December 12, 2013
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
“In succession planning, nothing succeeds like another helping of success, so it gives me great pleasure to announce that Marcel Lauzière will succeed Angie Killoran as Executive Director when she retires from the Foundation in April 2014,” Jonathan Wood, President of The Lawson Foundation Board announced today. “We believe that Marcel’s breadth of experience and his bold vision will help guide our family foundation in the years to come.”
Currently President and CEO of Imagine Canada, Mr. Lauzière comes to The Lawson Foundation prepared to continue strengthening its role as a leader in the Canadian philanthropic landscape and beyond. “Although our Foundation’s roots are in Oakville and London, Ontario, we have a pan-Canadian focus and support charities from coast to coast to coast,” Mr. Wood said. “During Angie’s 13-year tenure, the stewardship of the Foundation passed from the 3rd generation Lawson descendants to the 4th generation, the asset base doubled, program areas have become more strategic, annual grants have surpassed $4.5 million, and the staff team grew from two to five dedicated professionals. The Foundation has benefitted from Angie’s leadership, acumen and collaboration skills that will define her legacy. Marcel will work with the Board and staff to build on past successes, lead the Foundation into its 7th decade and ensure its effectiveness in a complex and rapidly changing world.”
Mr. Lauzière has worked in the non-profit sector as well as in government both here in Canada and abroad for more than 25 years. Prior to his appointment to Imagine Canada, he served as New Zealand’s Deputy Chief Executive of the Ministry of Social Development. He has also served as President of the Canadian Council on Social Development, as Special Advisor to the President of the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada, and as Founding Executive Director of the Canadian Federation for the Humanities and Social Sciences. Throughout his celebrated career, Marcel has been an active volunteer and has served on numerous boards and advisory committees here and around the world. In recognition of his significant contributions to philanthropy in Canada, Marcel was awarded the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal in 2012. He has a Masters degree in Canadian Social History from the University of Ottawa.
Mr. Lauzière will become Executive Director of The Lawson Foundation, effective April 25, 2014.
Established in 1956 by the Honourable Ray Lawson, a successful businessman and former Lieutenant Governor of Ontario, The Lawson Foundation has awarded more than $86 million in grants to enrich the quality of life in Canada.
Marcel Lauzière