Janet Ecker

A leader in Toronto’s real estate industry, Anna Kennedy says her four-decade career of organization-building has laid the foundation for her new role as chair of the University of Toronto’s Governing Council.

From 2011 to 2022, Kennedy was chief financial officer and chief operating officer of KingSett Capital, one of Canada’s leading real estate private equity firms. Prior to that, she enjoyed a 25-year tenure at Oxford Properties Group, progressing to the role of executive vice-president and chief financial officer.

She is board director and chair of the audit committee of the C.D. Howe Institute, a board member of Jona Capital and an advisory board member of the KingSett Canadian Real Estate Income Fund. This builds on her previous board experience at organizations such as Tricon Capital Group, REALPAC, Toronto CREW and Women’s Habitat of Etobicoke and her executive leadership at the Canadian Diabetes Association.

Kennedy will draw on this experience as she prepares for her role overseeing governance at the university. “�鶹ֱ��app is a huge contributor to the economic growth and development of the City of Toronto," Kennedy says. “It is personally very rewarding for me to be able to contribute to this city building through my work on the Governing Council.”

Appointed to Governing Council in 2019, Kennedy began her term as chair of �鶹ֱ��app’s governance body on July 1. She takes over from Janet Ecker, with whom she served as vice-chair during the 2022-2023 academic year.

Sandra Hanington, former president of the Royal Canadian Mint who has previous experience in the financial services sector and co-founded a youth mental health charity, was elected to serve as vice-chair. She was first appointed to Governing Council in 2020.

Janet Ecker (supplied image)

Ecker says it’s been an honour to be part of an institution that “values the old and the new.” She notes that her term coincided with the 50th anniversary of �鶹ֱ��app’s unicameral governance model – a model that ensures financial decisions support the university’s academic mission and vice versa.

Ecker says she’s confident that Kennedy and Hanington will continue �鶹ֱ��app’s track record of sound financial stewardship as Ontario universities face a challenging economic landscape.

“Despite the fact that �鶹ֱ��app is in very strong financial shape, the challenges that are coming at the university sector are going to be significant,” Ecker says.

“I think having Anna's business background and financial acumen – and Sandra’s as well – is going to be very helpful in working … to make sure that �鶹ֱ��app can continue to provide the incredible quality of education that is routinely recognized in international rankings.”

Kennedy, for her part, says she’s grateful to have worked alongside and learned from Ecker as she readies herself for serving as Chair of the Governing Council – a role that involves presiding over council and other meetings and providing executive oversight.

“It’s a pleasure to contribute to an institution with such a strong culture of achieving excellence through collegiality and collaboration while focused on broad inclusive excellence, fairness and respect,” she says.

“The university’s success in its equity, diversity and inclusion initiatives is truly inspiring. Diversity of thought and opinions lead to richer discussions, stronger decisions and better outcomes.”

Kennedy adds that she’s impressed by �鶹ֱ��app’s “student-focused emphasis” on achieving excellence through innovative course delivery, experiential learning, mental health supports, robust financial aid and the ongoing support provided by the university’s extensive network of alumni around the globe.

She also commends �鶹ֱ��app President Meric Gertler’s “exemplary” leadership of a 196-year-old institution – including his work shepherding �鶹ֱ��app’s Defy Gravity campaign, which she says will help ensure �鶹ֱ��app can continue to invest in the student experience, leading research and other bold initiatives.

“It is an honour and a privilege to contribute to, and lead governance oversight, at the University of Toronto,” she says. “It is a first-rate university focused on excellence in teaching, research, and innovation in partnership with so many leading international institutions, advancing the reputation of Toronto and Canada globally.”

