Board of Directors

Mandate

The Board of Directors supervises the management of the activities of TAC.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic direction and governance
• Provide direction to the Executive Director
• Develop and monitor the implementation of strategic plans
• Approve policies, processes and procedures for accreditation
• Approve policies, processes and procedures governing the Standards Council’s responsibility for the development and maintenance of national standards
• Approve for submission to the members for ongoing support
• Establish committees or task forces to achieve specific objectives
• Ensure compliance with Bylaw Article 4.01, holding an Annual General Meeting
• Ensure periodic, independent review of performance and adherence to the principles of quality management systems

Composition

• up to nine provincial members
• two directors representing academia and or industry

Directors

Derek Tsang, C.E.T., TAC Board Chair, ASET Representative
Derek Tsang is the Account Manager (International) and Project Coordinator for Bruin Instruments Corp., an original equipment manufacturer for the global Oil and Gas Industry.  Derek is responsible for policies and strategies for the development, implementation and nurturing of International Clients, Agents, and new markets, along with ensuring major customer projects are completed in timely fashion while maintaining current projected budgets.  Derek joined Bruin Instruments in 2008 as a product specialist/technical sales and assumed his current roles a few years after.  

Derek is a proud Alumni from the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT), where he graduated from the Chemical Technology Program and the Project Management Program.  Derek is also very active with The Association of Science and Engineering Technology Professionals of Alberta (ASET), where he has held the roles of ASET President, CCTT Director (ASET Representative), ASET Foundation Director, ETSFA President, and multiple committee chairs. He was also a key member of the ASET negotiation team that help secure a Memorandum of Understanding with the Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Alberta (APEGA)  in 2007, which lead to the revision and update of the Engineering Act in the province of Alberta. 
 

Ken Geldart, PTech, Director, NBSCETT Representative
Ken is a Certified Quality Professional and Certified Professional Mechanical Engineering Technologist with over 40 years’ experience in Quality Management and Process Improvement. He is an AS9100C Lead Auditor, Exemplar Global Certified. He has worked with various clients and quality programs in manufacturing and has a vast knowledge of program structure and implementation across several sectors of industry. He has a a diverse background in manufacturing quality assurance, quality surveillance, quality audit and process improvement activities. He is committed to providing a positive, collaborative, and ethical approach to doing business His goal is to provide reliable, knowledgeable, professional and cost-effective supplier quality assurance services to clients in aerospace, defence and other high-tech manufacturing companies.

Scott McDonald, AScT, Director, TPS Representative 
Scott is an Applied Science Technologist with Technical Professionals Saskatchewan since 1987, and he is a graduate of the Design and Manufacturing Technology program at Saskatchewan Polytechnic. Currently he works as a Project Delivery Manager supporting varied revenue streams and geographic locations with over 30 years’ experience in Mining Consulting offices.  He has a background in electrical design, IT project management, program facilitation, construction site planning and scheduling, project delivery systems, information management, change management and implementation. Scott has extensive construction site experience and supports Wood PLC engineering offices globally.

Ken Mills, C.E.T., CTTAM Representative
Ken is the President and Senior Project Manager of Energy Consultants International Inc. He holds a diploma in Civil Technology from Red River College and is a member of the Certified Technicians and Technologists Association of Manitoba, Engineers Scientists Manitoba Registration Committee,  CSA Z662 Oil and Gas Pipeline Systems Distribution Sub-committee, and CSA B137.4 Polyethylene Piping Systems for Gas Services Sub-committee.

Eric Montgomery, C.E.T., ITP Representative
Eric is the owner of Align Geomatics, a Survey construction company providing a variety of surveying services to local construction firms according to their needs. He is a graduate of the Survey Technician and Survey Technologist programs at the College of Geographic Sciences, and has been an active member of ITP since 2004 and he has been a TAC Director since 2020.

Cheryl O’Connell, RSE, PID, MA (Learning and Technology), Academic Representative:
Cheryl is a seasoned post-secondary administrator experienced with developing and managing technical, multidisciplinary, and interdisciplinary portfolios spanning four institutions in Yukon and British Columbia.  Cheryl’s steadfast dedication to post-secondary education, strategic planning, quality assurance, community and industry engagement, economic development, and learner access began very early in her career in 1990 as a Program Coordinator at Yukon College in Whitehorse.  She remained unwavering in her principles as she continued to support cross-sectorial programs, services, and research as a Training Coordinator for the Federal Government, Researcher and Program Developer for the Conayt Friendship Society, Program Manager and Employment Counselor for the Northwest Community College to Founding Executive Director of the Upper Skeena Development Centre in Hazelton, British Columbia. In 1999 she relocated to Vancouver Island University for 9 years.  Seven of those years were spent as the Program Manager, Center for Continuing Studies. Cheryl then took a Faculty position before becoming the Coordinator (Faculty) for the Community and School Liaison Office. Since 2008, she has held administrative positions at North Island College, and as dean of the Faculty of Trades and Technical programs, she is committed to technical accreditation and is honored to be a member of the TAC Board.

