Ken Chan Appointed CAO of Victoria University
(Photo by Minh Truong)
PRESS RELEASE
Toronto, Ontario...Victoria University in the University of Toronto is pleased to announce that higher education executive Mr. Ken Chan has been appointed as bursar (CAO) by its Board of Regents.
“Mr. Chan has demonstrated his passion for service throughout his career, always seeking to find innovative ways to make communities and our province stronger. Students at Victoria University will benefit from Mr. Chan’s strategic lens and deep commitment to higher education,” said Dr. Rhonda N. McEwen, president and vice-chancellor, Victoria University in the University of Toronto.
Mr. Chan has spent most of his career in public sector and not-for-profit organizations, most recently serving as vice president, administration at Brock University. During his time there, Mr. Chan led several major projects including the opening of a new student residence building and the acquisition of real estate to support future growth. His many roles in the Ontario government include assistant deputy minister (ADM) of the COVID-19 Vaccine Distribution Secretariat and ADM at the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport where he was accountable for financial oversight and infrastructure planning for the province’s parks, tourism attractions, museums and convention centres. He has also served as the minister of natural resources’ chief of staff and as the policy and legislative affairs director for the deputy premier and minister of health. Mr. Chan also brings international experience, having served as a senior advisor in the Mayor of London’s Office, and assistant director in the U.K. government’s Better Regulation Executive. He was vice president at Cystic Fibrosis Canada where he oversaw grant programs that supported innovative research at universities across the country.
His extensive service on not-for-profit Board of Directors includes ALS Society of Canada, Pathstone Foundation, FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre, North York General Hospital, Sherbourne Health, Lambeth College (London, U.K.), and on the Academic Board of the Governing Council, University of Toronto.
He holds a Master of Business Administration from City University in Seattle, a Master of Forensic Accounting from the University of Toronto and an Executive Master in Management Research from ESCP Business School in France, where he is currently a Global Executive PhD candidate.
“I believe education improves lives and am a lifelong learner. My liberal arts studies earlier in life shaped my identity and my desire to make positive change in the world. Victoria University is at an exciting inflection point, with new leadership and plans to evolve its beautiful campus, nestled in a vibrant neighbourhood. I am excited and inspired to be joining Vic U’s community and serving its students,” said Ken Chan.
Mr. Chan will assume the role of CAO of Victoria University on July 1, 2023, with a transition starting on June 5, 2023.
About Victoria University in The University of Toronto
Victoria University, federated with The University of Toronto, was founded in 1836 and is one of the oldest universities in Canada. As a recognized leader in undergraduate education in the arts and sciences and in graduate education in theology, Victoria University creates an environment where students discover how to match their distinctive talents to some of the world’s most pressing issues. It is home to two outstanding colleges. Victoria College—with its small class sizes, its distinctive first-year programs and its exceptional students—is recognized as one of the most rewarding places in Canada to pursue an undergraduate education. Emmanuel College prepares students from many faiths and backgrounds for leadership roles in religious contexts. The iconic campus is located on the east side of Queen’s Park, south of Bloor Street, in Toronto.
Media Contact:
Sally Szuster, Director, Communications
Victoria University in the University of Toronto
sally.szuster@utoronto.ca
416-262-9308