Management Team
Brent Brownlee
Director, Campus Services
brownlb@algonquincollege.com
613.727.4723 x7262
Brent Brownlee is the Director of Campus Services for Algonquin College. Previous to taking on the Director role, Brent led the Food Services management team at Algonquin College for many years, leading an innovative and successful in-house Food Services operation. Brent is a strong advocate for student experience and has spearheaded the first-ever Strategic Plan for Algonquin College’s Campus Services.
Prior to joining Algonquin College, Brent enjoyed a long career in the hotel and hospitality services industries. He has a degree in Sociology from the University of Ottawa and an MBA in Hospitality and Tourism from the University of Guelph.
Brent is a member of the Canadian College and University Food Service Association (CCUFSA) and the National Association of College Auxiliary Services (NACAS).
Mary Baxter
General Manager, Food Services
baxterm@algonquincollege.com
613.727.4723 x5090
Mary Baxter joined the Food Services management team in 2005 after working in the restaurant & hospitality industry for over 10 years.
Mary is a graduate of the University Of Guelph Bachelor Of Commerce Program with a major in Hotel and Food Administration and received her Masters of Education from St. Francis Xavier University.
Cara Cassidy
General Manager, Residence and Conference Centre
ccassidy@algonquinresidence.ca
613.727.4723 x4998
While earning her B.A (Hons) degree in Criminology & Criminal Justice at Carleton University, Cara began her career in student housing in 2001. Within the Department of Housing & Residence Life Services at Carleton University, Cara held various supervisory and management positions including Residence Life Manager for 12 years. Cara joined the Algonquin College Residence team in 2017 as the Operations Manager. Over the course of her 22 year career in post-secondary housing, Cara has gained an exceptional advantage to identify and relate to the needs of Algonquin College students, parents, staff, campus partners, and ensure student-centered Residence services. Cara has been involved in many cross-functional projects across campus to elevate the student experience and ensure we are offering relevant, valuable, and meaningful programs and services to our Residence students.
Cara became the General Manager, Algonquin College Residence in 2023.
Shawn Davies
General Manager, College Retail Services
daviess@algonquincollege.com
613.727.4723 x5137
Shawn Davies has been with College Retail Services since joining the College in 1992 and has occupied several positions within the operation including Assistant Manager, Systems & Administration, Assistant General Manager and now General Manager.
Shawn holds memberships in Campus Retail Canada, The Canadian Collegiate Buying Group, Campus Stores Canada, the Eastern Association of College Stores, the National Association of College Stores and the National Association of College Auxiliary Services. He continues to serve on the Board of Directors for Campus Retail Canada.
David Hall
Manager, Marketing and Communications
halld2@algonquincollege.com
613.727.4723 x2173
David brings sixteen years of College experience to the role, including leadership, marketing, and communications, including working in the corporate communications department, serving as a faculty member in the School of Media and Design teaching Public Relations and Social Media Management, and most recently, leading the Co-op team.
David holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Carleton University, a Master of Education, Administration and Policy, St. Francis Xavier University, and is a graduate of the Algonquin College Public Relations program.
Mara Lowrey
Associate Director, Campus Services
lowreym@algonquincollege.com
613.727.4723 x6521
Mara brings more than 18 years of extensive experience in strategic marketing, communications, and ancillary services to the role. Mara joined our Campus Services team in 2011 as the Assistant Marketing Manager, became the Marketing and Communications Manager, in 2016, and took on her current role, Associate Director, in 2022.
Mara holds an Honours Bachelor of Journalism degree from Carleton University and a Master of Business Administration from Western Governors University. Mara also has the Certified Auxiliary Services Professional (CASP) designation.
Mara is a member of the National Association of College Auxiliary Services (NACAS).
Roch Lafond
Manager, Parking, Lockers, Coin Ops & Card Services
lafondr@algonquincollege.com
613.727.4723 x7234
Roch began his career at Algonquin College in 1994 as a parking enforcement officer with Security Services. He brings with him over 14 years of experience in parking operations. In March 2003 he was appointed Parking Services Operations Supervisor, in April 2006 he became Assistant Manager and in 2009 was appointed Manager.
Roch holds memberships with the International Parking Institute, Canadian Parking Association, Ontario Campus Parking Association, National Association of Campus Card Users and has CCPFM designation.
Jiani Weng
Controller, Campus Services
Jiani joined the Campus Services team in March 2020 as the Controller, Campus Services. She has 17 years’ experience in Finance and Accounting, with both private and public companies.
Prior to joining Algonquin College, Jiani has worked at Siemens Ltd, Brookfield Renewable Energy Partners, Giant Tiger and ADGA Group Consultants Inc. She has held several positions during her career including Accountant, Accounting Analyst, and Financial Controller in the manufacturing, renewable energy, retail and consulting industries.
She holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree, a double concentration in Accounting and Finance from Carleton University, and is also a Certified General Accountant (CGA) and Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA).