Alumni Council Members

* denotes an Executive Committee member

Wally Vogel, President
1983 Electronics Engineering Technology – Computer Systems

President, Purepay Receivables Automation
As President and CEO of Purepay Receivables Automation – a market leader in remittance processing, Wally has provided the leadership for growth to take his company from $10 million to $30 million in annual revenue. With both Canadian and US operations, he also achieved success and recognition with his former company, Creditron Canada Inc, growing from zero to over $5 million in annual revenue.

Wally is a founder of Kidney Cancer Canada, a registered not-for-profit organization with over 100 members across Canada. He also successfully lobbied the government to obtain provincial funding that provides Ontario patients access to new drugs in the fight against kidney cancer.

Ron Budreau, Past President
1983 Business Administration, 1984 Computer Programmer/Analyst

Business Coach, Microsoft
In Ron’s current role, he works directly with executive teams to facilitate strategic planning, leadership development, and sales and marketing for Microsoft.

Prior to this, he successfully built software technology companies CompuPower Solutions Inc., and subsequently, Diamond Municipal Solutions.  As Founder and President of both, he provided software solutions for municipal governments, with the latter serving over 200 municipalities across North America.

Ron’s Board experience includes being the Chairman of the Board for Click CONNECT, an organization established to link secondary students with entrepreneurs through video conferencing to provide mentorship. He also serves on the Board of the Brant County Power Services.

Debra Fagerdahl, Treasurer
2009, Post Graduate Diploma – Accounting and Information Technology

Accounting Manager, KW Hydro
Debra joined the Board of Directors in September 2010, taking over the role of overseeing the management of finances for Conestoga’s Alumni Association.

Debra brings a vast amount of experience with her, having worked as a finance management professional in the Electric Utility Industry for 10 years. Debra also brings systems implementation and senior marketing experience to the board. Currently Debra is the Manager of Accounting at Kitchener-Wilmot Hydro Inc. where she is responsible for the deliverance of Corporate Financial Support Services and the implementation of International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS).

Debra is also of member of the Board of Directors and Audit Committee for the United Way of Cambridge and North Dumfries, and contributed to transitioning them from an operational to strategic board.

Anne McKay
1987 Business Administration – Management Studies

Anne is a consultant who specializes in helping charitable organizations hone their skills to build relationships and reputations in their communities. Anne has 20 years experience within the non-profit sector as a staff person, volunteer and consultant. She’s worked with national organizations such as the Canadian Cancer Society, The Arthritis Society and United Way of Kitchener-Waterloo & Area. She also has an extensive volunteer background including: Guelph River Run Centre, Waterloo Region Fundraising Executives, National Canadian Association of Gift Planners, Junior Achievement, Program Advisory Committee member for Conestoga College’s Management Program and the Guelph Public Library Board.

Jeanine Gingrich, Director
2003 Business Administration -  Materials and Operations Management

Buyer, Research In Motion
Jeanine is a buyer for Research In Motion, a contract pharmaceutical manufacturer of pharmaceutical products. Her volunteer commitments included the Ontario Institute of Purchasing Management Association of Canada from 2001 – 2006.  During this time, Jeanine served in a variety of capacities including student representative and Chair of Communications, Membership and Seminar.  She joined the Alumni Association Board of Directors in 2007 and has been an active supporter of volunteer and special event initiatives.