Board of Regents

Deepak Bhandari, Treasurer (BoR)
 
Chief financial officer, Canada Packers Inc. Bhandari has more than 25 years of experience in the automotive, wine and food sectors. He oversees corporate and business finance transactions, including financial reporting, treasury, tax, internal audit and investor relations. His areas of expertise include corporate finance, strategic planning, financial reporting, the food industry and operational improvements. He holds a BSc in genetics from the University of Alberta and an MBA from the Schulich School of Business, York University. Bhandari has served on the Board of Regents for one year and is chair of the Finance and Audit Committee.

James Harbell Emm 2020, Emm 2022

Minister, Saint Luke’s United Church, Toronto. Harbell ministers to a socially progressive inner-city United Church with an affirming multicultural congregation that supports food insecurity and refugee programs. His areas of expertise include leadership in law and community ministry. He holds a JD from Osgoode Hall Law School, York University; an MPS from Emmanuel College; and an MDiv from Emmanuel College. Harbell is a new member of the Board of Regents and serves on the Property Committee, representing the United Church of Canada. He also serves on the board of Kindred Works and is president of Restorative Justice Housing Ontario.
 

Keith Thomas, Chair of the Board
 
Partner, Abbeywood Partners; managing director, Active Scale; director, Vive Crop Protection. Thomas is an investor and operator in a range of businesses. His expertise includes strategic, financial and operational management. He holds an MBA from Columbia University and an MA in economics and a BASc in mechanical engineering from the University of Toronto. Thomas has served on the Board of Regents for two years as chair and represents the United Church of Canada. He is also a director of Vive Crop Protection.

Robert Pemberton, Vice-Chair (BoR)
 
 

Ephraim Stulberg Vic 0T3, Vice-Chair, Finance and Audit Committee
 
Partner and senior vice-president, MDD Forensic Accountants. Stulberg is an accountant and business valuator with more than 15 years of experience specializing in business valuation, economic loss quantification and investigative accounting, often serving as an expert witness in legal disputes. His areas of expertise include accounting and finance. He holds a BA and an MA from the University of Toronto and an MBA from the Schulich School of Business, York University. Stulberg has served on the Board of Regents for one year.

Victoria Stuart 
 
Principal, Victoria Stuart Professional Corp. Stuart continues her legal practice through her professional corporation, providing services in private equity and sophisticated real estate matters. Her areas of expertise include real estate law, private equity, governance, legal advisory and board leadership. She holds a BA from Dalhousie University and an LLB from the University of Toronto. Stuart served on the Board of Regents from 1999 to 2017 and returned as a new member in July 2025. She is a member of the Property Committee and previously served as its chair from 2000 to 2007. She also serves on the Governing Council of Fairlawn Avenue United Church, Shining Waters Regional Council of the United Church of Canada, and Victoria University Chancellor’s Council.

Professor Alex Eric Hernandez, Principal, Victoria College 
 
12th Principal of Victoria College; assistant professor, Department of English, University of Toronto. Hernandez also teaches in the English department. His areas of expertise include 18th-century literature, cultural studies, academic leadership, literary criticism and higher education. He holds a PhD from the University of California, Los Angeles; an MA from the University of California, Irvine; an MA from Fuller Theological Seminary; and a BA from Biola University. Hernandez has served on the Board of Regents for one year and is a member of the Executive, Finance and Audit, and Property Committees.

Professor HyeRan Kim Cragg Emm 0T6, Principal, Emmanuel College
 
Kim-Cragg is the 14th principal of Emmanuel College, where she leads the institution’s academic and administrative matters. She is also a full professor of preaching. Her areas of expertise include homiletics, postcolonial theories, feminist practical theology and anti-racism. She holds a ThD from Emmanuel College and an MDiv from Hanshin Graduate School of Theology, Seoul, Korea. Kim-Cragg has served on the Board of Regents for three years as a member of the Executive, Property, and Finance and Audit Committees.

Dr. Rhonda N. McEwen, President and Vice-Chancellor, Victoria University 
 
McEwen is the 14th president and vice-chancellor of Victoria University and a Canada Research Chair in Tactile Interfaces, Communication and Cognition. Her areas of expertise include AI, human–machine communication, cognitive effects of media, tactile interfaces and device mediation. She holds an MBA from City, University of London, an MSc from the University of Colorado Boulder and a PhD from the University of Toronto. McEwen has served on the Board of Regents for three years as an ex-officio member and serves on the Executive, Finance and Audit, Investment and Property Committees. She also holds leadership and committee roles with Universities Canada, Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital, Autism Speaks Canada, the University of Toronto Black Research Network and the Toronto School of Theology.
 

