News Release
Friday, June 19, 2026
ANTIGONISH, NOVA SCOTIA — St. Francis Xavier University is pleased to announce the appointment of six new members to its Board of Governors. Joining the Board effective July 1, 2026, are Marc Champoux, Timothy Elliott, Brenda MacDonald, the Honourable Allan MacMaster, and student representatives Alessandro D'Aquino and Quinn MacIsaac.
The University welcomes these accomplished individuals, whose diverse backgrounds and experiences will help support StFX's mission and strategic priorities while contributing valuable perspectives to Board governance.
“The strength of the Board depends on both renewal and continuity,” said the Honourable Lisa Raitt, Chair, StFX Board of Governors. "Strong universities are built on strong governance, and that requires thoughtful renewal around the table. I look forward to working with Mark, Tim, Allan and Brenda as we focus on the priorities that matter most for students, for faculty, and for the future of the institution."
Ms. Raitt also acknowledged outgoing members. "On behalf of the Board, I want to sincerely thank outgoing members Ron Chisholm, Karen Gardiner, Sylvia Parris-Drummond, and Rose Paul for their dedicated service, leadership, and commitment to the StFX community. Their contributions have helped strengthen the University and advance its goals.”
Biographies of the incoming Board members are provided below.
Marc Champoux '88
Marc Champoux (BBA) is Vice President, Atlantic Provinces, with BMO Private Wealth. A graduate of St. Francis Xavier University and holder of an MBA from Dalhousie University, Marc has built a distinguished career in wealth management and financial services. He is a dedicated community volunteer who has served on numerous charitable and educational boards, including The QEII Foundation, the Nova Scotia Sports Hall of Fame, and L’Arche Antigonish. Marc also served as Co-Chair of the 2018 Canada Summer Special Olympics Games and remains a strong advocate for education, community development, and student success.
Timothy Elliott ’82
With over 35 years of international experience in the oil and gas industry, Mr. Elliott has served as an officer and director of several publicly traded companies with operations across the Middle East, Asia, Europe, Africa, and South America. Mr. Elliott was also the founder of several oil and gas companies with international operations. Since 2016, Mr. Elliott has worked as a private investor and consultant. Mr. Elliott holds a Bachelor of Arts from StFX and an LL.B from Ottawa University Law School.
Brenda MacDonald ’88
Brenda MacDonald is Chief Commercial Officer at Ontario Power Generation (OPG). She and her team are responsible for structuring, negotiating and managing the strategic commercial relationships that support OPG’s growth strategy, as well as all aspects of supply chain and procurement, including OPG’s supply chain strategy supporting the company’s nuclear and renewable generation operations, and growth and corporate functions. Ms. MacDonald is also responsible for Regulatory Affairs, helping develop and execute OPG’s regulatory strategies and policies, and leading the company’s interactions with economic regulators, market operators, and reliability organizations. She joined OPG in 2013 as Vice President, Law and General Counsel. In this role she was accountable for the oversight and management of OPG’s legal affairs. In 2017, she took on the role of Vice President, Regulatory Affairs. Prior to joining OPG, she spent more than 15 years at Bell Canada Enterprises (BCE), holding various positions, including Assistant General Counsel for BCE’s Business Markets and Procurement. She also served as counsel for Abitibi-Consolidated (now Resolute Forest Products). Ms. MacDonald received a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) from St. Francis Xavier University, and holds a Masters in Political Studies and a Bachelor of Laws from Queen’s University. She currently serves as a board member for Laurentis Energy Partners, Canadian Nuclear Partners and Association of Corporate Counsel (Ontario Chapter).
The Honourable Allan MacMaster ’96
The Honourable Allan MacMaster was born in Antigonish, grew up in Judique, and now lives in Troy with his wife Lucie and 5 children. He is a BBA graduate of StFX University (Class of 1996). Prior to his election to the Nova Scotia Legislature, Allan worked for BMO Nesbitt Burns, one of North America’s leading investment firms. He represented Inverness in the Nova Scotia Legislature for 15 years. In addition to his first win in 2009, Allan was re-elected in 2013, 2017 and 2021. From 2021 to 2024 he was Deputy Premier, Minister of Finance and Treasury Board, Labour Relations, Communities Culture Tourism & Heritage (2023-24), and Gaelic Affairs. He was Deputy President of the Executive Council, Vice Chair of the Treasury Board, and Minister responsible for the Credit Union Act, the Insurance Act and the Insurance Premiums Tax Act, the Liquor Control Act, the Nova Scotia Liquor Corporation, Part I of the Gaming Control Act, the Securities Act, the Utility and Review Board Act, the Chartered Professional Accountants Act and the Heritage Property Act (2023-24). While in Opposition he was Opposition House Leader and Chair of Public Accounts Committee. In 2025 Allan and Lucie purchased the Mabou Freshmart and became small business owners. The store is supplied by Loblaws and maintains an NSLC Agency Store.
Student Board Members
Alessandro D’Aquino ’27
Alessandro D’Aquino is an Honours Finance student at St. Francis Xavier University and currently serves as President of the StFX Students’ Union. Originally from Genoa, Italy, Alessandro has been actively involved in student leadership, advocacy, and campus life throughout his time at StFX. Prior to becoming President, Alessandro served as Executive Vice-President of the Students’ Union, where he focused on academic advocacy, student representation, and collaboration with university committees. He has also contributed to the campus community as a Community Advisor, through his involvement with the Business Society and Enactus, and as President of the StFX Water Polo Society. Outside of campus, Alessandro is involved in sport governance and currently serves on the Board of Directors of Water Polo Nova Scotia. He is also the co-founder of UKIO Technologies Inc., where he works to support the adoption of Open Educational Resources and help reduce financial barriers for students. In his role on the Board of Governors, Alessandro is committed to representing student perspectives, strengthening collaboration between students and the University, and contributing to the continued growth of the StFX community.
Quinn MacIsaac
Quinn MacIsaac is a second-year Public Policy and Governance student at St. Francis Xavier University. He has been actively involved in student leadership, public policy, and community service initiatives across Nova Scotia. Outside of his studies, Quinn works with the provincial government in a political caucus office. Quinn is involved with Resident Life at StFX serving as a Community Engagement Officer. He also serves as the Treasurer of the Public Policy and Governance Student Society. He has a particular interest in governance, public affairs, and civic engagement. Quinn has previously worked with Students' Union on the governance board. He is committed to ensuring student voices are represented in decision-making and is passionate about strengthening connections between students, the university, and the broader community of Antigonish. As a member of the Board of Governors, Quinn looks forward to contributing to the continued success and growth of StFX while helping advance the university's mission. Born and raised in Halifax, Quinn loves Antigonish and seeks for opportunities to get involved with campus life.
Download photos here: Board of Governors Media Assets
For more information: StFX.ca/BoardofGovernors
About StFX University
Ranked #1 in reputation in Canada (Maclean’s 2026 university rankings, undergraduate category), St. Francis Xavier University is one of the country’s oldest and most respected institutions, offering an exceptional learning experience defined by outstanding teaching, hands-on research, and global exchange opportunities. With one of Canada’s most vibrant and inspiring residential campuses, StFX fosters both academic excellence and personal growth, placing classroom, community, and social engagement at the heart of student life.
StFX students are academically strong, highly engaged, and committed to making a positive impact on the world.
For more information, please contact:
Cindy MacKenzie, Manager of Media Relations
St. Francis Xavier University
@email
