Nomination Papers, Candidate Bio and Q&A

About

Scott Marks is a Chartered Professional Accountant with extensive experience leading large-scale infrastructure projects across North America since 2005. If you have driven the Sea to Sky Highway, the Edmonton Ring Road, crossed the A25 Bridge in Montreal or the Goethals Bridge connecting New York and New Jersey, accessed the new fiber-optic link in Inuvik, or powered your home with wind energy in the Okanagan, Scott has contributed to making those advancements possible. His work involves collaborating with teams responsible for building and operating these assets over multiple decades, requiring a strategic balance between day-to-day operations and long-term implications. Ultimately, he is accountable to the pension plan members who invest in these vital projects.

Scott’s connection to SMUS began in Grade 10 as a day student, where he thrived both academically and socially. He continued his education at Queen’s University in Kingston, Ontario, earning a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) degree in History. Returning to Victoria, he pursued his Chartered Accountant designation while working at Deloitte’s Victoria office, eventually transferring to its Bermuda office. Although a cancer diagnosis curtailed his time in Bermuda, Scott resumed his career within a few months at Ernst & Young’s Vancouver office. After earning his designation, he spent five years in corporate finance and treasury at Intrawest Corporation. He later joined Macquarie Bank, where he led financial matters for the Sea to Sky Highway project—a position that solidified his reputation as a subject matter expert in infrastructure and other capital-intensive ventures, as well as a collaborative and effective team member. In addition, Scott has earned a Strategic Decision and Risk Management Certificate from Stanford University.

In 2016, Scott and his wife moved back to Victoria so their daughter could join SMUS’s kindergarten class in 2018. She has since transitioned to Middle School and is enthusiastically exploring the myriad opportunities SMUS provides. Scott has been actively involved in the SMUS community, serving as a member of the Finance Committee since 2021.

What is your connection to SMUS?

My journey at SMUS began when I enrolled as a Grade 10 day student, and those years proved to be profoundly transformative. My time as SMUS was truly transformative. When I graduated in 1990, I left with a newfound sense of confidence and a clear sense of direction, which had been carefully nurtured during my time at SMUS. SMUS exceeded my expectations, equipping me with the tools, motivation, and encouragement I needed to successfully reach the university of my choice. The reciprocal commitment between myself and SMUS was remarkable—while I strove to meet the high expectations SMUS had for me, SMUS delivered an unparalleled foundation that set me on the path to achieving my aspirations.

Since 2021, I have also served as a member of the SMUS Finance Committee, working collaboratively to ensure SMUS continues to thrive financially and remains positioned to deliver on its ambitious strategic goals. Today, SMUS remains at the heart of my life, now as a parent and an active member of the SMUS community. I coach my daughter’s basketball team, a role that allows me to contribute to the development of not only her skills but also the camaraderie and growth of her teammates. It is a privilege to see the same values that shaped my journey instilled in the next generation. These roles have deepened my connection to SMUS and allowed me to give back to the institution that has played such an instrumental role in my life.

My wife, Laura, is meaningfully involved in SMUS community, often volunteering her time on campus. Her contributions reflect our shared dedication to supporting the SMUS community. We take pride in being part of such a welcoming and vibrant school culture. The families in our daughter’s class have become friends, and we are continually impressed by the kindness, humour, and drive of her classmates. Being surrounded by this incredible community further reinforces the pride we feel as part of the SMUS Community.

As a family, we are grateful for the opportunity to be actively engaged in the life of SMUS. SMUS has been a central part of my journey, and it now plays a significant role in the shaping of my daughter’s experiences. This enduring connection to SMUS is something I cherish deeply, and I want to continue to contribute to, and celebrate, the strong, supportive culture that makes SMUS so special.

Why do you want to be on the Board of Governors for SMUS?

SMUS has been integral to my family since my sister and I joined in 1987, and the values and opportunities it has offered have shaped us deeply. I am also grateful for the positive and enriching journey my daughter is experiencing. I want to contribute to SMUS’s continued growth and ensure that, by the time my daughter graduates, SMUS is in an even stronger position than when she began her journey here.

