Brock University Executive and Leadership Team

October, 2026

Leadership Overview

Brock University has 9 executives leading key functions including institutional strategy, academic governance, student engagement, and specialized research initiatives.

Committed to academic excellence and community impact, Brock University fosters a transformative learning environment that empowers students through diverse degree programs and career-focused research opportunities across seven faculties.

Leadership Roles at Brock University

  • President & Chief Executive Officer - Mario Berro
  • President, Brock Cybersecurity Club - Lauren Macdonald
  • President - Christian Santesso
  • President - Randa Joatar
  • President, American Society For Sport Management (North) - Michael Naraine
  • President & Vice Chancellor - Jack Lightstone
  • Co-President - Lauren Fleming
  • Co President - Paige Robillard
  • President & Vice Chancellor - Lesley Rigg
  • Mario Berro - President & Chief Executive Officer

    Mario Berro, the President & Chief Executive Officer at Brock University, directs the overarching institutional strategy and long-term academic vision. Overseeing the integration of undergraduate and graduate degree programs, the President & Chief Executive Officer ensures alignment between faculty research output and student learning outcomes. This leadership role involves managing complex administrative frameworks to support over 19,000 students across seven faculties. By optimizing resource allocation and fostering partnerships with external research institutes, Mario Berro directly impacts the university's competitive standing in the Canadian post-secondary landscape. Berro maintains rigorous standards for teacher education and professional studies, ensuring that the institution remains a hub for innovation. Through consistent engagement with the Board and academic leadership, Berro secures the financial and operational stability necessary for sustained growth and excellence in higher education.

    Lauren Macdonald - President, Brock Cybersecurity Club

    Lauren Macdonald, the President, Brock Cybersecurity Club at Brock University, leads initiatives focused on digital security and technical skill development for the student body. Overseeing workshops and collaborative projects, the President, Brock Cybersecurity Club ensures that participants gain practical experience in protecting information systems. This leadership role involves bridging the gap between theoretical classroom learning and real-world cybersecurity challenges. By organizing industry-focused events and networking opportunities, Lauren Macdonald directly impacts the technical proficiency of students preparing for careers in the digital economy. Macdonald coordinates with faculty members to align club activities with current industry standards and emerging threats. Through the promotion of ethical hacking and data protection practices, Macdonald strengthens the university's reputation as a center for modern technological education and professional readiness.

    Christian Santesso - President

    Christian Santesso, the President at Brock University, manages specific administrative functions and internal governance protocols to support the university's mission. Overseeing operational efficiency within designated departments, the President ensures that academic resources remain accessible to the diverse student population. This leadership role involves coordinating with various faculty heads to streamline the delivery of online and traditional classroom learning experiences. By implementing policies that enhance student engagement and service learning, Christian Santesso directly impacts the quality of the educational journey. Santesso facilitates communication between administrative units and the broader university community to maintain institutional cohesion. Through the careful oversight of departmental budgets and project timelines, Santesso supports the university's commitment to providing high-quality degree programs and professional studies for all enrolled students.

    Randa Joatar - President

    Randa Joatar, the President at Brock University, drives initiatives focused on student advocacy and the enhancement of campus life. Overseeing the development of support programs, the President ensures that the needs of the 19,000-strong student body remain central to institutional decision-making. This leadership role involves collaborating with university administration to improve access to career-focused co-op opportunities and continuing studies. By fostering an inclusive environment that encourages academic and personal growth, Randa Joatar directly impacts the overall student experience. Joatar manages outreach efforts that connect students with research centers and faculty mentors. Through the implementation of strategic programming, Joatar strengthens the connection between the university's academic offerings and the practical needs of the modern workforce, ensuring that students graduate with the skills required for professional success.

