New board chair has high hopes for polytechnic

By Lethbridge Herald on July 25, 2025.

Alejandra Pulido-Guzman
Lethbridge Herald

The Lethbridge Polytechnic board of governors has welcomed a new chair, after Michael Marcotte completed his maximum six-year term as board chair in June. In his place, the Alberta government had appointed Janene Moch to a three-year term, which began June 30.

Moch says the new title has not quite sunk in yet, but it is also not completely unfamiliar to her as she has been part of the board since 2021. 

“I served as vice-chair for most of my time, so it is not terribly new at this point, but now that I am being interviewed about it, it’s kind of taking on a whole new meaning.”

She says she will be bringing her financial background to her new role, as she is a chartered professional accountant with a master’s in forensic accounting. 

“And also, a lot of board work. I have been involved in many boards in the community since I became CPA, and let’s hope I have what it takes.”

Much also has a connection with Lethbridge Polytechnic as a former instructor, as she taught business finance part-time, at the then-Lethbridge College. 

She describes her approach to board leadership as analytical but deeply human, shaped by decades of experience working with clients, colleagues and community leaders.

“My role is to quarterback everything and facilitate between the board and the executive leadership team and the rest of the polytechnic.”

Beginning her role amid budget cuts is going to be a challenge, she says, but she’s confident that alongside the executive leadership team, the navigation will be easier to handle. 

“I think we have a pretty amazing executive leadership team as they are very strong and forward thinking, and I think they have a good sight on what needs to be done.”

Much says the team is fast to adapt and they are moving in the right direction, adding they also have a very strong board that is made up of confident members and new members coming in that will add to the strength of the group.  

She points to several strengths already in place at the polytechnic which includes responsive programming, strong research, respected partnerships with Indigenous communities and a nimble institutional mindset.

“I think people in southern Alberta don’t know just how impactful this place is,” says Moch. “We’re one of the top post-secondary research institutions in the country. We’re a leader in trades, policing and health care, and we’re uniquely set up to offer what the region and the province need.”

As the institution continues to navigate a shifting post-secondary landscape, Moch says she’s committed to helping ensure students remain at the centre.

“Ultimately, we’re here to serve learners and the region; that means offering the right programs, the right support and the flexibility to evolve, and it means being bold about where we’re going.”

The Lethbridge Polytechnic board of governors is made up of a chair, nine public members, two academic employees, one non-academic employee, two students and the polytechnic’s president. 

Public board members are appointed by a Government of Alberta Order in Council and typically serve a three-year term of office with the opportunity to serve an additional three-year term. 

Internal representatives (the academic, non-academic and student members) are elected by their constituency groups and appointed directly by the Minister of Advanced Education for terms outlined in the Post-secondary Learning Act.