December 9, 2015 – JudyLynn Archer, president and CEO of Women Building Futures (WBF), is the new face on the board of governors for NAIT (Northern Alberta Institute of Technology), responsible for the management and operation of the Edmonton-based polytechnic.

“It is such an honour to join the NAIT board of governors. Increasing the number of women entering and completing construction-related apprenticeships has always been a big part of the passion behind Women Building Futures, so to become part of the NAIT team is an exciting opportunity,” Archer said.

NAIT presented Archer with an honorary Construction Engineering Technology degree in 2006. In 2009, she was named one of Canada’s Top 100 Most Powerful Women and that same year received the Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Chairman’s Award of Excellence, according to NAIT.

Established in 1998, WBF collaborates with industry to attract and train women for careers in welding, steamfitter-pipefitter, plumbing, sheet metal, crane operating, millwright, carpentry, electrical, equipment operation and more. Archer envisioned and oversaw the construction of the WBF Suncor Energy Training Centre, Canada’s first trades training facility for women.

In addition to members of the public and NAIT’s president and CEO, the board includes two students, two academic staff members and one non-academic staff member. Meetings are normally held quarterly.