The Board of Governors is the senior governing body of the University. The responsibilities of the Board are set out in the St. Francis Xavier University Act. Further procedural matters related to the activities of the Board are described in the University By-laws.
Board Composition
Ex-Officio & Appointed
- The Chancellor, President, Vicar of the Founder
- One person appointed by the Vicar of the Founder
- The President of the Alumni Association
- One member of the alumni appointed by the Alumni Association
- Two persons appointed by the priests of the Diocese
Elected Members
- Two members of the Faculty (5+ years service)
- The President of the StFX University Students’ Union
- One member of the StFX University Students’ Union
- 12 governors elected by the Board
Current Board of Governors Members
Executive
Appointed
Member Profiles
The Honourable Lisa Raitt
The Honourable Lisa Raitt, Vice-Chair, Global Investment Banking, CIBC Markets, joined CIBC Capital Markets in January 2020, having previously worked in both the public and private sectors. Ms. Raitt’s focus is on senior client coverage and business development with clients in the energy, infrastructure and industrial sectors, which align closely with her expertise.
Prior to her current role, Ms. Raitt was the President and CEO of the Toronto Port Authority. She was elected to the House of Commons in 2008, where she went on to hold three senior portfolios serving as Minister of Natural Resources, Minister of Labour, and Minister of Transport. Ms. Raitt also served as the Deputy Leader of the Official Opposition and the Conservative Party of Canada.
Ms. Raitt holds a Bachelor of Science degree from StFX and a master’s degree in chemistry from the University of Guelph. She possesses an LL.B from Osgoode Hall Law School and was called to the Ontario bar in 1998. In 2020, Ms. Raitt was named a Woodrow Wilson Centre Global Fellow of the Canada Institute. She serves as Co-Chair of the Coalition for a Better Future.
Michael Brien
Mike Brien, a 1975 StFX business alumnus, started his career in banking. He rose to District Manager of Atlantic Canada and Ontario, before becoming Vice President Operations (and later COO) of a regional trust company.
In 2001, Mr. Brien and ING Insurance formed a partnership. The company became a multi award-winning brokerage and one of the largest in Atlantic Canada. Mr. Brien retired in 2014. In 2025, he was inducted into the Nova Scotia Business Hall of Fame. Dedicated to his community, he has donated his time, as a JA mentor and in board and presidential positions with Nova Scotia Community College; Nova Scotia Community College Foundation; Mount Saint Vincent University; Insurance Brokers Association of Nova Scotia; YPO Atlantic; Northumberland Golf Club; and Basketball Nova Scotia. Mr. Brien received the StFX Lifetime Xaverian Patron Award; honorary alumni Mount Saint Vincent University; and The Frank Baldwin Award as a significant builder of basketball in Nova Scotia.
Dr. Mila Mulroney
Dr. Mila Mulroney, who immigrated to Canada from Sarajevo, Yugoslavia, in 1958, has dedicated her life to service, community advocacy, and impactful leadership. Widely credited for the vital role she played in the political career of her late husband, the Right Honourable Brian Mulroney, Canada’s 18th Prime Minister, Dr. Mulroney has since focused much of her energy on humanitarian efforts, particularly in the welfare of children and those with disabilities. Her extensive philanthropic record includes board service with Cystic Fibrosis Canada—where she has been instrumental in fundraising for research—as well as long-term volunteerism with Montreal’s Chez Doris women’s shelter and sixteen years as co-chair of the Taste of the Nations Gala.
Having also served on the boards of numerous prominent Canadian cultural and educational institutions, Dr. Mulroney brings a wealth of governance experience to her role as Chancellor of St. Francis Xavier University. Her deep connection to the university, which honoured her with a Doctor of Laws in 2004, is a testament to her ongoing commitment to the StFX community and its mission of service and academic excellence.
Dr. Andrew Hakin
Dr. Andrew Hakin, a professor of chemistry, joined StFX as President and Vice-Chancellor in 2020, bringing extensive leadership experience from his previous tenure as Provost and Academic Vice-President at the University of Lethbridge. Since his arrival, Dr. Hakin has guided the university with resilience and care, most notably through the challenges of the pandemic and the 2023 launch of the five-year strategic plan, Building Our University The Way It Is Meant To Be. This roadmap prioritizes academic excellence, sustainability, and a deep commitment to EDIA through initiatives like the President’s Action Committee on Anti-Racism and the creation of the Victor and Mona Dahdaleh Institute for Innovation in Health.