I am encouraged by the effective governance demonstrated by the current Board of Governors. This solid foundation inspires confidence in its ability to lead and support SMUS effectively. As a governor, I would aim to bring my expertise, energy, and passion to collaborate with my fellow governors, contributing to the advancement of SMUS’s strategic objectives, particularly those outlined in Floreat 2030.

Floreat provides a clear vision for SMUS, and I am eager to play a role in responding to both the opportunities and challenges that will surely emerge. I believe the ambitious goals outlined in the plan, such as strengthening financial sustainability and nurturing a culture of philanthropy, are essential for positioning SMUS at the forefront of Canadian education.

Joining the Board would allow me to contribute meaningfully to shaping the future of SMUS—a place that has impacted my life and my family’s lives so profoundly. It would be an opportunity to give back, ensuring that SMUS continues to flourish and deliver on its mission to prepare students for life with passion and compassion.

What personal and professional experience would you bring to the Board if selected?

Having served for four years on the Finance Committee at SMUS, I have gained valuable insight into the opportunities and challenges that SMUS faces. I understand that thoughtful and innovative discussions are crucial for devising effective solutions, and I am ready to contribute my financial expertise to support this effort. While my financial skills may be the most immediately noticeable, I also bring a forward-thinking perspective that allows me to consider longer-term challenges and evaluate the second-order effects of proposals. I value collaboration and actively seek out diverse viewpoints, recognizing that the best ideas often arise when experiences, education, and perspectives differ.

My tenure as Treasurer of the Canadian Cancer Society BC/Yukon Division for six years until 2017 further honed my leadership and governance skills. During this period, the charity sector faced significant challenges, including financial uncertainties and shifts in donor engagement. Despite these obstacles, I was involved in identifying opportunities to build upon existing achievements and learned firsthand the impact of strong governance. I saw how effective governance structures can bolster an organization's performance, while poor governance, even when it is coupled with good intentions, can hinder progress. This invaluable experience has shaped my understanding of the importance of governance leadership and strategic planning, and I continue to reflect on those lessons as they remain relevant today.

In my professional career, I have developed a collaborative approach focused on achieving long-term success. I excel at fostering partnerships, driving strategic initiatives, and maintaining a vision that prioritizes the future while addressing present needs. Whether navigating complex financial landscapes or contributing to a broader organizational strategy, I strive to ensure that decisions are both informed and sustainable. I am confident that these skills will enable me to meaningful impact SMUS’s Board of Governors.

Beyond technical expertise, my ability to think critically, collaborate effectively, and lead with integrity positions me to contribute thoughtfully and purposefully to SMUS’s governance. With a focus on stewardship and a deep dedication to SMUS’s mission, I am eager to work alongside my fellow governors to ensure that SMUS flourishes in the years ahead.

Do you understand and agree to the principles of good governance as outlined on the Society Webpage?

I fully understand and agree to the principles of good governance as outlined on the Society webpage. I recognize that these principles emphasize accountability, transparency, and inclusivity, which are essential for fostering trust and collaboration within the SMUS community. As a governor, I am committed to upholding these values in my decision-making and leadership, ensuring that the governance process serves the best interests of students, faculty, staff, parents, and alumni.

Strong governance is pivotal in advancing the strategic priorities of SMUS, including those outlined in Floreat 2030. By adhering to the principles of Good Governance, I will work diligently to provide effective oversight, support the Head of School, and contribute to the successful implementation of the strategic plan. My focus will be on facilitating clear communication, building consensus, and encouraging active participation from all stakeholders.

Moreover, I understand the importance of continuous improvement in governance practices. I am committed to reviewing structures, policies, and processes regularly to ensure they remain efficient, effective, and aligned with SMUS’s mission and vision. I will also actively seek feedback from the community, as open dialogue is essential for maintaining a dynamic and responsive governance system.

In embracing the principles of Good Governance, I aim to contribute to a culture of integrity and collaboration. By fostering mutual respect and shared purpose, I will help create an environment where every member of the SMUS community feels empowered and valued, ensuring that the governance framework supports the flourishing of SMUS in every aspect.

