Red River College Executive and Leadership Team

August, 2026

Leadership Overview

Red River College has 6 executives leading key functions including institutional strategy, information technology, administrative operations, human resources, athletic programming, and governance.

Committed to excellence in applied learning, Red River College advances regional economic development through research-driven education and industry-aligned training programs across Manitoba.

Leadership Roles at Red River College

  • President & Chief Executive Officer - Fred Meier
  • President of the Sports Association - Cody Puyat
  • Chief Information Officer - Adam Gerhard
  • Office Manager and Assistant To the Chief Information Officer - Margaret Chapdelaine
  • Chief Human Resource Officer - Melanie Gudmundson
  • Board of Governors - Jean-Eric Ghia
  • Fred Meier - President & Chief Executive Officer

    Fred Meier, the President & Chief Executive Officer at Red River College, directs the overarching institutional strategy and academic vision. Meier oversees the alignment of applied learning initiatives with the evolving needs of the Manitoba labor market. By fostering partnerships with industry leaders, the President & Chief Executive Officer ensures that curriculum development remains relevant and impactful. This leadership role involves managing complex stakeholder relationships and driving long-term financial sustainability for the institution. Through rigorous oversight of campus operations, Fred Meier maintains high standards of educational quality and research excellence. The President & Chief Executive Officer champions innovation in teaching methodologies to prepare students for modern workforce demands. By prioritizing student success and community engagement, Meier secures the reputation of the college as a premier destination for technical and vocational training within the Canadian education landscape.
    Fred Meier

    Cody Puyat - President of the Sports Association

    Cody Puyat, the President of the Sports Association at Red River College, oversees the development and management of athletic programs and student engagement initiatives. Puyat directs the operations of varsity teams and recreational sports to promote physical health and community spirit among the student body. By organizing competitive events and managing athletic facilities, the President of the Sports Association enhances the overall student experience. This role involves coordinating with student services to ensure that athletic participation complements academic success. Cody Puyat manages the budget and sponsorship opportunities for sports programs to ensure long-term viability. Through active outreach, the President of the Sports Association fosters a sense of belonging and pride within the college community. Puyat drives the expansion of intramural activities to encourage broad student involvement. By prioritizing inclusivity and sportsmanship, the President of the Sports Association contributes to the holistic development of students at the institution.

    Adam Gerhard - Chief Information Officer

    Adam Gerhard, the Chief Information Officer at Red River College, architects the digital infrastructure supporting all academic and administrative functions. Gerhard manages the deployment of secure network systems and advanced learning technologies across the institution. By modernizing data management protocols, the Chief Information Officer enhances operational efficiency and protects sensitive institutional information. This role requires constant collaboration with academic departments to integrate digital tools into the classroom environment. Adam Gerhard drives the implementation of scalable cloud solutions to support remote and on-campus learning requirements. Overseeing the IT department, the Chief Information Officer ensures that technological resources remain robust and accessible for students and faculty alike. Through strategic investment in cybersecurity and infrastructure, Gerhard maintains the integrity of the college digital ecosystem, ultimately supporting the broader mission of providing high-quality applied education in a rapidly evolving technological environment.

    Margaret Chapdelaine - Office Manager and Assistant To the Chief Information Officer

    Margaret Chapdelaine, the Office Manager and Assistant To the Chief Information Officer at Red River College, coordinates the daily administrative workflows within the information technology division. Chapdelaine manages scheduling, resource allocation, and internal communications to ensure the department functions with maximum productivity. By streamlining office processes, the Office Manager and Assistant To the Chief Information Officer supports the technical leadership in executing large-scale digital projects. This role involves facilitating communication between IT staff and other institutional departments to maintain project timelines. Margaret Chapdelaine monitors budget expenditures and procurement activities to ensure fiscal responsibility within the technology sector. Through meticulous organization and proactive problem-solving, the Office Manager and Assistant To the Chief Information Officer enables the IT team to focus on critical infrastructure development. Chapdelaine maintains the operational stability required for the college to deliver seamless digital services to the entire campus community.

    Melanie Gudmundson - Chief Human Resource Officer

    Melanie Gudmundson, the Chief Human Resource Officer at Red River College, directs the talent acquisition, professional development, and employee relations strategies. Gudmundson architects comprehensive programs to attract and retain top-tier faculty and administrative staff. By fostering an inclusive workplace culture, the Chief Human Resource Officer ensures that the institution maintains a high-performing workforce capable of delivering excellence in applied education. This role involves managing labor relations, compensation structures, and performance management systems to align with institutional goals. Melanie Gudmundson drives initiatives focused on staff wellness and continuous learning to support the professional growth of the entire college community. Through strategic workforce planning, the Chief Human Resource Officer addresses the evolving staffing needs of the institution. Gudmundson ensures that all human resource policies comply with provincial regulations while promoting a supportive environment that empowers employees to contribute effectively to the mission of the college.

    Jean-Eric Ghia - Board of Governors

    Jean-Eric Ghia, the Board of Governors at Red River College, provides high-level oversight and strategic guidance to ensure the institution meets its mandate. Ghia participates in the evaluation of institutional performance and the approval of major financial and academic policies. By representing the interests of the community and stakeholders, the Board of Governors ensures that the college remains accountable and transparent in its operations. This role involves reviewing long-term planning documents and assessing the impact of institutional decisions on the broader Manitoba region. Jean-Eric Ghia contributes to the governance framework that supports the mission of applied learning and research. Through rigorous analysis of institutional reports, the Board of Governors monitors progress toward strategic objectives. Ghia maintains the integrity of the college by upholding ethical standards and ensuring compliance with provincial legislation. The Board of Governors provides the necessary leadership to navigate complex challenges and secure the future success of the institution.

    Explore Leadership Teams in Colleges & Universities

    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Red River College Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Red River College?
    Red River College is led by Fred Meier (President & Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Cody Puyat (President of the Sports Association) and Adam Gerhard (Chief Information Officer).
    Who is part of Red River College’s executive team?
    The executive team of Red River College includes leaders such as Fred Meier (President & Chief Executive Officer), Cody Puyat (President of the Sports Association), Adam Gerhard (Chief Information Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Red River College have?
    Red River College has 6 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Red River College’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Red River College includes roles such as President & Chief Executive Officer, President of the Sports Association, Chief Information Officer, Office Manager and Assistant To the Chief Information Officer, Chief Human Resource Officer.