Mary Anne McMahon of Charlottetown, PEI, has a Bachelor of Business Administration from UPEI and a Bachelor of Laws from Queen’s University. She has over 35 years of experience in tax and administrative law, and corporate governance. She was formerly general counsel to the Canada Revenue Agency, legal counsel to the CRA Board of Management, and a senior associate with EY Law LLP. She is currently Chair of the PEI Community Care Facilities and Nursing Homes Board.

Terms

Mary Anne was first appointed to the Board in 2023, with the term ending on May 31, 2029.

The Honourable Diane Griffin, of Stratford, PEI, is UPEI’s tenth Chancellor. She is also the chair of Health PEI. She represented PEI in the Senate of Canada from 2016 until 2022, and has served on and chaired many local, regional and national boards and committees over an extended career. She has worked at all three levels of government, serving as a town councillor for the Town of Stratford and as deputy minister for the provincial department of Fisheries and Environment. Diane is a recipient of the Governor General’s Conservation Award and the Order of PEI. She is a graduate of UPEI (BEd 1973), Saint Dunstan’s University (BSc 1969), and received an honorary Doctor of Laws from UPEI in 2013.

Terms

Diane was first appointed to the Board as Chancellor in 2024 for a four-year term ending June 30, 2028.

Dr. Wendy Rodgers began her appointment as the University of Prince Edward Island’s seventh President and Vice-Chancellor on June 1, 2024. She earned her BA from York University, MA from Western University and PhD in Kinesiology from the University of Waterloo. Dr. Rodgers is a high-achieving researcher with an extensive publication and funding record. She has a long history of administrative and governance roles. Dr. Rodgers most recently served as Vice-President Academic and Provost at the University of Northern British Columbia. Prior to that appointment, she served in several roles at the University of Alberta, including seven years as Deputy Provost. A respected leader in post-secondary education, Dr. Rodgers has a deep commitment to EDI and Indigenization in the post-secondary sector.

Terms

Wendy was first appointed to the Board as President of UPEI in 2024, serving until the end of the presidential term.

Clare has a Bachelor of Arts from UPEI (1976) and graduate degrees in Finance and Personal Financial Planning from Bentley University. Her career began in public accounting where she was a partner in a regional firm with a focus on construction and financial planning. She served as CFO for a real estate development and investment company where she founded their family office. Clare consults in Family Office administration and reporting. She has served as an Adjunct Professor in Accounting and Finance in several universities, including Bridgewater State University and Providence College. Clare has served on several not-for-profit boards and continues to serve in local organizations. She lives in Hope River with her husband Martin (UPEI 1973, 1975) and looks forward to visits with her two daughters and grandchildren.

Terms

Clare was first appointed to the Board in 2026, with the term ending on May 31, 2028.

Alex MacBeath, of Murray Harbour, PEI, holds a BSc from UPEI, an MBA from Dalhousie University, and the ICD.D designation through the Rotman School of Management. He has completed executive programs at Harvard Business School, University of Oxford, and Kellogg School of Management. He is a Fellow of the Canadian Institute of Chartered Accountants (CPA Canada) and a member of the Ontario and PEI bodies. Alex was an executive partner and CEO of Grant Thornton LLP and subsequently the company’s Global Leader, Markets and Regional Leader, Asia Pacific. He is Founder and Managing Partner of Island Capital Partners and CEO of Athol Barra Inc. He is past chair of the Wallace McCain Institute and Health PEI.

Terms

Alex was first appointed to the Board in 2018 and reappointed in 2021 and 2024 for a third term ending October 7, 2027.

Donald K. MacKenzie, KC, of Stratford, PEI, has a Bachelor of Science (Biology) from UPEI and a Bachelor of Laws from Dalhousie Law School. He spent 15 years in private practice, focusing primarily on litigation matters. For the past 17 years, he has worked for the PEI Mi’kmaq First Nations, including roles as Executive Director and Director of Intergovernmental Affairs for the Mi’kmaq Confederacy of PEI, and now as Legal Counsel for L’nuey (the PEI Mi’kmaq Rights Initiative). He has served on several boards, including the Canadian Bar Association, Charlottetown Harbour Authority Inc., UPEI Sports Hall of Fame, and Federation of Law Societies of Canada. He has undertaken extensive volunteer work, both inside and outside of the legal profession. 

Terms

Don was first appointed to the Board in 2023, with the term ending on November 21, 2026.

Pam Montgomery of Stanley Bridge, Queens County, PEI, holds an Executive Master of Business Administration from UPEI and currently works as the Chief Executive Officer of Habitat for Humanity. She has numerous years of experience in strategic planning and execution, financial and administrative management, and fundraising and serves on a number of boards including the Charlottetown Airport Authority.

Terms

Pam was first appointed to the Board in 2023, with the term ending on May 31, 2029.