How �鶹ֱ��app’s 'secret sauce' governance model set it up for five decades of success

Christopher.Sorensen — Mon, 14 Nov 2022 20:26:54 +0000

How �鶹ֱ��app’s 'secret sauce' governance model set it up for five decades of success

Christopher.Sorensen Mon, 11/14/2022 - 15:26

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Clockwise from top left: Richard Nunn, Mary Anne Chambers, Annamarie Castrilli, Judy Goldring, Brian Lawson, Tom Simpson, Claire Kennedy, Anna Kennedy, Rose Patten, Janet Ecker, Wendy Cecil, Alice Dong and Jane Pepino (photo by Lisa Sakulensky)

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Along with its partner hospitals, the University of Toronto is world renowned for its many well-publicized innovations and achievements, from insulin, stem cells and deep learning to revelations about Stalinist Russia and medieval poets.

Yet, the most important innovation in its 195-year-old history may well be one the public rarely sees: an unusual – and unusually effective – system of governance.

The university adopted a unicameral model 50 years ago in a bid to ensure business decisions supported its academic mission and vice versa. The mutually reinforcing system, known as Governing Council, has gone on to play a key role in enabling �鶹ֱ��app to attract top scholars and researchers, as well as the necessary funding to support their work – all of which has contributed to the university’s consistently high international ranking and enviable credit rating.

�鶹ֱ��app was the first – and, for many years, the only – Canadian university to use this model.

“I think it is fair to say that our unicameral system of governance deserves a good deal of credit for the University of Toronto’s extraordinary success,” �鶹ֱ��app President Meric Gertler said at a recent event celebrating Governing Council’s 50^th year in operation.

�鶹ֱ��app President Meric Gertler (photo by Polina Teif)

The final oversight body in �鶹ֱ��app’s governance system – supported by a number of boards, councils and committees – Governing Council has the last word on literally thousands of critical decisions at the university. It comprises 50 volunteers (known as governors) representing what are often referred to as the five estates – faculty, students, staff, alumni and community members appointed by the Ontario government.

It wasn’t always this way.

Until 1972, �鶹ֱ��app’s governance was based on a bicameral model made up of two groups. One was the Board of Governors, composed mostly of people from outside �鶹ֱ��app who were charged with oversight of the strategic direction of the university and matters such as revenue, control of property and business and operational decisions. The other group was the Senate, which included mostly academic leaders, including deans and departmental chairs, and was responsible for the university’s academic mission, strategy, educational policy and programming.

In the early 1960s, Claude Bissell, then �鶹ֱ��app’s president, saw a problem with this approach, calling it “double innocence.” As �鶹ֱ��app Law University Professor Martin Friedland noted in his book, The University of Toronto: A History, “academic decisions were being made by the senate without their financial implications being known, and financial decisions were being made by the board without their academic effects known.”

Governing Council Chair Janet Ecker (photo by Polina Teif)

After almost a decade of discussion and debate (which included involvement from student leaders, including Bob Rae (a future premier of Ontario and a future governor), the model was adopted when the �鶹ֱ��app Act was approved in 1972 by Ontario Premier William Davis. Today, current Governing Council Chair (and former Government of Ontario minister) Janet Ecker says it is an achievement to celebrate.

“We have made it to 50 years, and not only do we have rules and traditions, but we have a very strong culture of collegial governance – and we continue to build on that tradition,” she said at an anniversary event held Oct. 27.

Bringing the former two governing bodies into one “created a focal point for governance decisions,” says Jack Dimond, who was secretary of Governing Council from 1981 to 1999.

He adds that the model also places an emphasis on accountability.

“The unicameral model established a high level of transparency,” he said.

Current Secretary Sheree Drummond agrees. “The unicameral model has done what it was designed to do: bring the perspectives from all five estates into one body. With this model, anything that happens at the University of Toronto that makes its way through governance is always seen through the lens of the academic mission.

“We really do think that it is the secret sauce on being able to get our governance right.”

Drummond and her team are currently in the early planning stages of a symposium on �鶹ֱ��app governance to be held in the spring of 2023.

�鶹ֱ��app Chancellor Rose Patten speaks at a recent event celebrating 50 years of Governing Council (photo by Lisa Sakulensky)

Chancellor Rose Patten, an executive in the financial sector for many years, noted at the Oct. 27 event that the unicameral model continues to work well at a time when corporate and organizational accountability is receiving more scrutiny than ever before.

