Our Next President - Michelle Salo
Michelle Salo Bio
Michelle Salo is an accomplished leader and proud alumna of Confederation College, bringing over three decades of diverse leadership experience to her new role as President of the institution. Certified as a Professional Accountant (CGA, CPA), Michelle's career has spanned multiple industries including manufacturing, healthcare, and post-secondary education, demonstrating her strategic acumen and versatility.
Having started her professional journey at Confederation College, Michelle progressed from Vice President Finance and Administration to her current role as Chief Operating Officer. In this capacity, she was instrumental in developing and executing strategic initiatives, managing extensive operational responsibilities, and fostering an environment of continuous improvement.
Michelle brings a profound understanding of the college’s pivotal role in Northwestern Ontario, supported by her personal journey from a former resident of Dryden to her current life in Thunder Bay, Ontario. Her career began as an Office Temporary in Accounting, progressing through a remarkable 23-year tenure with the same company—originally Avenor, evolving through Weyerhaeuser, and ultimately Domtar. Her rise from entry-level to Vice President of a newly developed global division in Raleigh, North Carolina underscores her dedication and leadership prowess, particularly in navigating major global mergers, acquisitions, and strategic initiatives.
Her strategic vision has consistently driven her to manage large-scale operations effectively, implement innovative solutions, and lead strategic planning that adapts to both global business scales and smaller institutions with limited resources.
As President, Michelle is committed to fostering a culture of excellence at Confederation College, building on her dynamic leadership and community engagement to steer the college towards a future marked by innovation and success.
Michelle's love for Northwestern Ontario and the outdoor life she shares with her husband Trever, and their daughters Cassidy and Taylor, keeps her rooted to her community. The family enjoys their time at their camp engaging in fishing, swimming, and kayaking.