Nipissing University has elected a new chair for its board of governors.

Marianne Berube, who previously served as chair from 2015 to 2017, was elected back to the position for a one-year term during the board’s annual general meeting.

“I’m honoured to once again serve as chair of the Nipissing University board of governors,” Berube in a statement Tuesday. “As an alumna of the university, Nipissing holds a special place in my heart, and I look forward to working with my board colleagues, the executive team, and the entire Nipissing community to further the university’s mission.”

Berube succeeds Tom Palangio as chair, who served in the role for the past two years.

“Marianne’s leadership experience and familiarity with post-secondary governance will be invaluable as we navigate through these unprecedented times. We are fortunate to have such an engaged supporter serve in this leadership position,” interim president and vice-chancellor Cheryl Sutton said.

“I’d also like to extend my sincere thanks to outgoing chair Tom Palangio for his vision, tireless support, and governance over the past two years.”

Berube lives and works in North Bay and graduated from Nipissing and York Universities with degrees in environmental science and business, later obtaining professional management and certified investment management degrees.

A media release from Nipissing University says she has extensive experience in the finance, construction and wood industries and has been the executive director of Ontario Wood WORKS! for the past 20 years.

Berube was chair of the Council of Ontario Universities from 2015 to 2017 and was chair of the Canadore College board of governors from 2005 to 2011.

She also is the recipient of the Influential Alumni Award from Nipissing University, the Influential Women’s Award from Northern Ontario Business, and an Ontario’s Forest Sector Champion Award from the Ontario Forest Industries Association.