Laurier welcomes new Board of Governors chair

June 30, 2026

Wilfrid Laurier University will welcome a new chair of its Board of Governors on July 1, 2026, when incoming chair Jim Phillips will take over the position from outgoing chair Simon Chan (MBA ’01).

Since joining the Board in 2019 as a representative of Martin Luther University College, a federated institution of the university, Phillips has served as vice chair, chair of the finance, investments and property committee, and as a member of the presidential review committee. He previously served as member, treasurer and chair of the Martin Luther University College Board from 2014-2020.

In addition to his governance experience and expertise in capital campaigns, fundraising, and financial acumen, Phillips brings career experience from the private, public and not-for-profit sectors to his role as chair.

He began his career in the banking and trust industry, worked for the Province of Ontario, and served as an executive in the Child Welfare sector and as CEO of a public foundation. Currently semi-retired, Phillips practices as a consultant on Board governance and capital projects.

“I am looking forward to working with Jim as Laurier continues to grow as a thriving, multi-campus university,” says Deborah MacLatchy, president and vice-chancellor. “Jim’s professional accounting background, coupled with his extensive experience in governance, strategic planning and leadership, will help ensure Laurier is well-positioned operationally to advance its strategic priorities.”

Beyond Laurier and Luther, Phillips was a member of the OMERS Administration Corporation pension plan Board for 10 years, where he chaired the audit and governance committees and served on the investment committee. He has served on the Board of Enova Energy Corp where he was a member of their audit and finance and governance committees, was chair of the Kitchener Power Corp. and chair of Grand River Energy Corp. Phillips currently serves as Board vice chair and chair of the governance committee at the Nuclear Innovation Institute (NII) and was one of the organization's founding Board members as a representative of Bruce Power.

Phillips received his Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree from the University of Guelph and holds a Certified General Accountant (CGA) designation, Chartered Director (C. Dir.) designation and Professional Chartered Accountant (CPA) designation.

“As incoming chair, I look forward to working with my Board colleagues, President and Vice-Chancellor MacLatchy, the executive team and all stakeholders on the priorities for our exciting future at Laurier,” says Phillips.

Thanking Simon Chan

Chan, who earned his Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Laurier in 2001, joined Laurier’s Board of Governors in 2021 and became chair in 2024.

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

During his two-year term as chair, Chan led with a future-focused, strategic outcome-based lens and dedication to good governance.

Through his thoughtful stewardship, engagement, and prudent resource allocation and financial oversight, the Board ensured long-term financial sustainability, finalized the decade-long plans to transition Laurier to the University Pension Plan, and explored debt-free options to build or renew facilities through strategic partnerships.

Under his leadership, the Board also reviewed its governance structures to ensure alignment with strategic priorities and the university’s evolving needs.

Chan served as the chair of the presidential search committee to help shape the leadership profile and priorities for Laurier’s next president and vice-chancellor when MacLatchy’s term ends June 30, 2027. He will remain on the committee as a Board member when Phillips becomes chair to ensure continuity.

“It has been a pleasure working with Simon as Board chair,” said MacLatchy. “I am grateful for his collaborative approach and steady leadership, which served Laurier well as we navigated opportunities and challenges at the university.”

Chan 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.