    Michael Naraine - President, American Society For Sport Management (North)

    Michael Naraine, the President, American Society For Sport Management (North) at Brock University, directs research and professional development within the field of sport management. Overseeing academic inquiries into the business of athletics, the President, American Society For Sport Management (North) ensures that the university contributes significant insights to the global sports industry. This leadership role involves managing regional networks and facilitating knowledge exchange among scholars and practitioners. By promoting evidence-based strategies for sport administration, Michael Naraine directly impacts the curriculum and research output of the university's sport-related programs. Naraine coordinates with international partners to expand the reach of North American sport management practices. Through the dissemination of research findings and the organization of professional forums, Naraine elevates the university's profile as a leader in sport-focused academic excellence.

    Jack Lightstone - President & Vice Chancellor

    Jack Lightstone, the President & Vice Chancellor at Brock University, oversees the academic integrity and administrative operations of the institution. Directing the university's mission to provide comprehensive undergraduate and graduate education, the President & Vice Chancellor ensures that faculty members and research institutes maintain high standards of scholarly output. This leadership role involves managing the university's relationship with government bodies and external stakeholders to secure funding and support for academic expansion. By championing the integration of online and traditional learning, Jack Lightstone directly impacts the accessibility of education for students across the region. Lightstone coordinates with the Board to set the strategic direction for the university's seven faculties. Through the promotion of research and professional studies, Lightstone secures the institution's role as a vital contributor to the regional and national knowledge economy.
    Jack Lightstone

    Lauren Fleming - Co-President

    Lauren Fleming, the Co-President at Brock University, manages collaborative projects and student-led initiatives that enhance the university's academic culture. Overseeing the coordination of extracurricular programs, the Co-President ensures that students have access to diverse learning opportunities outside the traditional classroom. This leadership role involves working with faculty and administrative staff to align student activities with the university's broader educational goals. By facilitating partnerships between student organizations and professional networks, Lauren Fleming directly impacts the career readiness of the student body. Fleming monitors the effectiveness of service learning programs and provides feedback to improve student engagement. Through the promotion of collaborative learning environments, Fleming supports the university's commitment to fostering a well-rounded educational experience that prepares students for the complexities of the modern professional landscape.

    Paige Robillard - Co President

    Paige Robillard, the Co President at Brock University, directs the operational aspects of student-led academic organizations and campus initiatives. Overseeing the logistical planning of events and workshops, the Co President ensures that students receive consistent support for their professional and academic development. This leadership role involves managing communication channels between the student body and university administration to address emerging needs. By organizing career-focused seminars and networking sessions, Paige Robillard directly impacts the professional growth of students across various faculties. Robillard collaborates with the other Co-President to ensure that all initiatives align with the university's mission of providing high-quality education. Through the implementation of structured programming, Robillard enhances the overall student experience and strengthens the university's commitment to fostering a vibrant, career-oriented academic community.

    Lesley Rigg - President & Vice Chancellor

    Lesley Rigg, the President & Vice Chancellor at Brock University, leads the institution's strategic growth and academic development. Overseeing the university's seven faculties, the President & Vice Chancellor ensures that research and teaching initiatives remain at the forefront of the post-secondary sector. This leadership role involves managing the university's physical and digital infrastructure to support over 19,000 students. By driving innovation in online and co-op learning, Lesley Rigg directly impacts the university's ability to meet the evolving demands of the workforce. Rigg coordinates with faculty members and research centers to advance the institution's reputation for academic excellence. Through the oversight of institutional policies and community partnerships, Rigg secures the university's position as a key driver of regional development and a leader in providing high-quality, career-focused education.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Brock University Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Brock University?
    Brock University is led by Mario Berro (President & Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Lauren Macdonald (President, Brock Cybersecurity Club) and Christian Santesso (President).
    Who is part of Brock University’s executive team?
    The executive team of Brock University includes leaders such as Mario Berro (President & Chief Executive Officer), Lauren Macdonald (President, Brock Cybersecurity Club), Christian Santesso (President) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Brock University have?
    Brock University has 9 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Brock University’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Brock University includes roles such as President & Chief Executive Officer, President, Brock Cybersecurity Club, President, President, President, American Society For Sport Management (North).