Laurier appoints Debbie Martin vice-president: finance and administration

Dec. 2, 2025
For Immediate Release

Wilfrid Laurier University’s Executive Committee of the Board of Governors, on behalf of the Board of Governors, has approved the appointment of Debbie Martin as Vice-President: Finance and Administration for a five-year term, effective Jan. 12, 2026.

Martin brings more than three decades of experience in university administration to Laurier. Over her 32-year career at McMaster University, she held several key leadership roles, including Chief Facilities Officer; Associate Vice-President and Chief Administrative Officer in the Faculty of Health Sciences; Acting Vice-President, University Advancement; and interim CEO of McMaster Innovation Park. Most recently, Martin served as Associate Vice-President, Real Estate, Ancillary Operations and Partnerships.

Martin oversaw management of more than 60 buildings, managing a capital fund in excess of $80 million annually. During her tenure at McMaster, she implemented a real estate and ancillary operations strategy that generated sustainable new revenues, successfully negotiated major public-private partnerships to expand student housing and facilities, and led the implementation of a sustainability plan, with a target to have a net-zero campus by 2050. As CAO in the Faculty of Health Sciences, she both enabled operations and led special projects, such as the development of the David Braley Health Sciences Centre in Hamilton, a catalyst for the redevelopment of downtown Hamilton.

Martin is a Certified Public Accountant and holds both an MBA and a Bachelor of Commerce from McMaster University.

“I am thrilled to be joining Laurier as the Vice-President of Finance and Administration," said Martin. "Laurier is a remarkable institution with a strong reputation for academic strength and student experience. The leadership at the university is very highly regarded across the country. I’m looking forward to meeting members of the Laurier community and spending time at all of its campuses.” 

“Debbie’s breadth and depth of experience in university finance and operations will be invaluable as Laurier continues to grow and evolve its multicampus vision,” said Laurier's President and Vice-Chancellor Deborah MacLatchy. “Her strategic foresight and collegial style will strengthen Laurier’s ability to deliver exceptional services for students, faculty, staff and our communities.”