Laurier welcomes new Board of Governors chair

June 28, 2024

Wilfrid Laurier University will welcome a new chair of its Board of Governors on July 1, 2024 when incoming chair Simon Chan (MBA ’01) will take over the position from outgoing chair Paul Elliott (BBA ’88). Both Chan and Elliott are proud alumni of Laurier.

Chan, who has served as vice chair of the Board since 2021, is a talent and innovation executive with more than 25 years of experience in financial services, technology, academia, and not-for-profit sectors. He has held a variety of senior positions in strategy, corporate innovation, talent attraction, product development, business development, and operations. Since 2021, he has served on the Dean’s Advisory Council for the Lazaridis School of Business and Economics.

“We are thrilled that Simon is taking on this role,” says Laurier’s President and Vice-Chancellor Deborah MacLatchy. “His future-focused leadership, engagement, and commitment to the university will be welcome as Laurier implements its strategic action plan.”

Chan is the founder and CEO of Adapt with Intent Inc., a boutique consulting firm that works with leaders, educators and organizations to help them recognize emerging trends and adapt more quickly to the changing workforce and workplace. He previously served as vice-president of talent, academy and future of work at Communitech, a globally recognized innovation hub.

A graduate of Laurier’s Masters of Business Administration program, Chan holds Certified Financial Planner (CFP) and Certified Professional Retirement Coach (CPRC) designations.

“As incoming chair, I look forward to working closely with my Board colleagues, President MacLatchy and stakeholders across the university on the priorities that matter to Laurier, as well as looking for innovative solutions for the challenges facing all universities,” says Chan.

Thanking Paul Elliott

Elliott joined Laurier’s Board of Governors in 2021 and immediately moved into a leadership role as chair of the audit, risk and compliance committee, where he provided oversight to annual audited financial statements and monitored financial sustainability risks. After just one year on the Board, he took on the chair position, leading the Board during a time of post-pandemic transitions and financial challenges.

During his two-year term as chair, Elliott brought a laser focus to financial sustainability and supported efforts from university leaders, faculty and staff to address financial challenges. He also championed the streamlining of Board processes and materials to strengthen the Board’s strategic mandate and make the best use of volunteer contributions.

As an alumnus with a son who attends the university, Elliott is a passionate Laurier supporter. For several years before joining the Board, he served as a judge in annual Integrated Case Exercise (ICE) competitions for students at the Lazaridis School of Business and Economics, where he has also served as a lecturer.

A retired global operations and finance executive, Elliott earned his CA and CPA designations while working with Ernst & Young following graduation from Laurier in 1988. He became a finance leader and chief financial officer at several technology organizations and in 2019, he retired after serving 15 years in financial executive roles at Ceridian HCM, a $1 billion cloud software company. He served as president and chief operating officer when Ceridian listed on the New York Stock Exchange in 2018.

“As chair, Paul not only brought extensive financial acumen, but also a measured and thoughtful leadership style that was appreciated by the entire Board,” says MacLatchy. “We are tremendously grateful that he has shared his expertise and talent with Laurier through this voluntary service.”

Elliott will remain on the Board as past chair for another year.

About Laurier’s Board of Governors

Laurier’s Board of Governors oversees the strategic direction of the university in conjunction with academic direction set by the Senate. The Board of Governors provides oversight for the institution in the areas of financial sustainability, reputation, risk, and operations in support of strategic goals.