A dedicated advocate for community integration, Dr. Hakin has fostered strong partnerships between the university and the Town and County of Antigonish. Beyond the campus, he serves as Chair of the Council of Nova Scotia University Presidents (CONSUP), Vice-Chair of the Atlantic Association of Universities (AAU), and sits on the boards of Research Nova Scotia and Universities Canada.
Bishop Wayne Kirkpatrick
Most Rev. Wayne Kirkpatrick was appointed Bishop of Antigonish on December 18th, 2019 by His Holiness Pope Francis, and installed as the 10th Bishop of the Diocese of Antigonish on February 3rd, 2020. He was previously Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Toronto, Ontario where Bishop Kirkpatrick had overseen the care of the pastoral needs of the Northern Pastoral Region.
On May 18, 2012, Pope Benedict XVI appointed him as Auxiliary Bishop for the Archdiocese of Toronto. His episcopal ordination was at the Cathedral of St. Catherine of Alexandria in St. Catharines, Ontario on July 25, 2012. As Auxiliary Bishop of Toronto, he served as Episcopal Vicar for Consecrated Life, as well as Episcopal Vicar for the Francophone communities. He served as President of St. Augustine’s Seminary, as well as a member of the Board of Governors of the Toronto School of Theology from 2014 to 2020. He serves as a member of the Board of Governors of St. Francis Xavier University as Vicar of the Founder.
Alessandro D'Aquino
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.
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.
Alfred LeBlanc
Alfred LeBlanc ‘79 is a recently retired senior government executive with rich policy, communications, change management and stakeholder relations experience. He most recently served as VP Communications, Corporate and International Affairs at the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC). Prior to this, he served as Assistant Secretary to Cabinet for the Government of Canada; Director of Federal-Provincial Relations at Finance Canada; Director General of Strategic Policy at Industry Canada; and Director General of Strategic Policy and Partnerships at Environment Canada. His university degrees include a BA from StFX University, and MAs from Oxford (on a Rhodes Scholarship) and Queen’s University.
The Honourable Allan MacMaster
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 St. F.X. 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.
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.
Dr. Brad Long
Dr. Brad Long is an Associate Professor of Management in StFX's Gerald Schwartz School of Business and since 2018, he has been the inaugural John T. Sears Chair in Corporate Social Responsibility. Dr. Long’s areas of specialization include business ethics, human resource management and leadership.
Dr. Long maintains an active role as an advisor and supervisor for students in honours theses, case competitions and a summer research internship program which he created, funds, and manages in cooperation with the Coady Institute. Dr. Long joined StFX in 2002 after eight years in the private sector in progressively senior management positions in industries ranging from aerospace to information technology to consulting. At the beginning of 2021, he was appointed to the Nova Scotia Labour Board as an employee representative.
Brenda MacDonald
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.
She currently serves as a board member for Laurentis Energy Partners, Canadian Nuclear Partners and Association of Corporate Counsel (Ontario Chapter).
Cynthia Dorrington
Cynthia is the President of Vale & Associates Human Resource Management and Consulting Inc., a boutique international consulting firm established in 2004. The firm specializes in providing strategy and advisory services, as well as customized training and development for organizations. As President, Cynthia works with small to medium-sized organizations globally, spanning various industry sectors—from start-ups to businesses undergoing growth, mergers, or acquisitions.
Cynthia serves on several boards, including as a member of the Board of Governors of St. Francis Xavier University, Chair of the Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission, Chair of Black Business Enterprise, Committee Chair at VON Canada, and Vice Chair of the Canadian Urban Institute. With over 35 years of board service, Cynthia has contributed her skills and expertise to strengthen organizations.
David Boyd
David Boyd is a proud alumnus of St. Francis Xavier University, graduating in 1989 with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree. He comes from a long line of family members who have attended and graduated from StFX, including two of his daughters. Mr. Boyd is an experienced financial advisor in distress corporate finance mandates with over 25 years’ experience as a senior partner with PwC, 15 years as Leader of the Atlantic Corporate Distress and Aboriginal practice.
