Christena Keon Sirsly

Christena Keon Sirsly, S MBA 73, a native of Rouyn-Noranda, Que., earned a BSc in Honours Chemistry in 1971 from Marianopolis College in Montreal. Christena soon enrolled in Sir George Williams University's fledgling MBA program and was one of only four women to graduate with the Class of 1973.

She then embarked on an impressive, 37-year career, mainly in the transportation industry. Recently retired, Christena spent 24 years at VIA Rail Canada, working her way from a director to VP, Marketing, and finally, Chief Strategy Officer. She was instrumental to VIA’s growth and to modernizing several of the passenger rail's programs and systems.

From 2000 to 2002, Christena served as Chair of the Tourism Industry Association of Canada and she continues to work with the Canadian Tourism Commission. She is a member of the Board of the Montreal Heart Institute Foundation and has been a member of the Board of Directors of the Logie Rose-Virgine, a reintegration centre for women, and acted as President of the annual fundraising dinner for the Compagnie Franche de la Marine.