CALGARY - Laura Jo Gunter will be greeted as the new President and CEO of Bow Valley College during a special Welcome to the Community event on Monday, February 6 at 10 a.m. in the Jack Singer Concert Hall lobby. 

"We are extremely pleased to have such an experienced, well-rounded leader in post-secondary education at the helm of the College," said David Collyer, chair, Bow Valley College Board of Governors. "Laura Jo brings a diverse experience, a keen sense of emerging trends in post-secondary education, and a very strong background in the comprehensive community college environment to this role. We look forward to her contributions to the continued growth and development of the College as we serve the needs of Calgary and the regional community." 

Ms. Gunter assumed the role of Bow Valley College's fifth President and CEO on January 1. An accomplished academic leader and administrator, Gunter comes to Bow Valley College from George Brown College in Toronto, where she served as the Senior Vice President Academic. 

Ms. Gunter's academic career also includes the leadership of two different portfolios in succession at Toronto's Seneca College: the Faculty of Information Arts & Technology and the Faculty of Communication, Art & Design. 

In addition to her impressive academic career, Ms. Gunter also brings valuable experience as an entrepreneur to the College. She was the co-founder and CEO of a software and game company, Condition30 Inc., based in Toronto and Vancouver. 

She holds a Masters of Business Administration from Queen's University and a Bachelor of Journalism degree from Carleton University. She currently serves as a Board member of the North York General Hospital. 

An inclusive and engaging leader, Ms. Gunter places emphasis on strong community connections, enriching educational experiences and outcomes, and agile and responsive leadership practices. 

"I am honoured to be a part of the next phase of growth at Bow Valley College and build on a strong record of success," Gunter remarked. "I am looking forward to working with the community so that we remain responsive to both Calgary and our region's needs and aspirations." 

Following the welcome event for Ms. Gunter, over 300 career learners will be crossing the stage of the Jack Singer Concert Hall during the Winter Graduation Ceremony at 2 p.m. 

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Editor's notes 
Event: Bow Valley College Welcomes New President and CEO 
Date: Monday, February 6, 2017 
Where: Jack Singer Concert Hall Lobby, Arts Commons (205 8 Ave. SE) 
Time: 10 a.m. 

Notable attendees include:

• Marlin Schmidt, Minister of Advanced Education, Government of Alberta 
• Greg Clark, MLA, Calgary - Elbow 
• Richard Gotfried, MLA, Calgary - Fish Creek 
• Prab Gill, MLA, Calgary - Greenway 
• Michael Ell, Mayor, Town of Strathmore
• David Ross, President and CEO, SAIT 
• Tom Thompson, President, Olds College 
• Michael Donlevy, President, Red Deer College
• Gerry Turcotte, President, St. Mary's University 
• Wayne Chiu, Founder, CEO, Trico Homes 

About Bow Valley College 
Bow Valley College - Calgary and region's only Comprehensive Community College - with more than 15,000 full- and part-time students, is a leader in business and health career training, community studies, creative technologies, adult upgrading, and English Language Learning.