Brian Thompson holds a BBA from UPEI and MBA from Western University. Brian held senior roles in the public and private sectors, capping his career as an executive with Vector Aerospace/StandardAero as the president of the largest division, and then as Senior Vice President, Commercial, of the parent company. Brian’s responsibilities in both roles were global. He has served on the UPEI President’s External Advisory Committee and on the McDougall Faculty of Business Advisory Council. Brian has served on the boards of several important organizations on PEI, including the Queen Elizabeth Hospital Foundation, Innovation PEI, and Maritime Electric Limited. 

Terms

Brian was first appointed to the Board in 2018 and reappointed in 2021 and 2024 for a third term ending May 31, 2027.

Brian Affouan is the Communications and Membership Specialist at the Canadian Marine Careers Foundation (CMCF), where he leads national outreach initiatives that connect industry, education, and government to promote careers in Canada’s marine sector. He currently serves on the UPEI Alumni Association Board of Directors and is actively involved in building connections within the university’s alumni network. Originally from Mauritius, Brian moved to Prince Edward Island in 2018 and earned his degree from UPEI, where he also served as President and CEO of the UPEI Student Union. He also served on UPEI’s EDI Steering Committee, contributing to the university’s first Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Strategy.

Terms

Brian was first appointed to the Board in 2025, with the term ending on June 2, 2027.

Karen Creighan is the owner of Main Street Pharmasave, a retail pharmacy located in Souris, PEI.  She holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Ottawa and a Certificate in Public Administration from UPEI, and is a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA, CMA). She completed the Rotman School of Management’s Director Education Program and holds the ICD.D designation. She has served on several other boards including Maritime Electric Company, Ltd., Pharmasave Drugs (Atlantic) Ltd., (Chair), Pharmasave Drugs (National) Ltd., and the Queen Elizabeth Hospital Foundation. Currently, Karen sits on the Workers Compensation Board of PEI.

Terms

Karen was first appointed to the Board in 2023, with the term ending on May 31, 2029.

Alan Duncan is a retired executive and educator with extensive international experience in finance, pensions, and higher education. A Bachelor of Commerce graduate of the University of Otago, New Zealand, and a CPA, he held senior leadership roles with Fidelity Investments, INVESCO UK, and served as the founding Chief Operating Officer of the UK Pension Protection Fund. Returning to Canada, he taught business at Mount Allison University and the University of Prince Edward Island, later serving as Dean of Business at UPEI. Alan has also contributed extensively to community organizations through board and treasurer roles in Canada and Bermuda. He is married to Linda and has a married daughter in the USA.

Terms 

Alan was first appointed to the Board in 2026, with the term ending on May 31, 2029.

Dr. Gary Evans, who is of Wolastoqiyik heritage, is a professor in the McDougall Faculty of Business. He served as interim Dean of the Faculty of Indigenous Knowledge, Education, Research, and Applied Studies from 2021–2023. He is a graduate of Sheridan College (Dip. CS), the University of Windsor (BA, BComm, MBA), and Liverpool John Moores University (PhD). Before embarking on an academic career, he held the positions of Senior Partner and CEO for KPMG Consulting for Central Eastern Europe and Partner in Charge of Chemicals, Pharmaceuticals and Energy for KPMG’s London, UK office. With his past experience in a professional firm, Dr. Evans spends substantial time advising corporate boards and the executive management of major international corporations.

Terms

Gary was first appointed to the Board in 2024, with the term ending on May 31, 2027.

Dr. Alexander (Sandy) MacDonald became the President and CEO of Holland College in January 2019. He previously served in the roles of Vice President of Academic and Applied Research at Holland College (2015–2018), Deputy Minister of Education and Early Childhood Development (2010–2015), and Deputy Minister of Workforce and Advanced Learning in 2015. Dr. MacDonald holds a PhD in Educational and Counseling Psychology from McGill University. He has contributed to the development of innovative educational policy and administrative excellence provincially, nationally, and internationally. He is also active in numerous organizations including the Holland College Board of Governors, Atlantic Colleges Atlantique, PEI BioAlliance, and Innovation PEI.

Terms

Alexander was first appointed to the Board as President of Holland College in 2019, serving until the end of the presidential term.

Kevin Magee is the Chief Security Officer for Microsoft Canada. He holds a BA from Brock University, an MA from the University of Guelph and an ICD.D with the Institute of Corporate Directors. In addition to his role as a Governor at UPEI, Kevin serves as a Trustee at Brock University, an Entrepreneur in Residence for the Rogers Cybersecurity Catalyst at Toronto Metropolitan University, Member of the University of Guelph’s Master of Cybersecurity and Threat Intelligence Advisory Board, George Brown College’s Cyber Security Program Advisory Council and the Royal Canadian Military Institute. He has also previously served as an Entrepreneur in Residence for Laurier University and advisor for Communitech and MaRS.

Terms

Kevin was first appointed to the Board in 2024, with the term ending on May 31, 2027.

Chad has thirty-five years of experience in the construction and food processing industries on Prince Edward Island. A graduate of University of New Brunswick Business Administration program with major in accounting. A proud Islander with career built on growing PEI businesses serving local, national, and international markets. A strong promoter of community, Chad is a member of the Summerside Rotary Club, past Board member at the Charlottetown Chamber of Commerce and past chair of DPAC Atlantic (Dairy Processors Association Canada). Chad launched his own business in August 2025 which provides business advisory services to PEI based organizations. Chad and his wife Julie reside in Summerside and have three grown children.

