Tina Saksida, President

Tina Saksida is an Associate Professor of Management in the University of Prince Edward Island's (UPEI) Faculty of Business. She holds a Ph.D. in industrial relations and human resources from the University of Toronto and specializes in the areas of organizational behaviour, human resource management (with a focus on nonprofit organizations), diversity management, and evidence-based management. Prior to joining UPEI in the summer of 2014, Tina lived in Toronto for nine years during her undergraduate and graduate studies and also has European work experience as a project manager in the public sector in Slovenia, her home country. Tina lives in Charlottetown with her husband and young son.

Vanessa Wachuku, Vice President

Vanessa C. Wachuku is in the final stages of completing a Doctorate Degree at Ryerson University where she specializes in Canada's immigration policy and the integration of immigrants in Canada. She has over twenty years of extensive professional experience in every sector in Canada and most recently works in the Federal Public Service. She worked in a nonprofit managerial capacity at the Canadian Red Cross where she served for almost a decade.

Vanessa contributes extensively to the field of immigration through publications, engagement and presentations in domestic and international platforms such as the International Public Policy Association. She serves as the Assistant Editor of the International Journal of Migration and Border Studies (IJMBS) and serves as a Regional Coordinator of a Committee of Pathways to Prosperity Canada which is an alliance of university, community and government partners dedicated to fostering welcoming communities and promoting the integration of immigrants and minorities across Canada. Vanessa lives with her family in Charlottetown, PEI.

Sandy Irwin, Secretary

Sandy Irwin is a versatile professional whose journey encompasses diverse experiences. Beginning as a violist in the PEI Symphony, Sandy transitioned to the world of professional rugby in Denmark for three years after a stint as a competitive swimmer, briefly holding the title of the 5th fastest sprinter in Canada. A serial entrepreneur, Sandy successfully owned and managed three businesses, including a consulting firm in Sweden. Academically accomplished, Sandy holds two Master's degrees, in Economics and Swedish Studies. Having navigated immigration twice, first for school and rugby in Denmark and later for family reasons in Sweden, Sandy also spent six months on a work visa in Bulgaria. His professional trajectory includes roles such as Communications Manager for the Heart and Stroke Foundation, Director of Economics and Corporate Affairs and later the CEO of the PEI Medical Society. Additionally, Sandy contributed skills to Veterans Affairs as a policy specialist for a year, followed by a year dedicated to performance measurement.

Trung Ngo

Trung Dung Ngo is a Professor at the Faculty of Sustainable Design Engineering (FSDE), the University of Prince Edward Island (UPEI). He received a Ph.D. degree in Electrical and Electronic Engineering (Robotics), Aalborg University, and an MSc. degree in Computer System Engineering (Robotics) from the University of Southern Denmark. Dr. Ngo is the founding director of the More-Than-One Robotics laboratory and the lead researcher of the Centre for Excellence in Robotics and Industrial Automation. Before joining UPEI, he was the faculty member of the Department of Electronic Systems, Aalborg University and the Faculty of Science, University of Brunei.

Dr. Ngo has supervised two postdoctoral researchers and more than 40 Ph.D. and Master students to date. He received the best paper award, the best video presentation award, and was the finalist for the research work with his graduate students. He was the recipient of the UPEI Faculty Association’s Merit Award for Scholarly Achievement in 2020. Dr. Ngo is a Senior Member of IEEE and a Professional Engineer registered at Engineers PEI, Canada.

Bobby Thomas Cameron

Bobby Thomas Cameron is an Adjunct Professor with the University of Prince Edward Island's Applied Communication, Leadership and Culture Program. He holds a Ph.D. in Policy Studies from Toronto Metropolitan University (Ryerson University). His areas of research include public sector policy capacity, policy development, qualitative research methodologies and program evaluation policy and practice. Bobby has experience working as a Settlement Worker with IRSA PEI and as a Research Coordinator with the Toronto Metropolitan Centre for Immigration and Settlement. His volunteer and extracurricular activities have included completing internships in Malta and Kenya, working as an English instructor in Saudi Arabia, and completing an intensive training program on migration studies in India.

Corinne Chappell

Corinne Chappell, a member of the Mi'kmaq First Nations, assumed the role of Advisor to the VPAR on Indigenous Affairs at UPEI in 2021. Her responsibilities encompass the planning, development, and implementation of Indigenous initiatives, providing guidance on stakeholder collaborations, and helping develop a better understanding of and response to the Calls to Action related to post-secondary education as outlined in the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s final report. Ms. Chappell has been instrumental in the establishment of the new Faculty of Indigenous Knowledge, Education, Research, and Applied Studies. Holding Master of Education degrees from UPEI and St. Francis Xavier University, she is currently pursuing a Doctor of Education at Western University. With over twenty years of teaching experience at the high school level, she co-founded and chaired the PEITF Aboriginal Education Advisory Committee and is an active member of the National Indigenous University Senior Leaders’ Association. Additionally, Ms. Chappell is renowned as a Mi’kmaq artisan, blending traditional styles with modern fashion in her creations.

Robert Saada

Rob is a federal public servant with fifteen years of experience in four different departments. Currently, he is a Business Continuity Manager at Veterans Affairs Canada, implementing strategies to ensure organizational resilience. He attended UPEI and Toronto Metropolitan University (Ryerson) where he completed a Master's in Public Policy and Administration. Rob was born in Syria and raised in Charlottetown. He lived and worked in Ontario, New Brunswick, and Saskatchewan, then moved back to PEI in 2016. Before joining the IRSA board, Rob was a board director with Big Brothers Big Sisters of PEI for five years. He is currently serving as a reserve naval officer at HMCS Queen Charlotte. Rob enjoys travelling and spending time with his young family.

Dan Doran

Dan received his post-secondary education in Business Administration at Holland College and St. Mary's University. After a career in the Federal Public Service as a CRA Excise Officer with several years on assignment as an Immigration Officer and a Supervisor of Immigration for PEI, he is now retired. He has extensive experience as a volunteer and board member with the Canadian Hemophilia Society, Canadian Blood Services, Hospice PEI, and the former PEI Association for Newcomers to Canada. He was a volunteer coordinator for refugee sponsorship with the RC Diocese of PEI and currently serves as the Chair of the Refugee Committee for St. Dunstan's Basilica Parish. Dan lives in Charlottetown with his wife Tracy and their two dogs.

Lucas MacArthur

Lucas MacArthur is a lawyer based in Charlottetown. He is a strong advocate for youth engagement in public affairs, having served as the UPEI Student Union President and the Chair of the City of Charlottetown Youth Engagement Committee, and currently serving as a board member of Fusion Charlottetown. Lucas contributes to his community through his work as a member of the City of Charlottetown's Heritage Board and a board member of Pat & the Elephant. Knowing the importance of mental health awareness, funding, and support, Lucas is also a proud board member of the PEI Alliance for Mental Well-Being.

To IRSA, Lucas brings a commitment to community service and good governance. He hopes to use his skills to positively impact new immigrants settling in the province of Prince Edward Island.