News Archives: Pete Merlo Appointed Chair, GPRC Board of Governors
Wednesday, June 18th, 2014
This week when Vincent Vavrek takes the gavel at the meeting of the GPRC Board of Governors, it will be for the last time. Pete Merlo has been appointed Chair effective July 1, 2014, as per an Order In Council of the Government of Alberta.
Vavrek and Merlo have worked together on the College Board of Governors for the past five years, and Merlo has been Vice-Chair since 2013. They have been part of one of the most dynamic eras in the history of the College, guiding the institution through the rapid expansion of its stewardship region to include the Fairview campus and the learning centres in Edson, Hinton, Jasper and Grande Cache.
“I am exceptionally pleased to hand the gavel to Pete Merlo,” says Vavrek. “I have had the honour of serving on this Board since 2006, and have been dedicated to strengthening the College on behalf of the region since I was a student here. My term is now concluding, and I leave with great pride in our achievements and with total confidence in Pete and this exceptionally dedicated and informed Board.”
Pete Merlo, P. Eng. is Partner and President/CEO of the LSM Group of Companies in Grande Prairie as well as Co-Owner of The Meridan Corp. Although born in Calgary, Pete has been in Grande Prairie most of his life since moving here with his family in 1960. Pete is married to wife Lori, and they have two sons: Spencer, and Carter.
Pete attended GPRC in 1976-77, completing his first year of Engineering, and went on to graduate from the University of Alberta with a BSc in Mechanical Engineering. Volunteering has also been a favorite pastime of Pete’s and as past President of the Engineering Association, the Grande Prairie Chamber of Commerce, and the Swan City Rotary Club, he has gained a great deal of knowledge and satisfaction in becoming involved at the community level. Pete recently completed a term as Chair of Alberta Blue Cross, and also served on the STARS advisory board. Overseeing the fundraising and construction of the Centre 2000 Visitor Centre stands out as one of his most rewarding projects, and as a result of his community efforts, he received the 2003 Canadian Chamber of Commerce National Volunteer Service Award. Pete is also a proud recipient of the 2005 Alberta Centennial Medal in recognition of outstanding service to the people and province of Alberta.
Pete Merlo is thrilled to have been appointed Chair of the Grande Prairie Regional College Board of Governors, and looks forward to contributing to the future success of GPRC.
“The College extends a very warm welcome to Pete Merlo, and heartfelt thanks to Vince Vavrek,” says Don Gnatiuk, President and CEO. “These gentlemen are both exceptional examples of community leadership, and our College and our region have benefitted greatly from their dedicated service. We are very grateful for our years guided by Vince, and confident in a future guided by Pete. Thank you both. It is of particular pride to us that both of these fine leaders are alumni of GPRC!”
-30-