Terms

Chad was first appointed to the Board in 2026, with the term ending on May 31, 2029.

Dr. Kathy Martin of Stanhope, PEI, is Professor of Wildlife Ecology at the University of British Columbia and Research Scientist (Emerita) with Environment Canada. Since 1980, she conducted research on forest and mountain wildlife ecology and how species persist with climate change in the Americas. Kathy served as President of the American Ornithological Society and the Society of Canadian Ornithologists. She has received multiple awards for contributions to Ornithology, including an LLD (UPEI 2023). Since Kathy returned to PEI, she became involved in conservation and nature-based activities, currently serving on the Boards of Island Nature Trust and Glenaladale Heritage Trust.  

Terms

Kathy was first appointed to the Board in 2026, with the term ending on May 31, 2029.

Dr. John McIntyre is Associate Professor and Chair of the English Department at UPEI. His research is focused on 20th century literature and culture. He is the co-author of Modernism and the Anthropocene and Rereading the New Criticism and numerous academic articles on James Joyce, Virginia Woolf, Joseph Conrad, and other modernist writers. He holds a BA (Honours) from Simon Fraser University and a PhD from McGill. Over the course of a 30-year career, he has taught courses on environmental literature, science fiction, critical theory, and the literature of trauma. He is currently a member of the UPEI Senate and serves on numerous educational-related boards.

Terms

John was first appointed to the Board in 2025, with the term ending on June 30, 2028.

Dr. William Montelpare is a professor and the Margaret and Wallace McCain Chair in Human Development and Health at UPEI. His more than 37-year academic career includes teaching graduate and undergraduate courses in health, human physiology, research methods and design, biostatistics and epidemiology, beginning at Brock University, Lakehead University, the University of Leeds, and now UPEI. Through teaching, research, and community service, he has gained tremendous experience working with diverse colleagues from around the world in multiple areas of health care and specifically research and analyses associated with projects across the spectrum from business, social sciences, physical sciences, and health science to arts and culture.

Terms

William was first appointed to the Board in 2022, with the term ending on June 30, 2026.

Amy Montesdeoca is a fourth-year BBA, International Business student serving as the President of the UPEI Student Union for the 2026–2027 academic year. Dedicated to student advocacy and transparency, Amy leads and champions the student body. Nationally and internationally focused, she completed an academic English/Business certification in Tarrytown, New York, excels in strategic management case competitions, and represents UPEI within the Canadian Alliance of Student Associations for Federal Advocacy. Amy balances her leadership with robust community roots, drawing from extensive local volunteer experiences and past campus roles within the International Student Office and Student Affairs.

Terms 

Amy was first appointed to the Board in 2026, with the term ending on April 30, 2027.

Dr. Richard Raiswell is Professor and Chair of History at the University of Prince Edward Island and Research Associate at University of New Brunswick. His research is concerned with questions about the construction and assimilation of knowledge in the late medieval and early modern periods in the fields of law, evidence, demonology and geography. He is co-editor of five books, including The Routledge History of the Devil, a collection of hitherto untranslated medieval texts entitled The Medieval Devil: A Reader, and the author of more than 65 articles. He was a member of the UPEI Senate for seven years and currently serves on numerous other UPEI committees.

Terms 

Richard was first appointed to the Board in 2025, with the term ending in September 2028.

Raised in West Royalty, PEI, Dr. Ajay Sahajpal has a Bachelor of Science in Biology from UPEI (Class of 1997). He is a multiorgan transplant and hepatobiliary surgeon with Advocate Health in Milwaukee/Chicago.  He holds various professional leadership and board appointments within the organization. He is a Presidential Leadership Scholar and passionate about serving his community, particularly around underserved populations and access to education and health equity.

Terms

Ajay was first appointed to the Board in 2023, with the term ending on November 21, 2026.

Alissa Sonomura Cyrino is a fourth-year psychology student and the elected VP External of the UPEI Student Union for the 2026–2027 academic year. She has contributed to multiple projects within and outside the university in leadership roles and has been awarded twice for her contributions. In addition, she worked extensively across multiple roles, departments, and faculties for over two years, including as a Student Assistant in the Recruitment and International Student Office. Alissa is also representing UPEI as a delegate in the Canadian Alliance of Students Associations for Federal Advocacy. She is committed to representing the students' best interests.

Terms 

Alissa was first appointed to the Board in 2026, with the term ending on April 30, 2027.

Raised in Grand Valley, Ontario, Kate holds a Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of Prince Edward Island. She lives in Ottawa where she spent over a decade in federal politics, most recently as the Director of Tour and International Visits for two Prime Ministers. Her career has taken her to fourteen countries on five different continents, two conflict zones, and every province and territory in Canada. She currently serves on the UPEI Alumni Association Board of Directors.

Terms

Kate was first appointed to the Board in 2025, with the term ending on May 31, 2029.