After an extensive national search, Brock has appointed Yvonne Roussel as its new University Secretary and Associate Vice-President, Governance and Policy.

Roussel — a widely respected, collaborative and strategic university governance executive — will act as senior governance advisor to the Board of Trustees, Senate and senior leadership team.

In her current role as Interim University Secretary at Lakehead University, Roussel is a key member of the Senior Management Team and the corporate secretary to the Board of Governors, the Senate and the Ogimaawin Indigenous Education Council. She is a trusted advisor to the top levels of leadership of the University and is responsible for the co-ordination and implementation of the legislative and operative functions of the University Secretariat office.

While in this role, Roussel developed and implemented the first joint Board, Senate, Ogimaawin Indigenous Education Council Chair training and networking session and initiated a comprehensive policy review that includes a five-year review plan, Policy Governance Framework, and an updated user friendly and AODA compliant policy section on the Lakehead website.

Prior to her time as Interim University Secretary, Roussel held several previous roles in the Lakehead Secretariat, including Associate University Secretary and as Governance Officer for Senate, and the Lakehead Board.

“The hiring committee was impressed with Yvonne’s incredible depth of experience in university governance, coupled with her commitment to anti-racism, truth and reconciliation and equity, diversity and inclusion,” says Lesley Rigg, Brock President and Vice-Chancellor. “Her strong moral compass and ability to sensitively navigate procedures while maintaining accountability will serve Brock well, and I look forward to working with her.

“I also want to extend my thanks to Chabriol Colebatch, General Counsel and AVP Legal, Compliance and Privacy for taking on the responsibilities of University Secretary and providing valuable guidance to the senior leadership team while this search was completed.”

Roussel holds memberships with the Institute of Corporate Directors, the Association of Governing Boards, the National Association of Parliamentarians and the Ontario Association of Parliamentarians, and is past Chair and Vice-Chair of the Council of Ontario University Secretaries.

“I believe that the best strategies and innovative solutions come from bringing communities together through consultation and incorporating ideas from multiple partners,” says Roussel. “Our strengths and our success depend on building trust and collegial relationships. I am excited to learn from the dynamic team at Brock and to do my part in charting a path forward.”

Roussel will begin her role as University Secretary and Associate Vice-President, Governance and Policy on Jan. 1.