Nick Saul Vic 9T0, Chancellor, Victoria University
 
Saul is the 16th Chancellor of Victoria University and CEO of Right To Food. Saul leads Right To Food in building community across Canada through the power of food and works to make the right to food a reality for all. His areas of expertise include governance, fundraising, public policy advocacy, community organizing and strategic leadership. He holds a BA in history from the University of Toronto and an MA in sociology from Warwick University. Saul has served on the Board of Regents for six years.

Brandon Bailey Vic 1T3
 
Counsel, National Hockey League. Bailey advises on media relationships, rights agreements and distribution arrangements. His areas of expertise include legal execution in media, sports, corporate transactions, capital markets, corporate governance and regulatory compliance. He is a former president of Victoria University Students’ Administrative Council. He holds a JD from Harvard Law School and a BA from the University of Toronto. Bailey has served on the Board of Regents for one year in his current role and one year as a student representative.

Kate Cassaday Vic 0T3
 
Vice-president, marketing strategy and omnichannel communications, Indigo Books and Music. Cassaday guides marketing strategy and oversees customer-facing communications. Her areas of expertise include brand strategy, marketing, communications and editorial. She holds a BA from the University of Toronto and an MA from Dalhousie University. Cassaday has served on the Board of Regents for three years and is a member of the Victoria University Senate.

Cynthia Crysler Vic 9T1
 
Partner, Cavalluzzo LLP. Crysler leads the pension and benefits practice group at Cavalluzzo LLP and provides governance advice to a range of organizations. Her areas of expertise include pensions and benefits law, governance, legal advisory, non-profit boards and organizational leadership. She has served on the board of Jessie’s Centre for Teenagers. She holds a BA from the University of Toronto, an LLB from the University of Western Ontario and an LLM from University College London. Crysler has served on the Board of Regents for seven years and is a member of the Executive Committee; she is a former board chair and former chair of the Governance and University Affairs Committee. She is also president of the Deer Park Residents Group.

Jane Huang
 
Legal counsel, Sobeys. Huang provides corporate and commercial legal advice and drafts legal documents supporting the operation of Sobeys and its affiliated banner stores across Ontario and Atlantic Canada. Her areas of expertise include corporate and commercial law, marketing and advertising law, product and franchise law. She holds a JD from Western University and an Honours BSc from the University of Toronto. Huang is a new member of the Board of Regents and serves as a board member representing Victoria College graduates. She also serves with Young Women in Law and the Federation of Asian Canadian Lawyers.

James Janeiro Vic 1T0
 
Director of policy and government relations, Canadian Centre for Caregiving Excellence. Janeiro leads the advocacy and policy agenda at the Canadian Centre for Caregiving Excellence and engages with federal and provincial governments across Canada. His areas of expertise include government relations, advocacy, policy development, communications and social and economic policy. He holds an honours BA in political science, history and languages and a Master of Public Policy from the University of Toronto. Janeiro has served on the Board of Regents for three years as a member of the board and Property Committee. He is also a board member of Community Living Toronto and West Neighbourhood House.
 

Brian Johnston Vic 8T1, Chair of Property Committee
 
Corporate director and real estate adviser. Johnston sits on the boards of two real estate entities and provides advisory services to various real estate organizations. His areas of expertise include real estate, financial reporting and executive management. He is a former president of Monarch Corp. and former chief operating officer of Mattamy Homes. He holds a BA from the University of Toronto and is a chartered professional accountant. Johnston has served on the Board of Regents for eight years and is chair of the Property Committee and a member of the Executive Committee. He also serves on the boards of Sienna Senior Living Inc., Mortgage Company of Canada Inc., C.D. Howe Institute, EnerQuality Corp. (chair) and 23:32 Capital.

Ari Kopolovic Vic 0T5
 
Executive director, investment banking, UBS. Kopolovic advises clients on mergers, acquisitions and capital raises. His areas of expertise include finance and law. He holds an honours BA from the University of Toronto, an MPhil from Cambridge University, Judge Business School, and a JD from the University of Toronto Faculty of Law. Kopolovic has served on the Board of Regents for one year as a member of the board and the Investment Committee. He previously served as a student representative on the University of Toronto Governing Council.

Pamela Marchant Vic 9T6
 
Global head, retail and institutional marketing, Manulife Wealth and Asset Management. Marchant oversees a global marketing team that develops and executes strategy, brand development and digital initiatives for the business. Her areas of expertise include investments, marketing, brand strategy and communications. She holds an Honours BA in political science from the University of Toronto. Marchant has served on the Board of Regents for four years and is a member of the Board and the Investment Committee.