Currently, he operates a boutique strategy consulting firm, Resolve Advisory Services, which provides transaction services, strategic support to private companies, and distress finance consulting. Mr. Boyd is also a strong community supporter, with board positions with CAA Atlantic, Special Olympics Nova Scotia, and Churchill Academy.
Fr. Duaine Devereaux
Fr. Duaine Devereaux is a native of Sydney Mines, NS. He currently serves as Pastor Unité Pastoral Stella Maris Pastoral Unit, Isle Madame, Nova Scotia.
Fr. Devereaux has served in a number of parishes in Nova Scotia including at St. Ninian Cathedral, Antigonish; St. Peter’s, Larry’s River; St. Joseph’s, Charlos Cove; and St. Joseph’s, Port Felix, NS. Additionally, he has served parishes in Pictou County, Richmond County, Sydney River, and Glace Bay. He also served for seven years as Vice Rector, St. Augustine’s Seminary in Toronto, ON.
Greg MacEachern
Greg MacEachern ’96 is principal and founder of KAN Strategies and has spent 15 years working in the field of government relations.
Prior to moving to the private sector, he spent more than a decade in senior advisory roles in municipal, provincial, and federal politics, including as Director of Communications to the President of the Treasury Board and providing media support to Prime Minister Paul Martin.
Building on his political experience Mr. MacEachern also provides political commentary for CTV, CBC, and Sirius XM Canada. He has been named to The Hill Times Top 100 Lobbyists list, and he sits on the Board of Directors of the Government Relations Institute of Canada and on the Board of Directors of Hopewell Eating Disorder Support Centre.
Jamie O'Reilly
Jamie O'Reilly is Chair & CEO of Citigroup Global Markets Canada Inc. He is also active in the community. He is a board member (Past-Chair) of Youth Employment Services (YES), and has mentored young professionals through Citi's programs, and through the CFA Society Toronto. He graduated from StFX with distinction, and as an Academic All-Canadian athlete. Mr. O'Reilly completed an MBA from Saint Mary's University and holds the Chartered Financial Analyst designation. He resides in Toronto with his wife Michelle 99, 01 and their three children.
Kathleen Sheridan
Originally from Nepean, ON, she graduated from St. Francis Xavier University in 2015 with a BBA. During her time at StFX, she was actively involved in campus leadership, serving as a Life Officer, President of the Women in Business Society, a student representative on the Board of Governors, a student caller with Annual Giving in Advancement, and a member of the President’s Circle of Young Alumni. Since graduation, she has remained deeply engaged with her alma mater, serving as Co-President of the Ottawa Alumni Chapter (2018–2021), Vice President of the Alumni Association (2021), President of the Alumni Association (2022–2024), Ontario Representative on Alumni Council (2018–present), and a member of the StFX Board of Governors (2021–present).
Professionally, she has built her career with the Department of Justice Canada, where she currently serves as an Analyst in Cabinet and Parliamentary Affairs. Her previous roles within the department include Analyst in the Priorities and Planning Division, Executive Coordinator to the Deputy Minister, Executive Assistant to the Deputy Minister, Executive Assistant in the Deputy Minister’s Office, and Scheduling Assistant to the Minister. Through her leadership and commitment to public service and volunteerism, she continues to make meaningful contributions to both the StFX community and the federal public service.
Lori Ann Beausoleil
Ms. Beausoleil is a Corporate Director and a retired Partner of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (PwC). Over her 35-year career at PwC, she held various leadership positions including National Leader – Compliance, Ethics and Governance, National Real Estate Leader, National Forensic Services Leader and a member of PwC’s Deals Leadership Team.
She currently is a Board member and Audit Committee member of Canadian Apartment Properties Real Estate Investment Trust (CAPREIT) , Lead Director, Board member and Audit Committee Chair of Brookfield Real Estate Income Trust Inc. (a private REIT), a Board member and Audit Committee Chair of GO Residential Real Estate Investment Trust and Lead Director, and Board member of Cboe Canada Inc.(private company). She is also a member of the Canadian Chartered Professional Accountants and the Chartered Professional Accountants of Ontario and is a CPA Ontario Fellow (FCPA). She holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree from the University of Toronto.