“In our world today, many crucial institutions are suffering a crisis of trust,” she said. “Truth and transparency are being questioned. In contrast, through our profound commitment to principles, values and inclusive excellence, the University of Toronto offers a source of credibility, confidence and hope.

“This is more relevant than ever in this time of social polarization, economic turbulence and geopolitical upheaval.”

Patten – who served on Governing Council as a lieutenant governor in council member, and was vice-chair, and then chair – praised the work commitment of governors.

“The past 50 years of governance at �鶹ֱ��app demonstrate the impact of wise and steady leadership. It makes a difference. You make a difference, for the better.”

See a list of Governing Council’s chairs and vice-chairs throughout history

Janet Ecker takes over from Brian Lawson as chair of �鶹ֱ��app’s Governing Council

Christopher.Sorensen — Mon, 18 Jul 2022 16:12:57 +0000

Janet Ecker takes over from Brian Lawson as chair of �鶹ֱ��app’s Governing Council

Christopher.Sorensen Mon, 07/18/2022 - 12:12

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Janet Ecker assumed the role of chair of �鶹ֱ��app’s governance body on July 1 for a one-year term. She succeeds Brian D. Lawson, with whom she served as vice-chair during the 2021-2022 academic year (photo courtesy of Governing Council)

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Janet Ecker knows her way around large institutions – she served as finance minister and education minister in the Ontario government; was founding CEO of the Toronto Financial Services Alliance; and established the Global Risk Institute, which fosters thought leadership on risk management for the financial industry.

But she said her time with the University of Toronto’s Governing Council has been as rewarding as any of her endeavors.

“I’ve always believed that education is one of the great levelers in our society,” she said. “Educating our young people and giving them the tools they need to succeed in whatever career they choose – and hopefully be good, productive citizens – is one of those important tasks that government and society have to get right.”

Brian Lawson (photo by Lisa Sakulensky)

Ecker, who was first appointed to Governing Council in 2015, took over as chair of �鶹ֱ��app’s governance body on July 1 for a one-year term. She succeeds Brian D. Lawson, with whom she served as vice-chair during the 2021-2022 academic year. Anna Kennedy, who formerly chaired the council’s business board, will serve as vice-chair for the next 12 months.

“I’m honoured and humbled to have been chosen and to have the support from council to do this,” Ecker said of her new role. “I look forward to working with my colleagues, President Meric Gertler and all the good people who are around that council and doing incredible work.”

Ecker’s term as chair comes as �鶹ֱ��app marks the 50^th anniversary of Governing Council. �鶹ֱ��app initially had a bicameral model comprising a senate and a board of governors, similar to other Canadian universities. As of July 1972, the university moved to a unicameral model, whereby Governing Council was tasked with overseeing the university’s academic, business and student affairs.

For Ecker, �鶹ֱ��app’s governance model is cause for marvel.

“I’ve always been interested in complex organizations that have one foot in the public sector and one foot in the private sector, as �鶹ֱ��app does,” Ecker said. “It makes it a very complex environment from a management and governance perspective.

“The governance structure of �鶹ֱ��app is quite different – we have the Governing Council and its boards, campus councils and committees. On the surface you would think, ‘How on Earth could something this big and complex work?’ But it does work, and very well.”

President Gertler congratulated Ecker on her election as chair.

“From her service in government to her leadership in the financial sector and contributions to so many non-profits and advisory committees – including the University Pension Plan Board of Trustees – Janet Ecker has an incredible track record of leadership and achievement,” he said.

“It is only fitting that we should usher in the 50^th year of �鶹ֱ��app’s Governing Council by welcoming as chair someone with such an outstanding history of public service and advocacy for the education sector.”

President Gertler also hailed outgoing chair Lawson for his contributions to �鶹ֱ��app’s governance during his final Governing Council meeting on June 29.

“Let me say for the record that your contributions to the University of Toronto have been exemplary,” President Gertler said. “You combine calm professionalism, expertise, and sound judgment with a wonderful personal warmth and sense of humour.

