Fitzsimmons and Warren Acclaimed Chair and Vice-Chair

At its organizational meeting held on Tuesday, November 25, 2025, the Nipissing-Parry Sound Catholic District School Board (NPSC) elected by acclamation Shawn Fitzsimmons as Chair and Shelly Warren as Vice-Chair. This marks the fourth consecutive year for Trustee Fitzsimmons as Chair, and the first year for Trustee Warren as Vice-Chair, providing continuity in leadership while creating opportunities for capacity building among Board members. 

Shawn Fitzsimmons’ dedication to Catholic education is reflected in nearly two decades of service as an NPSC Catholic School Trustee and informs every role he undertakes for the Board. Serving as Chair since 2022-2023, and previously as Vice-Chair in 2011-2012 and 2021-2022, he leads with focus, intention, and care. A Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) by profession, he brings extensive financial knowledge to his leadership role and contributed to NPSC’s Audit Committee from 2011 to 2024. He has also served on the Board’s Special Education Advisory Committee (SEAC) and, prior to becoming a trustee, contributed to the Catholic School Advisory Councils for Mother St. Bride and St. Joseph-Scollard Hall, demonstrating deep familiarity with school processes and community engagement. 

“I remain deeply honoured to continue to serve as Chair of the Nipissing-Parry Sound Catholic District School Board,” said Fitzsimmons. “The stewardship of Catholic education is something I hold very close to my heart, and I am confident in our Board’s ability to continue to exercise strong governance and provide learning opportunities that inspire, nurture, and celebrate each student’s individual journey to reach their full potential.”

Building on the Board’s experienced leadership, newly-acclaimed Vice-Chair Warren also brings extensive experience in Catholic education to her role. She was appointed to NPSC’s Board of Trustees in January 2022 after retiring from over 25 years of distinguished service in the Catholic education sector, during which she served as teacher, special assignment teacher, and principal within NPSC’s schools. She has additionally worked as an instructor in the Faculty of Education at Nipissing University and volunteers at the Nipissing Serenity Hospice, continuing to make a meaningful impact in our community. Her expertise in special education, curriculum development, and school administration is a natural complement to her work on the Board’s Special Education Advisory Committee (SEAC), where she consistently advocates for the needs of students and supports inclusive, faith-centered learning environments. 

“I’m greatly humbled by this appointment,” said Warren. “Serving Catholic education in support of the students at NPSC is exactly where I am called to be. I am blessed to continue working with such a strong team of advocates among our Board of Trustees and Senior Administration team, and look forward to our exciting path ahead.”

NPSC Director of Education Paula Mann reflected on the importance of Catholic school trustees in advancing the Board’s mission:

“Our team at NPSC is sincerely grateful for the enduring contributions of our Catholic Board of Trustees. Governing with excellence, they hold a unique and vital responsibility within our Catholic education system and are an integral part of the structure that allows us to continue delivering the highest quality of faith-based education in our community.” 

During the organizational meeting, NPSC’s Board of Trustees and Senior Administration team extended their gratitude to Trustee Jacques Bégin for faithfully serving the Board as Vice-Chair over the past two years. 

Trustees Leo de Jourdan (North Bay), Mike Sawyer (Nipissing First Nation), John Willemsen (West Nipissing), Jacques Bégin (East and South of the City of North Bay), and David Dunkley (North Bay) also serve on NPSC’s Board of Trustees alongside Bronte McLeod (Indigenous Student Trustee, 2025-2027) and Joy Akomah (Student Trustee, 2024-2026). 

For more information, contact Gabrielle King, Communications Officer, at kingg@npsc.ca or 705-472-1204 ext. 31229.

Photo attached: Chair Shawn Fitzsimmons (left) and Vice-Chair Shelly Warren (right).

The Nipissing-Parry Sound Catholic District School Board serves approximately 3,100 students in 11 elementary schools, St. Joseph-Scollard Hall Catholic Secondary School, and the St. Joseph Adult Education Campus, with schools located in North Bay, West Nipissing, Mattawa, Powassan, and Callander.