Valerie DeSouza Emm 2T1
 
Registered psychotherapist. De Souza works in private practice and as a spiritual care practitioner in a trauma hospital. Her areas of expertise include psychotherapy, spiritual care, equity and inclusion, holistic wellness and governance. She holds a BCom from the University of Toronto, a JD from Osgoode Hall Law School at York University and an MPS from Emmanuel College. De Souza has served on the Board of Regents for four years and is a member of the Board and the Finance and Audit Committee, representing Emmanuel College alumni. She also serves on the Emmanuel College Principal’s Advisory Committee.

Rev. Lauren Hodgson Emm 1T2
 
Ordained minister, United Church of Canada. Hodgson is lead minister at Kingston Road United Church in Toronto, where she provides worship leadership, pastoral care and community engagement. Her areas of expertise include worship leadership, counselling, organizational sustainability, property development and mental health support. She previously held leadership roles with Kindred Works, the United Church of Canada, Broadview magazine and the Skylight Festival. She holds a BA (Honours) from Queen’s University and an MDiv from Emmanuel College. Hodgson has served on the Board of Regents for two years as a board member and is a member of the Property Committee. She also serves on the Emmanuel College Advisory Committee.
 

Rev. Jason Meyers Emm 1T9
 
Minister of Worship and Faith Formation, Metropolitan United Church. Meyers leads the spiritual health of his community through preaching, liturgy, small group facilitation and downtown ministry leadership. His areas of expertise include communication, strategy, leadership and compassion. He holds a BComm from the University of Saskatchewan and an MDiv from Emmanuel College. Meyers has served on the Board of Regents for three years as a board member representing Emmanuel College alumni and serves on the Official Board of Metropolitan United Church.

Professor Judith Newman
 
 
 

Professor Nevin Reda El-Tahry 
 
Associate professor of Muslim studies, Emmanuel College. Reda teaches and researches Qur'anic narrative structure, Islamic feminist hermeneutics and spiritually integrative approaches to the Qur'an. Her work explores intersections between the Qur'an and the Hebrew Bible, and ethical-legal dimensions of Islamic thought. Her areas of expertise include Qur'anic studies, Islamic feminist hermeneutics, ethical-legal theory, interfaith scholarship and narrative structure. She holds a BSc in engineering from Cairo University, an MA in biblical Hebrew language and literature from the University of Toronto, and a PhD in Near and Middle Eastern civilizations from the University of Toronto. Reda has served on the Board of Regents for five years as a member, representing Emmanuel College teaching staff, and is a board member of the International Qur’anic Studies Association. 

Professor Julia Forgie Vic 0T5
 
Associate professor, teaching stream, and program co-ordinator, Education & Society Program, Victoria College in the University of Toronto. Forgie oversees curriculum, internships and experiential learning in the Education & Society program at Victoria College. Her areas of expertise include teacher education, equity-focused pedagogy, educational research, experiential learning and curriculum development. She holds an honours BA from the University of Toronto and an MA and PhD from the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education. Forgie has served on the Board of Regents for three years and is also a board member of Mothercraft and chair of its Strategic Planning Committee.
 
 

Professor Jonathan Hamilton-Diabo Emm 1T1
 
Assistant professor, teaching stream; June Callwood Professor of Social Justice, Victoria College; special adviser to the Victoria University president on Indigenous initiatives. Hamilton-Diabo teaches in the Vic One program on residential schools, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and Indigenous relationships with Christianity. His areas of expertise include Indigenous education, social justice, curriculum development, residential schools and the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. He holds an MTS from Emmanuel College, a BEd from York University and a BBA from Concordia University. Hamilton-Diabo has served on the Board of Regents for one year. He is also a member of the Indigenous Identity Substantiation Committee at U of T and of the Board of Directors at Camp Mini-Yo-We, Port Sydney, Ont.
 

Professor Mark Solovey
 
Professor, Institute for the History and Philosophy of Science and Technology, University of Toronto. Solovey teaches and conducts research on the history of the social and psychological sciences as well as the history of vegetarianism and veganism. His areas of expertise include the history of science, undergraduate teaching, graduate teaching and scholarly research. He holds an MA in the history of science and a PhD from the University of Wisconsin–Madison. Solovey has served on the Board of Regents for three years as a board member representing Victoria College teaching staff. He also serves on advisory and editorial boards in the fields of animal law and the history of science.

Professor Marga Vicedo 
 
Professor of the history of science, Institute for the History and Philosophy of Science and Technology, University of Toronto. Vicedo writes on the history of genetics, animal research and psychiatry and teaches courses on human nature, genetic technologies and the history of biology. Her areas of expertise include the history of autism, psychiatry, genetics and social psychology. She holds a PhD in the history of science from Harvard University and a PhD in philosophy from the University of Valencia. Vicedo has served on the Board of Regents for three years as a board member and member of the Property Committee representing Victoria College teaching staff. She also serves as president of the Canadian Society for the History and Philosophy of Science and sits on several editorial boards.

