The KOBE executive leadership team is committed to empowering students through quality education and holistic support. The team works together to develop innovative programs, foster cultural pride, and strengthen partnerships that reflect the unique needs of the communities.
Meet the Team
Patrick Stoddart
Director of Education
Patrick Stoddart, B.Ed., M.A., brings extensive leadership experience in Indigenous and post-secondary education to his role as Director of Education at KOBE. His career includes senior positions such as CEO and President of Southeast College and Executive Officer for the Grassy Narrows Education Authority. Patrick has also served in roles like Dean of Student Affairs, Director of Programs, and Director of Educational and Information Technologies. He holds degrees from Concordia and McGill Universities and is certified in change management and strategic enrollment planning. Patrick is committed to student-centered leadership and advancing educational opportunities in First Nations communities.
Penny Carpenter
Director of Corporate Services
Penny also serves as the Director of Human Resources at KOBE, bringing extensive experience in Indigenous education and digital innovation. Previously, she held leadership roles with Keewaytinook Okimakanak’s K-Net, focusing on expanding broadband access and digital learning opportunities in remote First Nations communities. Her work emphasizes community-led development, cultural preservation, and equitable access to education. Penny has also contributed to research on digital technology innovations in education within remote First Nations, highlighting her commitment to integrating technology in culturally responsive ways.
Jeff Nelson
Chief Financial Officer
Jeff Nelson brings extensive leadership and experience in Indigenous and Financial Affairs in his role as Chief Financial Officer at KOBE. His career includes senior positions such as Director of Finance and Executive Director of Nishnawbe Aski Nation, Financial Controller of the Victoria Inn in Thunder Bay for Genesis Hospitality.
Lorraine Crow
Senior Manager of Student and Academic Support Services
Lorraine Crow possesses a unique blend of academic and professional experience, holding a B. Poli Sci (Pre Law) degree, with a secondary focus in B. Ed and Indigenous Learning from Lakehead University. Her extensive leadership experience in Indigenous education is complemented by her analytical, research, and communication skills. Crow’s previous roles include positions at Northern First Nation communities by establishing Early Childhood Centres, focusing on laying a foundation for lifelong love of learning. At Keewaytinook Okimakanak Student Support Services (KOSSS) she contributed to the Seven Youth Inquest and helped develop strategies to improve support systems by implementing the Jury Recommendations. She also worked with Nishnawbe Aski Legal Services to design culturally relevant programming and mentorship. Furthermore, Crow advocated for Indigenous members at Bird & Thatcher Law Firm and provided commissioner of oaths services. As a KO member from Fort Severn First Nation, Crow is dedicated to developing and implementing effective educational programs for secondary student services.
Andrew Kivell
Superintendent of Instruction
Andrew (Drew) Kivell is an experienced educational leader with more than a decade of service as Principal and Director of Education in First Nations communities. He has championed student success through initiatives that strengthen language revitalization, land-based learning, culturally responsive teaching, and pathways to achievement. He has also led efforts in school nutrition, library development, staff evaluation, and professional development, while contributing his expertise on regional education committees.
Drew holds an Honours Bachelor of Arts, a Bachelor of Education, and a Master of Education from Lakehead University, along with Principal’s and Supervisory Officer’s qualifications and numerous additional certifications.
Beyond education, Drew is deeply connected to his community. He has served as a firefighter for over five years and coaches his sons’ hockey and baseball teams in Dryden, where he and his family reside.
Earlier in life, Drew pursued a high-level competitive hockey career, playing five seasons in the Ontario Hockey League (Sudbury Wolves, Kingston Frontenacs) and five seasons with Lakehead University, where he was part of a Queen’s Cup championship team and earned recognition as one of the OUA’s top defensemen. His dedication and grit even led to invitations to NHL training camps including St. Louis, Florida, and the Toronto Maple Leafs’ main training camp. These experiences instilled in him discipline, resilience, and teamwork — values that continue to shape his leadership in education and community life today.
With a unique blend of classroom/school expertise, community service, and high-performance athletics, Drew brings a practical, student-centered, and culturally grounded perspective to advancing education and opportunity in our northern communities.