Announcements
Humber Names Chris Whitaker New President and CEO
View the Media Release
Will succeed John Davies on July 1, 2012
April 12, 2012
To the Humber and Guelph-Humber Community:
On behalf of the Board of Governors of the College I am delighted to announce that the Presidential Succession Committee and the Board unanimously approved the recommendation to appoint Dr. Christopher L.G. Whitaker, current President & CEO at St. Lawrence College, to the position of President to take effect upon John B. Davies’ retirement in July of this year.
Chris brings to the role a very strong academic background as well as a wealth of senior administrative experience. He holds a Ph.D. from University of Toronto, Ontario Institute for Studies in Education, an MA from York University and a Bachelor’s degree from Queen’s University.
Chris has been working in the Ontario postsecondary landscape for nearly twenty-five years and has worked in a variety of progressively senior roles. Prior to his appointment as President & CEO of St. Lawrence College, he was Vice-President, Academic and Dean, School of Business. Chris also has a unique perspective working closely with college support staff, as well as being part of faculty. As President, Chris managed a successful financial turn-around for the institution and established a foundation for long-term sustainability, developed strategic enrolment management strategy and academic plans in support of access and learner needs. Chris has also negotiated with the government to access capital investment in support of campus development and academic programs. As a “first generation” member of his family to go on to higher education, he has a strong interest and passion for higher education, its students and their success.
Chris is married to Vicki, herself a very successful teacher who has also enjoyed a distinguished career in the Ontario education system. He is also the proud father of three children.
As background to this recommendation, I thought it would be appropriate to provide some insight as to how the Presidential Succession Committee and the Board arrived at this decision.
The Committee has been meeting on a regular basis since the fall of 2011. During this time significant effort has been undertaken to clearly understand the needs of the College, both at the present and for the next 5 – 7 years. It was apparent that the College, as a result of the strong legacy of extraordinary leadership, is in an excellent position and that continuity, as opposed to significant change, would be the key to the ongoing success of the institution. To achieve this objective, insight into the operation of, and challenges to, the College, knowledge of its faculty, staff, and student body would be an important asset in ensuring continuity and growth.
The committee conducted a comprehensive search campaign to identify potential candidates and after careful review it was determined that the strengths that Chris could bring to the role and his knowledge of the Ontario College system, would be a significant asset and ensure a smooth leadership transition. These factors all contributed to the decision that he is the ideal candidate to assume this leadership role.
I know you will join me in congratulating our new President on his appointment and provide Chris with your support as he transitions into his new role.
Yours truly,
Joan Homer
Chair
Board of Governors
Humber College Institute of Technology & Advanced Learning
February 27, 2012
We are happy to provide you with an update regarding the Presidential Search. First round interviews have been scheduled. We have an excellent slate of candidates that our Succession Committee will be interviewing on March 5th and 6th. As the process unfolds we will continue to update the Humber community.
September 2011
We are fortunate to have a highly skilled and well respected Board of Governors who have embraced this opportunity to help select Humber's new leader. The Board has formed a succession committee comprised of existing Board Members, past Chairs and retired Governors. The Committee has met on a number of occasions and will continue to do so with increased frequency until a shortlist of appropriate candidates is identified.
Message from the Chair
Message from Joan Homer, Chair, Board of Governors
After 44 years of an extremely satisfying and rewarding career in public education, John Davies has announced his intention to retire at the end of June 2012. As President, John has provided exceptional leadership in guiding the college through an extraordinary period of growth while maintaining our vision of “excellence in polytechnic education.”
The Humber Presidential Succession Committee has been formed to conduct a comprehensive search campaign to identify and attract top candidates. Although elements of the search must remain confidential, we will update you on our general progress as we move forward. Accordingly, this website has been created as an interactive medium to reach out to all constituents for thoughts and comments regarding the search for Humber’s new President. Updates will be shared on this website.
Your Feedback
Please take time to browse through the Presidential Candidate Search website and use this form to offer your feedback, comments or suggestions regarding the information. Responses will be kept confidential. This site has been designed to be informative, detailed, and up-to-date on all issues related to the search.