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Huron welcomes Arlene Dickinson and Jason Melbourne to Board of Governors and Nadir Patel as Strategic Advisor

Huron
Dec 9 2021

December 9, 2021

LONDON, ON – Huron University is thrilled to welcome two new members of its Board of Governors, and a new Strategic Advisor to the President to assist in furthering the school’s strategic vision.

Arlene Dickinson and Jason Melbourne have been appointed to Huron’s Board of prominent business members and community leaders where they will advise the university on its mission to develop Leaders with Heart. As well, Huron welcomes Nadir Patel, former High Commissioner for Canada to India, as Strategic Advisor to the President.

“Arlene and Jason bring incredible talent and perspective to Huron’s Board of Governors. Nadir’s experience in international governance and diplomacy will be invaluable as we look to expand our global reach,” said Dr. Barry Craig, President of Huron University. “As we work to attract emerging leaders, I know these talented individuals will provide the knowledge and the civic-minded and compassionate viewpoints that will shape our future.”

Arlene Dickinson is a serial entrepreneur and General Partner of District Ventures Capital, a venture capital fund focused on helping market, fund and grow entrepreneurs and their companies, in the food and health space. She is a three-time best-selling author, podcaster and accomplished public speaker, widely recognized for her role as a Dragon/Venture Capitalist for over 12 seasons on the multi-award-winning CBC television series, Dragons Den.

Jason Melbourne has held the position of Global Head of Distribution at Canaccord Genuity since October 2020. Prior to his time at Genuity, he was Director of Sales and Trading at CIBC World Markets from June 2001 to January 2005. Currently, he serves on the Board of Directors at Lay-Up, a youth basketball foundation that strives to empower young people with the confidence and life skills to become the community leaders of tomorrow since 2018.  Most recently, he became a member of the Board of Directors of Restaurant Brands International, one of the world’s largest fast-food companies. RBI represents brands such as Burger King, Popeye’s, and Tim Hortons.

Nadir Patel brings with him a wealth of experience in government and business. He currently serves as Managing Director, Fairfax Consulting Services. Nadir recently served as Canada’s High Commissioner for the Republic of India, with concurrent accreditation as Canada’s Ambassador to Nepal and Ambassador to the Kingdom of Bhutan. Prior to that, Nadir served as Assistant Deputy Minister and Chief Financial Officer for Canada’s Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development, Canada’s Consul General in Shanghai, and also held a series of high-level government positions.

“Huron’s Board of Governors represents a diverse group of leaders with skills and experience that help enable the university’s long-term goals,” said Brian Porter, President & CEO, Scotiabank & Chair, Huron’s Board of Governors. “Arlene and Jason are highly accomplished leaders and entrepreneurs and Nadir brings a unique international perspective to support global outreach – Huron will certainly benefit from this group’s expertise over the coming months and years.”

The full membership of Huron’s Board of Governors can be found here.

 

Media Contact:

Vanessa Tosic
Manager, Communications
Huron at Western
519-438-7224, ext. 802
vtosic3@uwo.ca
huronu.ca
@HuronatWestern