Shannon Lipskie Appointed Permanent President and CEO of OCAS

Guelph, Ontario (October 20, 2025) – OCAS is pleased to announce the appointment of Shannon Lipskie, M.Ed., as its new President and Chief Executive Officer, effective October 20, 2025. This decision was made by the Board of Directors based on Shannon’s significant contributions and leadership during her interim tenure, which began in May 2025.

“Shannon has demonstrated vision for the organization, strong college sector collaboration, effective change management and business acumen, and authentic leadership,” said Claude Brulé, Chair of the OCAS Board of Directors and President and CEO of Algonquin College.

“With over 25 years of progressive leadership experience in college sector student services, Shannon brings unparalleled expertise and commitment to her new role.”

As Lipskie assumes the role of President and CEO on a permanent basis, OCAS looks forward to continued success and transformation under her guidance. The OCAS Board, leadership, and team extend their heartfelt congratulations and support as she leads OCAS into a new era.

“I am honoured to have been named permanent President and CEO by the OCAS Board of Directors,” Lipskie said. “I am so deeply grateful for the trust and support of our incredible OCAS team, as well as our amazing Ontario college system partners.”

A Career in the Ontario College System

Shannon’s first job in the post-secondary sector was as a student success advisor and field placement coordinator with Fanshawe College in 1997. In that role, she helped students navigate their educational experience, ensuring they had the knowledge to achieve their academic and career goals.

Shannon brought that same passion for supporting students to Conestoga College in 2011, where she worked in the School of Community Services before becoming Associate Chair of that department in 2019. During her time at Conestoga, Shannon developed and implemented the Community Integration through Co-operative Education (CICE) program, which is designed to provide students who cannot access traditional post-secondary programming with inclusive, equitable opportunities to become more independent members of their communities.

In 2021 – the same year she completed a Master of Education (Leadership) from the University of Prince Edward Island – Shannon joined OCAS. She made a significant impact as Vice President, Partner Relations, by supporting and strengthening OCAS' relationship management practices and initiating a series of collaboration activities with the colleges. Shannon was appointed Interim President and CEO in May 2025.

About OCAS

OCAS is a not-for-profit application services organization that helps prospective applicants explore and connect with Ontario’s colleges. For more than 30 years, OCAS has been helping people pursue their goals through post-secondary education.

We care a lot about what we do. Learn more about us at ocas.ca.

For more information, please contact:

Alissa Robson
Director, Brand Engagement, OCAS
robson@ocas.ca
519-763-2363