There will soon be a new president and CEO at SIAST as Larry Rosia takes the reigns of the college July 1.

"I'm passionate about education, I'm passionate about the difference a technical education can make to society and the economy," said Rosia, during a media conference at the Woodland Campus in Saskatoon.

Rosia comes from an education background. He has been an instructor, program chair, revenue generating co-ordinator and marketing manager. He'll leave his role as the dean of the School of Construction at the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology Polytechnic in Calgary to come to Saskatchewan.

"Education, especially technical education in today's world, is what drives our economy. It provides us with the social and economic benefits that we do have as a country and to me SIAST is in a perfect position to provide that sort of momentum to the province."

Rosia said he believes Saskatchewan is poised to become an economic powerhouse, so it's important to understand education from all aspects.

"From industry's aspect as one of our primary customers, what they need in our graduates, but also from our students' perspective, what they need and what they want out of an education."

Rosia said his first goal will be getting to know the organization by learning about the culture surrounding it, and talking to the people involved.

Rosia is taking over for the current CEO Bob McCullough.

cmangatal@rawlco.com

Follow on Twitter: @ChrisMangatal