Top 10 Directors of Education in Canada - 2026

Kevin C. Garinger has built his career around one guiding belief: the greatest impact in education comes from fostering the relationships that strengthen the system so that every child can be supported. As CEO and Director of Education at Horizon School Division for more than 12 years, he has spent over 19 years in senior educational leadership, following seven years as a superintendent in Alberta. Completing his Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership from Concordia University Chicago, Garinger continues to champion collaborative leadership, evidence-based decision making, and student-centered strategies that create lasting improvements across entire school communities.

Camillo Cipriano served as Director of Education at Niagara Catholic District School Board from 2020 to 2026, leading one of Ontario's larger Catholic education systems through pandemic recovery and a period of enrollment growth. An educator who previously worked in business and advanced through roles as teacher, principal and superintendent, his leadership approach centers on relationships, humility and ensuring students remain at the center of decision-making.

Scott Miller is Director of Education and Secretary of the Board at Waterloo Region District School Board (WRDSB), one of Ontario's largest school boards. An educator since 1995, he has spent his career in roles related to student achievement, well-being, special education, and business services in the school board.

Darryl Seguin is Director of Education and CEO at Sun West School Division, where he leads district operations, instruction, and student success. He brings deep expertise in school leadership, community engagement, and fostering learning environments that help students thrive, along with a strong commitment to supporting staff, families, and rural communities across Saskatchewan.

Karyn Bruneel is Director of Education at BruceGrey Catholic District School Board, where she leads district operations, instruction, and student success. With a background as superintendent of education, executive director, principal, and teacher, she brings deep expertise in inclusive education, innovative curriculum, and strategic leadership.

Kristen Niemi is Director of Education at Renfrew County District School Board, where she leads district operations, instruction, and student success. With 27 years in K-12 education, including 15 years in educational leadership, she brings deep expertise in developing leaders, student achievement, well-being, and equity.

Lama Ziad is Director of Education at Herzing College, Ottawa, where she leads academic strategy and operations for the college. An MBA candidate in Management and Change, she brings deep expertise in organizational development, change management, team building, and turning operational challenges into sustainable solutions.

Shane Skjerven is Director of Education at Saskatoon Public Schools, where he leads district operations, instruction, and student success. A University of Saskatchewan graduate, he brings deep expertise in school leadership, community engagement, and fostering learning environments that help students thrive.

Shelley Montgomery is Director of Education at Catholic District School Board of Eastern Ontario, where she leads district operations, instruction, and student success. A University of Ottawa graduate with a Master's in International School Leadership, she brings deep expertise in strategic planning, equity and inclusion, and fostering learning environments that help students thrive.

Sherri-Lynne Pharand is Director of Education at Lakehead Public Schools, where she leads district operations, instruction, and student success. A Lakehead University graduate, she brings deep expertise in school leadership, community engagement, and fostering learning environments that help students thrive.