Professor Ira Wells
 
Associate professor of literature, Victoria College, University of Toronto. Wells teaches in the Northrop Frye stream in literature and the humanities in the Vic One program and serves as academic programs director. His areas of expertise include literature, humanities education, academic administration, free expression advocacy and curriculum development. He holds a BA from the University of Calgary and an MA and PhD from the University of Toronto. Wells is a new member of the Board of Regents and a member of the Investment Committee. He is also president of PEN Canada.

 Professor Rebecca Woods
 

Jack Cochrane 
 

Hana Greenberg

National Scholar, University of Toronto; undergraduate student, Victoria College. Greenberg studies political science, applied data science and creative writing. Her areas of expertise include technology policy, AI governance, languages and political science. She is a new member of the Board of Regents and serves on the Investment Committee. She also serves as equity commissioner on VUSAC and is a member of the Victoria College Council.

Rohini Patra, ex-officio
 
President, Victoria University Students’ Administrative Council. Patra represents Victoria College students and advocates for equity, well-being and academic success while supporting expanded student programming and fundraising for the VicPride Community Scholarship. She is completing an Honours BA in economics with a focus on data analytics and in public policy at the University of Toronto. Patra is a new member of the Board of Regents and serves on the Board and the Executive and Property Committees.
 

Anemone Leigh Van Leeuwen
 
Undergraduate student, Victoria College. Van Leeuwen is a fourth-year student majoring in international relations and sociocultural anthropology with additional studies in European affairs. Her areas of expertise include student governance, international relations, sociocultural anthropology, European affairs and community engagement. She has served on the Board of Regents for one year as a board member and is a member of the Property Committee and a former member of the Investment Committee. She also serves as a student representative on the Victoria College Council.

Armiti Zarbakhsh
 
Undergraduate student, Victoria College; commuter don, Victoria College; student researcher, Temerty Faculty of Medicine and UHN. Zarbakhsh is a third-year student majoring in human biology and health studies. Her areas of expertise include health accessibility, youth advocacy, mental wellness initiatives and community-based policy development. She has held leadership roles with the Health Studies Union, the Victoria College Mental Wellness Commission, Students for Collective Resistance and Victoria College Orientation and Commuter Commissions. She is completing an Honours BSc at the University of Toronto. Zarbakhsh is a new member of the Board of Regents and serves on the Board and the Finance and Audit Committee.

Chris Hawke, ECSS Chair
 
Chair, Emmanuel College Student Society. Hawke represents Emmanuel College students and contributes to student leadership within the college. His areas of expertise include interfaith co-operation and environmental stewardship. He holds an MSc in journalism from Columbia University. Hawke is a new member of the Board of Regents and serves as a board member representing Emmanuel College students. He also serves on the Victoria University Senate Executive Committee.

Mark Austin 
 
Grievance officer, United Steelworkers Local 1998. Austin represents members of USW Local 1998 by upholding collective agreements and human rights, health and safety and related legislation at the University of Toronto and its federated colleges. His areas of expertise include labour law, health and safety and human rights. Austin has served on the Board of Regents for four years as a board member and is a member of the Property Committee, representing the administrative staff of Victoria University.

Doug Houston Vic 8T7

Self-employed business consultant/coach; retired managing director, TD Securities. Houston provides business and career consulting services. His areas of expertise include derivatives, capital markets, banking, financial and career consulting. He formerly managed a North American capital markets business and was a board member of KINSA and the TD Securities Underwriting Hope Fund. He holds an honours BA in economics and political science from the University of Toronto and has completed the Canadian Securities Course, the Conduct and Practice Course, the Partners and Directors Course and the CFA designation. Houston has served on the Board of Regents for one year and is a member of the Investment Committee. He alo serves on the Finance Committee of the Georgian Peaks Ski Club.
 
 

Peter Politis Vic 0T4, Vice-Chair of Property Committee 
 
Partner, Greybrook; CEO, Greybrook Realty Partners. Politis oversees the strategic growth of Greybrook Realty Partners, a Toronto-based real estate private equity firm managing more than $45 billion in development assets. He leads deal origination and asset management and co-chairs the firm’s Investment Committee. His areas of expertise include private equity, real estate investment, strategic growth, asset management and governance. Politis has served on the Board of Regents for four years as a board member, representing a discretionary constituency. He also serves on the boards of Blu Genes Foundation and Greybrook-affiliated companies.
 

Anwar Kazimi, Board Secretary