Deputy Police Chief ready to serve as new Chair of the Halton Industry Education Council Board of Directors

Bob Percy, Deputy Chief of Operations with Halton Regional Police Services

The Halton Industry Education Council (HIEC) is set to begin a new chapter in its continued efforts to build community partnerships and link industry and education under a new Board Chair. HIEC’s Board of Directors recently confirmed the appointment of Bob Percy, Deputy Chief of Operations with Halton Regional Police Services, to the position.

“I’m excited to take on this new challenge,” said Percy. “I’ve seen first-hand the tremendous work HIEC does with youth and businesses in the community and I’m eager to work with HIEC’s great staff to help continue that record of success.”

Percy has served with Halton Regional Police Services since 1984, holding a variety of roles including Tactical Rescue Unit officer, patrol supervisor and District Superintendent. He’s currently responsible for all front-line and investigative policing across Halton. He joined the HIEC Board in 2011 after getting involved through the organization’s Men as Career Coaches event. Percy served as a founding member of the advisory group that helped shape the mentorship event into a growing success.

“On behalf of the HIEC staff, I’m thrilled to welcome Bob Percy as our new chair,” said HIEC Executive Director Kelly Hoey. “With his work on the Men as Career Coaches advisory and his constant support and enthusiasm for all things HIEC, I’m confident that he’ll play a critical role in our continued evolution.”

Percy will replace outgoing chair Mike Carberry, a long-time champion of HIEC who served as the inaugural chair of HIEC’s Board of Directors in 1989. Carberry has played a major role in HIEC’s growth over the past 22 years, rallying support from industry and education stakeholders and helping the organization grow from a staff of four to its current staff complement of more than 17. In 2011, Carberry was awarded the Ministry of Citizenship and Immigration's Ontario Volunteer Service Award.

“Mike Carberry has been a constant presence for as long as I’ve been with HIEC,” said HIEC’s Director of Operations Michelle Murray. “His support and guidance has been critical as we’ve grown programs and launched new initiatives. He’s done an exceptional job as Chair and we can’t thank him enough for the time and energy he’s invested in HIEC.”

HIEC’s new Chair comes as the organization is in a time of renewal, responding to changing economic conditions and new demand for community programs. For 2012-2013, HIEC is set to launch an innovative new mentorship program funded by the Ontario Trillium Foundation as well as continue its efforts to support youth and business with a variety of established online communities, events and initiatives.

September 12, 2012