Rossana Magnotta is an outstanding leader in the wine industry and a strong advocate for healthcare. She has been selected as the 2015 Distinguished Leader of Brock University’s Goodman School of Business.

A brilliant and vibrant visionary, Magnotta’s dedication to leadership by example is powerful and has been instrumental to her success in the business world. She was selected as Goodman’s 2015 Distinguished Leader in recognition of her leadership capabilities, entrepreneurial drive and her remarkable contributions to the community.

As founder and CEO of Magnotta Winery, Magnotta has proven her excellence in business and leadership by continually surpassing her customers’ and employees’ expectations. Magnotta Winery is the third largest winery in Ontario and has expanded into several global markets. It is also home to over 180 wines and has won an array of product awards. Magnotta’s commitment to increasing customers’ product knowledge is exceptional and has led to a loyal and empowered customer base.

Magnotta’s influence and passion for helping people extends to the healthcare field. In addition to her involvement with several area hospitals, she is the founder of The G. Magnotta Foundation for Vector-Borne Diseases, a non-profit organization that is helping to establish the nation’s first research facility for Lyme disease.

Magnotta has been the recipient of many awards for her business and philanthropic achievements and is an extraordinary role model, especially for students who are looking to effect positive change in their communities as they look forward to soon joining the business world.

The Goodman School’s Distinguished Leader Award honours prominent Canadian business leaders and connects the recipients with current students through the annual Distinguished Leader Lecture Series.

On Nov. 12, Magnotta will spend a day on campus speaking with an exclusive audience of Goodman student leaders. She will also deliver the annual Distinguished Leader Lecture to students, faculty and members of the Brock community. Goodman students can register for this event by visiting CareerZone.

Past recipients of the award include Len Pennachetti of Cave Spring Cellars, Ned Goodman of Dundee Corporation, Donald Ziraldo of Ziraldo Estate Winery, Galen Weston of Loblaw Companies Limited, Michael McCain of Maple Leaf Foods, John McCall MacBain of McCall MacBain Foundation and Paul House, formerly of Tim Hortons.