“Your advice and leadership in this challenging year have been extraordinary … You ensured the health and integrity of our governance and confidence in our processes, despite some challenging circumstances [due to the global pandemic].”

He also announced that �鶹ֱ��app will establish an award in honour of Lawson’s distinguished service – the Brian Lawson Nutrition Award, which will go to a medical student with a strong desire to incorporate nutrition for disease prevention and management into clinical practice.

An alumnus of �鶹ֱ��app’s Trinity College, Lawson is a vice-chair of Brookfield Asset Management. He and his wife Joannah are the founding sponsors of the Lawson Centre for Child Nutrition at the Temerty Faculty of Medicine, and helped establish the Lawson Centre for Sustainability at Trinity College, which is scheduled to open in fall 2024.

Lawson was appointed to Governing Council in 2014 and served as chair during 2021-2022. He says his longstanding involvement with his alma mater has brought him tremendous fulfilment.

“My university experience was both foundational and formational for me. I learned a tremendous amount and developed great friendships and experiences,” said Lawson. “Getting involved really came from a recognition of the number of ways in which �鶹ֱ��app enabled me and my family to achieve our goals and aspirations as we went through our lives.”

Lawson is also a co-chair of Defy Gravity, �鶹ֱ��app’s ambitious fundraising and alumni engagement campaign. He says he hopes the campaign will grow and strengthen �鶹ֱ��app’s commitment to inclusive excellence.

“To be able to provide inclusive access to education to so many students in Toronto and internationally – and to be able to do that at such a high-ranked university and an institution of this caliber – is something that’s phenomenally important for Toronto, Canada and the world,” Lawson said. “To me, that’s one of the overarching and fundamental key objectives of �鶹ֱ��app and Defy Gravity.”

Lawson says a highlight of his term as chair was seeing President Gertler agree to extend his term as president to 2025.

“Meric has been a stellar leader. Knowing that the university is going to benefit from his continued leadership for the next three years is one of the major events of the past governing cycle,” Lawson said. “Having the opportunity to work with Meric and his team was definitely one of the most enjoyable and inspirational aspects of the role.”

Lawson also threw his support behind his successor as chair of Governing Council.

“Janet has already made tremendous contributions to Governing Council over the years, and she’s been involved in many leadership roles in public service and many important institutions,” Lawson said. “She brings a remarkable breadth of experience and insight in a number of areas that will be really important to the continued success of �鶹ֱ��app going forward.”

For her part, Ecker credited Lawson with helping to foster closer relationships with government, strengthening �鶹ֱ��app’s risk management processes and bringing his financial expertise to bear on the management of �鶹ֱ��app’s capital expenditure.

“One of the things I don’t think a lot of people appreciate is just how strong �鶹ֱ��app’s balance sheet really is. �鶹ֱ��app has been financially very well-managed,” said Ecker. “Brian’s leadership has helped management continue to strengthen along those lines. He accomplished a lot and had a steady hand on the till.”

Ecker takes over the chair position as �鶹ֱ��app emerges from the worst of the COVID-19 pandemic, a period that she says has shown the important role the university plays in shaping the response to pressing challenges. “�鶹ֱ��app experts and researchers were right in the thick of it, helping the health-care system and government deal with a once-in-a-lifetime event,” she said.

Ecker added that she is heartened by �鶹ֱ��app’s efforts at fostering equity, diversity and inclusion across the three campuses. It’s a matter that’s close to her heart since she was the first woman to deliver a budget in Ontario and is a co-founder of Equal Voice, a national, multi-partisan organization that works to get more women elected.

“Whether it’s governance or management, diversity of perspectives is really valuable. That includes certainly gender diversity, but also people from different walks of life, different communities and diverse backgrounds,” Ecker said. “We all have different ways of thinking and coming at issues – and that’s a strength, not a weakness. We need to tap into that.

“I’m hoping that I can contribute to that in some small way and continue what �鶹ֱ��app is trying to do in that regard.”