I shall maintain confidentiality in all board deliberations and correspondence, separate the interests of SMUS from specific needs of individual students or constituencies, and observe proper lines of communication. I will participate fully in Board deliberations and decisions, accept majority decisions, and contribute a significant amount of time, effort, and financial support to SMUS.

Do you understand and support the Strategic Plan (FLOREAT) for SMUS?

I enthusiastically support the Floreat 2030 Strategic Plan and recognize its significance in shaping the future of SMUS. The plan is both visionary and practical, providing a clear roadmap to advance SMUS’s mission and values while ensuring the institution remains a leader in Canadian education. Floreat outlines specific priorities—Foundation, Preparation for Life, Sustainability, and Community—that encompass every facet of SMUS’s operations, from the academic journey of its students to the sustainability of its campus and the cultivation of a vibrant community. Floreat’s forward-thinking approach demonstrates SMUS’s commitment to excellence, innovation, and service.

Governance can often seem abstract and removed from the day-to-day experiences of SMUS community, but Floreat 2030 bridges that gap effectively. It offers transparency and clarity about the goals of SMUS and the strategies to achieve them. As a foundational document, Floreat serves as a guiding principle for the Head of School, providing a mandate to steer SMUS toward ambitious yet attainable goals. Additionally, it empowers society members to hold both the Head of School and the Board of Governors accountable for their efforts to bring the plan to life. This alignment between vision, governance, and action ensures that the entire school community remains focused and united in pursuing excellence.

Furthermore, Floreat 2030 is more than a strategic plan; it is a declaration of what SMUS aspires to be. It celebrates SMUS’s rich heritage while challenging complacency, encouraging continuous growth, and embracing bold, innovative ideas. It reflects SMUS’s values—respect, courage, honesty, and service—and demonstrates how these values will guide decision-making and progress over the next decade. By connecting the strategic priorities with outcomes, Floreat inspires confidence that SMUS is committed to providing outstanding preparation for life for all its students while remaining mindful of its broader responsibilities to the community and the environment.

As a supporter of the strategic plan, I am excited to contribute to the next iteration of Floreat by actively advocating for its initiatives and fostering collaboration among all stakeholders. I understand and embrace the opportunity to assist in bringing the plan’s vision to fruition, whether through advancing fundraising efforts, enhancing student experiences, or ensuring that SMUS continues to honour its values. My commitment to the principles of Floreat and my belief in its innovative and comprehensive nature drive my enthusiasm to be part of this journey for SMUS.

Do you understand and support the need for a culture of philanthropy at SMUS, both
amongst the Society Members and the Board itself? If elected to the Board, please confirm that you plan to contribute to both the Annual Fund and the Journey for Life Campaign for each year that you are on the Board?

As a new governor, I am dedicated to advancing SMUS’s Culture of Philanthropy as detailed in Floreat. By promoting active engagement and generosity within the Board of Governors, I aim to inspire a collaborative approach to fundraising and community support that fosters a collective commitment to SMUS’s ambitions and mission.

I am ready to champion Floreat’s fundraising aims by leveraging my networks and sharing impactful stories that highlight the transformative impact of philanthropy. More specifically my family will contribute meaningfully to SMUS’s fundraising pursuits, including the Annual Fund and Journey for Life. Building trust and enthusiasm among donors will be key to achieving the campaign’s ambitious goals, including increasing financial aid, supporting the campus master plan, and growing the endowment.

Recognizing the importance of philanthropy in the classroom, I will support programs that embed service-learning, celebrate students’ achievements, and build partnerships with community organizations. These efforts will instill a sense of responsibility and service among students while strengthening SMUS’s commitment to giving back.

Lastly, I will prioritize recognizing and celebrating philanthropic efforts across the SMUS community. Honouring the contributions of donors, alumni, staff, and students will strengthen the culture of gratitude and inspire sustained support, ensuring SMUS remains a leader in education and service.

Back to all candidates