David Lindsay Begins Term as New President and CEO of the Council of Ontario Universities

TORONTO, Jan. 14, 2016 /CNW/ - The Council of Ontario Universities (COU) welcomes as its new President and CEO David Lindsay, who brings a wealth of public policy experience and a proven track record in the leadership of public sector organizations to his new role.

"We are delighted to welcome David to his new position at the helm of COU," says Patrick Deane, Chair of COU and President of McMaster University. "His public policy and postsecondary education experience, as well as his leadership skills, position him perfectly to lead the next phase of COU's work. The future of COU and the future of Ontario's universities are in great hands."

Lindsay was most recently the President of the Forest Products Association of Canada. He has held deputy minister roles in the Ontario Ministries of Energy and Infrastructure; Northern Development, Mines and Forestry; Natural Resources; and Tourism and Culture. He also led the Ontario SuperBuild Corporation and the Ontario Jobs and Investment Board. He served as Chief of Staff and Principal Secretary to the Premier from 1995 to 1997.

Lindsay also has experience in postsecondary education, serving as President of Colleges Ontario for two years.

"I am excited to be part of COU," says Lindsay. "Championing the intrinsic importance and value of what universities do for individuals, communities and the economy, is incredibly important."

"The transformative power of Ontario's universities has a positive impact in countless ways. Every application our universities receive represents the future hopes and dreams of our applicants. I'm looking forward to advancing the contributions of universities for the good of students and their families, the betterment of our economy and for the good of the communities we serve," he says.

Lindsay replaces Bonnie M. Patterson, who served with great distinction as President and CEO for the past six years.

Lindsay earned a Bachelor of Commerce from Queen's University and is currently a Fellow at the Queen's University School of Public Policy.

You can visit the COU website to view Lindsay's statement and video message.

COU is the voice of Ontario's universities, promoting the value of education, research and innovation that leads to social, cultural and economic success.

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SOURCE Council of Ontario Universities

Wendy McCann, Director, Strategic Communications and Media Relations, 416-979-2165 x233, 647-271-0825 (cell), Email Wendy McCann, [email protected]