Sean Piercey, CET, IntET(Canada), BTech, BEd, MEd
Sean graduated from the Electronics Engineering Technology program at the Nova Scotia Institute of Technology in 1992. He continued his technical training in the Computer Technology program at the Nova Scotia Community College (NSCC), Institute of Technology, and graduated in 1994. His career led him to complete a Bachelor of Technology from Memorial University, a Bachelor of Adult Education from the University of New Brunswick, and a Master of Education in Curriculum Studies from Mount Saint Vincent University as continuing education and professional development.

While studying electronics, Sean joined the Primary Reserves and received his commission in 1993 as an Electrical Mechanical Engineering Officer for the 33rd Service Battalion. In 1997, he transferred to the 84th Independent Field Battery as their Training Officer. Sean resigned his commission at the rank of Lieutenant in 1998. During this period, when he began his army and military-technical training Sean began working full-time as a teaching assistant, research assistant, and lab maintenance staff at the Nova Scotia Agricultural College (NSAC), Engineering Department in 1994. In 1996, Sean began his teaching career as faculty for the Computer Service Electronics Technician program at the NSCC, Burridge Campus. After four years with the NSCC, he changed careers again in 2000 and accepted a position as Regional Service Centre Manager for InterTAN Technical Services, a consumer electronics repair depot serving Atlantic Canada. In 2006, Sean returned to post-secondary teaching, accepting a position with Dalhousie University, Continuing Technical Education as a Technical Instructor for the Canadian Forces Naval Engineering School (CFNES). Between 2017 and 2019 Sean worked at Bluedrop Training and Simulation as an Instructional Designer but returned to the Naval Fleet School in 2019 as Section Head for Monitoring and Compliance. In 2021, Sean accepted a role with Dalhousie University, Faulty of Open Learning and Career Development as an Associate Director and Lead Instructor at the Fleet School where he works today.

Sean has been affiliated with the Society of Certified Engineering Technicians and Technologists of Nova Scotia (SCETTNS) and TechNova since the beginning of his career. Sean joined TechNova’s Council in 2006 and held several positions over the years including CTAB representative for Nova Scotia, Vice-President, and Certification Board member. Between 2018 and 2021, Sean held a few national-level positions including CCTT Director, Board Chair, and Past Chair.  

Tony Scott, PTech, AETTNL Representative
Tony is a Professional Technologist with a long history of volunteering with AETTNL, having held every position in the organization, as well as serving on several national committees with, and on behalf of, CCTT.  Tony also volunteers with several other organizations within his community. Tony has a career in Project Management and Controls, primarily in Planning and Scheduling, working on a variety of Mega-Projects. Tony lives in Portugal Cove-St. Philip's with his wife of 25 years, and has two children.

David Sparanese, PTech, AScT, CPIW3, Representing ASTTBC:
David is a Civil Engineering Technologist and Professional Technologist with over 33 years of progressive leadership experience in local government and 17 years of non-profit board experience from Director through to Chair.
 
With a passion for enriching his local community, David has served the District of Saanich for 20 years. He is currently employed as the Senior Manager of Public Works where he leads a diverse team of skilled and professional staff in providing services to Saanich’s residents/businesses, delivering various technical projects focused on enhancing and benefiting the community.
 
David has actively participated in advancing the Engineering Technology sector through his volunteering as the immediate Past Chair of the Applied Science Technologists and Technicians of BC (ASTTBC), former President of both the Public Works Association of British Columbia (PWABC) and the Public Works Inspector Society (PWIS), former BC Chapter delegate of the Canadian Public Works Association (CPWA).
 
David encourages and promotes open honest dialogue, is committed to fostering relationships, and values diversity, equity, and inclusion while striving for continuous improvement. 

Sarah Squires, PTech, Industry Representative
Sarah Ness is a certified Professional Technologist with the City of Fredericton where she is currently the Foreman of Water Treatment and Pumping. She has been working in the municipal water treatment industry for 12 years and has also worked in quality control and analytical chemistry. 
She is a graduate of the Chemical Technology program from the New Brunswick Community College and has also completed Lean Six Sigma Green Belt certification for process improvement and innovation. Throughout her career she has had the opportunity to work alongside many engineering technology professionals and witnessed firsthand how much knowledge and professionalism they bring to the table. 
She enjoys spending time with her two children and family. She is an avid equestrian and loves hiking, traveling and spending time in nature. 

Bob van den Berg, C.E.T.
Bob is currently the Managing Director for Murrelektronik Inc. (Canada). They are the Canadian Subsidiary of Murrelektronik GmbH, a manufacturer of industrial and mobile automation products and solutions. Bob has led the company in Canada since 2014.
Other roles Bob has held include Product Manager for Electromechanical and Assembly systems with a large Canadian Industrial distributor, Industrial sales in Pneumatics and an Electrical Sales Estimator for one of Canada’s largest family-owned multi-trade contractor organizations.
He has a Diploma from Toronto Metropolitan University (Ryerson Polytechnic) in Electrical Engineering Technology and holds a certificate in Executive Leadership from the Niagara Institute. Bob recently completed the Mentored Leadership Development Program offered by McMaster University.
Bob believes in the power of volunteering has served numerous roles in his professional association, OACETT, including President from 2015-2017. He currently supports his local OACETT Chapter in the role of director and is a member of OACETT’s Nominating Committee. Other volunteer roles include being chair for the Electromechanical Program Advisory Council at Durham College.
He is married with two sons and has called Oshawa Ontario home for the past 35 years.