2019 Alumni Award Recipients

Ashley Ritchie
Class of 2009 (Carpentry)  | Class of 2013 (Bricklaying) – Woodstock

With not one, but two trades diplomas from NBCC, two red seal certifications and national awards in bricklaying, Ashley Ritchie was not done. She has progressed and become a leader in her fields and one of the province’s most vocal advocates for advancing women in trades. Her work with New Boots, an organization which promotes and progresses women in trades, is an inspiration for any young woman considering a career in the skilled trades. Ashley will receive NBCC’s signature alumni award, the ‘Friend of New Brunswick’.

Kerri Gaskin
Class of 2005 (Hospitality Tourism Management) - St. Andrews

An emerging business leader in southeastern New Brunswick, Kerri Gaskin is the owner of Coverdale Counselling & Consulting, specializing in women and girls' mental health, compassion fatigue, and trauma. She has partnered with the Canadian Mental Health Association of New Brunswick to offer its first free walk-in mental health clinic, reaching more than 100 individuals in the Greater Moncton area.

An active member of the community, she was named “Emerging Business of the Year” by the Albert County Chamber of Commerce. She has also volunteered with 4H, IronWill NB and Delta Kappa Gamma Society International.

Marc Albert
Class of 1997 (Computer Engineering Technologist) – Moncton

Since discovering computer programming at the age of 14, Marc Albert has been pushing himself to achieve lofty goals. Twenty-two years after receiving his diploma in Computer Engineering Technologist from NBCC, he’s now the CEO of DPL Wireless, which manufactures wireless connectivity equipment for ATM machines across North America and beyond.

He continues to break new ground by leveraging his education to develop unique solutions for global markets. DPL Wireless has offices in Moncton, Rothesay, and Fredericton and employs 24 New Brunswickers.

Marc is a proud family man, with his wife Stéphanie, daughter Mélodie, and son Nico inspiring him to keep working hard.

Laura O’Blenis
Class of 1995 (Business Administration: Marketing) – Moncton

As the President and CEO of Stiletto: Make a Point, Laura O’Blenis specializes in facilitation, strategic planning, export plans, market development, contract negotiations and government relations. She’s the Chair of Start-up Canada Task Force and has a long history of giving back to her community.

O’Blenis led the expansion of Knowledge Park and is the Co-Founder of the Canadian Association of University Research Parks. She’s also a former President of the Fredericton Chamber of Commerce, former Chair of Can WIT – Women in Information Technology and past Chair of the United Way. She currently serves as a director of the Fredericton International Airport.