Sault College Board Plans Presidential Search Following Orazietti’s Retirement

Sault College is in the process of determining how to find a successor for retired president David Orazietti, who officially stepped down in October 2023. Orazietti had been on leave since July and had served the college since 2017, including two years as its leader.

Tom Katagis, chair of the board of governors, provided insights into the ongoing search during an open meeting on Thursday. He stated, “The board is looking at what we’re going to do for a presidential search.” Katagis anticipates that there will be an update on this matter in the first half of 2026.

Sherri Smith has been appointed as the interim president while the search for Orazietti’s successor is underway. Prior to this role, Smith served as the vice-president of academic, innovation, and student services. In a related development, Martha Irwin has stepped in as the interim vice-president of academic, innovation, and student services, having previously held the position of dean of trades, technology, and apprenticeship at the college.

The board of governors has recently welcomed a new member, Melanie Muncaster. She is the director of regional economic development with the Ministry of Northern Economic Development and Growth and began her three-year term in September 2023. Muncaster is a graduate of Sault College, where she studied business accounting, and she has previously served on the board of governors for Algoma University.

As the college prepares for this leadership transition, the focus will be on ensuring a smooth and effective search process to find a qualified successor. The community is keenly awaiting further announcements regarding the future leadership of Sault College.