Board Committees
The Board of Governors conducts much of its work through committees.
These committees – which are comprised of board members as well as society members or staff members who have been invited by the board to participate – allow a greater degree of focus, effort and discussion than what is possible in regular board meetings.
In addition to the standing committees, there is an executive committee that includes the board chair, vice-chair(s), the secretary and the treasurer.
The Board Committees are as follows.
- Executive Committee
- Advancement Committee
- Environmental Sustainability Committee
- Facilities Committee
- Finance Committee
- Governance Committee
- Head's Support and Evaluation Committee
- Nominations Committee
- Risk Management Committee
Executive Committee
The role of this committee is to coordinate with the Board Chair all the work of the Board. Its responsibilities include monitoring the activities of all committees, serving as advisors to the Head of School and acting in place of the Board between meetings. Membership includes the Board Chair, Vice-Chair, Secretary and Treasurer.
Executive Committee Members
- Shelly Berlin, Chair
- Chris Talbot '87, Vice-Chair
- Scott Marks, Treasurer
- Matt Howard, Secretary
- Dr. Jeff Aitken, Head of School
Advancement Committee
This committee operates in an advisory capacity in support of all fundraising activities and communications with the Society. The committee recommends policy and direction on annual giving, major sponsors, capital campaigns and the cultivation of philanthropy in the school.
Advancement Committee Members
- Elisa Djurickovic, Chair
- Dr. Jeff Aitken
- Eliot Anderson
- David Angus '62
- Shelly Berlin
- Anna Burton
- Dr. Fiona Donald '82
- John Ellis
- Douglas Freeman '88
- Karen Jawl '99
- David Kim '05
- Alexis Lang Lunn
- Kim Lobb '98
- Rita Lord
- Neil Mulholland '88
- Anthony Souza '72
Environmental Sustainability Committee
The purpose of the Environmental Sustainability Committee is to help shape a new policy and framework for the development, implementation and progress monitoring of sustainability initiatives at SMUS with the intention to:
- improve the environmental/carbon footprint of the SMUS campus and operations;
- empower SMUS students with the skills, knowledge and experience to thrive in a world where sustainability factors play a greater role in society;
- and contribute to the competitive positioning/offering of SMUS as a world class, leading independent school.
Environmental Sustainability Committee Members
- Karen Jawl '99, Chair
- Dr. Jeff Aitken
- Shelly Berlin
- Diya Courty-Stephens '19
- Dr. Fiona Donald '82
- Keith Driscoll
- Craig Farish '90
- Rita Lord
- Carey Newman
- Jennifer Nichols
Facilities Committee
This committee recommends policy and direction on school-owned facilities and sets priorities for new development as part of the strategic plan. The committee oversees capital budgets, awarding of building contracts and major renovations to facilities.
Facilities Committee Members
- Karen Jawl '99, Chair
- Dr. Jeff Aitken
- Eliot Anderson
- Shelly Berlin
- Richard Brambley
- Sarah Carver
- Adrian French
- Anup Grewal
- Alec Johnston '98
- Rebekka Keough '03
- Eric Kerr '95
- Scott Marks
- Kevin Trigg
Finance Committee
This committee develops and oversees the long-range financial plan of the school. It recommends short- and medium-term fiscal policy and monitors the results. The Finance committee recommends policy and direction for the development of the annual operating budget, collection of all revenue and payment of accounts. It oversees the preparation of the audited financial statements for presentation to the Board and Society.
Finance Committee Members
- Scott Marks, Chair
- Dr. Jeff Aitken
- Becky Anderson
- Eliot Anderson
- Shelly Berlin
- Kyman Chan '85
- Elisa Djurickovic
- David Gaskin
- Anup Grewal
- Eric Kerr '95
- Steve Lobb '96
- David Longridge '88
- Rita Lord
Governance Committee
This committee advises the Board on its proper structure and develops all policies and operating procedures under which the board governs the Society. It is responsible for all legal matters, board evaluations and nominations of Board Officers.
Governance Committee Members
Head's Support and Evaluation Committee
This committee counsels the Head of School in their role within the school community, and consults with and supports the Head in setting and meeting goals. The committee comprises the Board Chair, Vice-Chair and two Governors.
Head's Support and Evaluation Committee Members
- Shelly Berlin, Chair
- Elisa Djurickovic
- Dr. Shannon Hill '85
- Karen Jawl
- Neil Mulholland '88
- Chris Talbot '87
Nominations Committee
The Nominations Committee coordinates the recruitment and orientation of Governors and Advisory Governors to the Board, and presides over the nominations and election process. The committee is responsible for developing a balanced profile of skills and experience on the Board of Governors.
Nominations Committee Members
- Chris Talbot '87, Chair
- Dr. Jeff Aitken
- Shelly Berlin
- Chris Considine '70
- Douglas Freeman '88
- Blair Hagkull
- Matt Howard
- Rebekka Keough '03
- Neil Mulholland '88
- Tom Rigos '61
Risk Management Committee
The Risk Management Committee ensures that policies, procedures and legal plans are in place for all school operations in order to minimize health, financial, educational and reputational risks to the school.