Marc Champoux
Marc is Atlantic Regional Vice-President for BMO Private Wealth. He joined BMO Nesbitt Burns in 1994 and after 25 years as a producing advisor & manager, he transitioned to the RVP role, overseeing the BMO Private Wealth operation in Atlantic Canada. Marc holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from St. Francis Xavier (‘88) and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Dalhousie University.
Marc has served on the boards of various charities and foundations throughout the province, including The Festival Antigonish Summer Theatre Foundation, The Nova Scotia Sports Hall of Fame, The QE2 Foundation and L’Arche Antigonish, a community where people with developmental disabilities and those who care for them live together and share day-to-day life. He also served as Co-Chair of the 2018 Canada Summer Special Olympic Games, hosted in Nova Scotia.
Marc and his wife Clare (Kiely, St. FX Class 88) have two children: son Luc, (St. FX Class of 2018) age 29, and daughter Josée, age 27.
Michael Gillis
Michael R. Gillis has built his career on helping trustees and plan sponsors make clear, confident decisions in a complex investment world. He believes that when boards truly understand their choices, they make better decisions.
From 2006 to 2021, he was vice president & director, institutional relationships at TD Greystone Asset Management, where he became known for translating strategy and performance into plain English and for a collaborative style that aligned decision-making with each plan’s purpose and risk. Michael’s financial services career includes roles at National Trust, Royal Trust, and SEAMARK Asset Management (vice president, marketing).
Michael serves on the St. Francis Xavier University Board of Governors, chairs its Audit and Investment Committee, and is president of the StFX Alumni Association. He is a board member of Theatre Antigonish and supports the Children’s Wish Foundation of Canada and Special Olympics. He holds a B.Ed. degree (Mount Saint Vincent University) and a B.B.A. degree (St. Francis Xavier University).
Quinn MacIssac
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.
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 Antiognish and seeks for opportunities to get involved with campus life.
Timothy Elliott
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.
Dr. Wendy Mackey
Dr. Wendy Mackey is serving in the role of Associate Professor of Culturally Relevant Pedagogy and Leadership within the Faculty of Education at StFX. She is a graduate of StFX, completing her second Master of Education degree in 2013 and her PhD in 2021. For her dissertation, Dr. Mackey was awarded the Governor General’s Gold Medal in graduate research. She coordinates the Culturally Relevant Pedagogy Master of Education program. Her research encompasses educational leadership, educational change, culturally relevant pedagogy, anti-racist education, sensemaking, and decolonizing education.
Dr. Mackey continues to have an active in role on the StFX campus in departmental and university committees. She has served as the Culturally Relevant Pedagogy chair for StFX University and coordinates the Black nursing student success program. Dr. Mackey maintains an active role as an advisor and supervisor for students’ graduate and undergraduate theses and supports African Nova Scotian and Black students across disciplines.
Wendy Wing
Wendy (Rankin) Wing has more than 30 years of experience and leadership in construction, finance, and administration, and has been involved in the development and financing of renewable energy projects including wind and hydro; as well as part of the development team for Rankin’s real estate developments.
Ms. Wing plays an important strategic role when analyzing new business opportunities and proposals and measures the long-term financial impact of these investments. She served on Niagara College’s Board of Governors from 2016–22 and was Chair during the 2021–22 year. She is a graduate of the Ivey Business School at Western University and is a proud supporter of the Rankin Cancer Run.
She and her husband Chris are the proud parents of two children.
Dr. William Sweet
Dr. William Sweet's principal areas of scholarly and teaching interest include intercultural philosophy, human rights and the philosophy of law, biomedical ethics, the epistemology of religion, and late 19th- and early 20th-century Anglo-American and French Philosophy. He is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada and of the Royal Historical Society, and a Permanent member of the Institut international de Philosophie (Paris).
He holds doctoral-level degrees in philosophy (PhD), systematic theology (DTh), political science (DEA), and philosophical theology (DPhil). He has studied at (among other places) the Universities of Paris, Ottawa, Saint Paul, South Africa, Manitoba, Carleton, Vienna, and Berlin.
He is President of the World Union of Catholic Philosophical Societies and Editor of the journals Maritain Studies/Etudes maritainiennes and Philosophy, Culture and Traditions.
