Kwantlen Polytechnic University is welcoming Ivy Chen as the newly-acclaimed chair of KPU’s Board of Governors.
Chen succeeds Michael McAdam, who served in the role for the past year.
“I am honoured to have this opportunity to serve as the board chair to contribute to KPU’s strategic planning and stewardship,” says Chen. “Looking forward, we are excited to contribute to the B.C. educational community by helping British Columbians access higher education and skills training as a path to personal enrichment, opportunity and equity during these dynamic times.
“As well, we would like to bid Michael McAdam farewell, and thank him for his contribution to KPU over his six-year term as an appointed board member.”
Chen, who was appointed to the board in 2020 and previously served as vice-chair, is a chartered professional accountant with a bachelor of commerce degree. She has extensive financial and management experience working with business leaders in the industries of consumer-packaged-goods manufacturing and construction. Most recently, Chen served as vice-president of finance and administration for FG Deli Group and Freybe Gourmet Foods.
The board also welcomed Michael Chang as its newest member. Chang is a business advisor who began his two-year term June 9. He worked as a senior associate for Grant Thornton LLP, delivering services to both public and private organizations across Canada, including consulting, corporate finance, risk advisory and restructuring.
Chang holds a bachelor of business administration degree in accounting from KPU’s Melville School of Business and is a member of the Chartered Professional Accountants of B.C. He served on the KPU Alumni Association board from 2017 to 2021.
Moving into the role of vice-chair is current board member Rhiannon Bennett. Bennett is Musqueam and has worked with children, youth and families for over 20 years in a variety of roles. She is co-founder of Hummingbirds Rising Consulting, offering services to students, educators and policy makers learning about decolonization and reconciliation.
“Their experience and expertise will provide valuable knowledge and diversity to assist the board in fulfilling its responsibilities and generating innovative ideas as we move forward,” says Chen.
Returning to the board is Muhammad Afzal Malik for a one-year term, along with Amos Kambere, who was reappointed for a two-year term.
In September, two elected student members — Ishant Goyal and Harman Preet Singh — will join the board to serve one-year terms.
Visit the KPU Board of Governors web page for more information about the board and its membership.