
“I see the role of the board as offering both insight and foresight,” she explains. “Our job is to harness the strengths and perspectives around the table and to make sure we’re always looking ahead. The only constant is change, and we need to be ready for it.”
Moch points to several strengths already in place at the polytechnic: responsive programming, strong research, respected partnerships with Indigenous communities and a nimble institutional mindset.
“Too many people in southern Alberta don’t know just how impactful this place is,” she says. “We’re one of the top post-secondary research institutions in the country. We’re a leader in trades, policing and health care, and we’re uniquely set up to offer what the region and the province need.”
As the institution continues to navigate a shifting post-secondary landscape, Moch says she’s committed to helping ensure students remain at the centre.
“Ultimately, we’re here to serve learners and the region; that means offering the right programs, the right support and the flexibility to evolve, and it means being bold about where we’re going.”
“Janene brings thoughtful leadership, deep community roots and a clear passion for the work we do,” says President and CEO Dr. Brad Donaldson. “I’m excited to work alongside her as we continue to move Lethbridge Polytechnic forward and build on the momentum already underway.”
Moch replaces Michael Marcotte, who completed his maximum six-year term as board chair in June.
The Lethbridge Polytechnic Board of Governors is comprised of 16 members – the chair, nine public members, two academic employees, one non-academic employee, two students and the polytechnic’s president. Public board members are appointed by a Government of Alberta Order in Council and typically serve a three-year term of office with the opportunity to serve an additional three-year term. Internal representatives (the academic, non-academic and student members) are elected by their constituency groups and appointed directly by the Minister of Advanced Education for terms outlined in the Post-secondary Learning Act.