Wilfrid Laurier University Executive and Leadership Team

November, 2026

Leadership Overview

Wilfrid Laurier University has 8 executives leading key functions including athletic club management, student wellness initiatives, academic governance, institutional oversight, and strategic communications.

Dedicated to fostering academic excellence and community engagement, Wilfrid Laurier University prioritizes personalized learning and research innovation to drive social and economic growth across its diverse campuses.

Leadership Roles at Wilfrid Laurier University

  • President, Ball Hockey Club - Marshall Allonby
  • Co-President of Serenity Space - Abenaya Shanmugavel
  • President & Vice Chancellor - Deborah MacLatchy
  • President - Lara Bachir
  • Communications & Event Strategist & President, Office of - Mutoni Kabalisa
  • President - Max Blouw
  • Co-Founder & Co-President - Gina Pearlman
  • Board of Governors - Michael Ras
  • Marshall Allonby - President, Ball Hockey Club

    Marshall Allonby, the President, Ball Hockey Club at Wilfrid Laurier University, directs all operational aspects of the university ball hockey program. Overseeing team logistics and competitive scheduling, the President, Ball Hockey Club ensures alignment with broader campus athletic goals. This leadership role involves managing equipment procurement, organizing tournament participation, and fostering student engagement within the athletic community. By coordinating with university sports departments, Marshall Allonby directly impacts the quality of extracurricular experiences for the student body. Ultimately, the President, Ball Hockey Club secures consistent participation levels and promotes physical wellness across the Waterloo and Brantford campuses. Through rigorous planning and active recruitment, the organization maintains a strong presence in regional collegiate leagues, providing students with meaningful opportunities for competition and social connection while upholding the values of sportsmanship and institutional pride.

    Abenaya Shanmugavel - Co-President of Serenity Space

    Abenaya Shanmugavel, the Co-President of Serenity Space at Wilfrid Laurier University, manages student wellness initiatives and mental health support programming. Overseeing daily operations of the Serenity Space, the Co-President of Serenity Space ensures that students access necessary resources for academic and personal balance. This leadership role involves coordinating peer support workshops, managing facility usage, and collaborating with university health services to promote an inclusive environment. By implementing mindfulness programs and stress-reduction activities, Abenaya Shanmugavel directly impacts the overall well-being of the campus community. Ultimately, the Co-President of Serenity Space fosters a supportive atmosphere that encourages student success and resilience. Through strategic outreach and consistent programming, the organization addresses the diverse needs of the student population, ensuring that mental health remains a central pillar of the educational experience at the university.

    Deborah MacLatchy - President & Vice Chancellor

    Deborah MacLatchy, the President & Vice Chancellor at Wilfrid Laurier University, directs the overarching academic and administrative strategy of the institution. Overseeing faculty mentorship programs and research initiatives, the President & Vice Chancellor ensures that the university maintains high standards of educational quality. This leadership role involves engaging with the Board of Governors, managing institutional budgets, and representing the university to external stakeholders and government partners. By championing innovation and inclusive learning environments, Deborah MacLatchy directly impacts the long-term growth and reputation of the university. Ultimately, the President & Vice Chancellor secures the institution's position as a leader in personalized education. Through collaborative efforts with academic departments, the leadership team drives progress across all campuses, ensuring that research outcomes and student experiences align with the core mission of fostering social and economic development.
    Deborah MacLatchy

    Lara Bachir - President

    Lara Bachir, the President at Wilfrid Laurier University, leads specific student-focused organizational units dedicated to enhancing campus life. Overseeing the development of extracurricular programming, the President ensures that student initiatives align with the university's commitment to community engagement. This leadership role involves managing organizational budgets, coordinating with student government bodies, and facilitating partnerships with local organizations to expand student opportunities. By fostering an inclusive environment for student participation, Lara Bachir directly impacts the vibrancy of the campus culture. Ultimately, the President secures the success of student-led projects that promote social growth and personal development. Through active collaboration with faculty and administrative staff, the leadership role ensures that student organizations remain effective and well-resourced, providing a platform for students to engage in arts, athletics, and community events across the university's various locations.

    Mutoni Kabalisa - Communications & Event Strategist & President, Office of

    Mutoni Kabalisa, the Communications & Event Strategist & President, Office of at Wilfrid Laurier University, directs internal and external messaging strategies. Overseeing the planning of major university events, the Communications & Event Strategist & President, Office of ensures that institutional communications reflect the university's core values. This leadership role involves managing public relations campaigns, coordinating event logistics, and maintaining consistent branding across all digital and physical platforms. By optimizing communication channels, Mutoni Kabalisa directly impacts the university's ability to connect with alumni, prospective students, and community partners. Ultimately, the Communications & Event Strategist & President, Office of secures the visibility of the university's research and academic achievements. Through strategic event management and targeted outreach, the leadership role enhances the institution's reputation, ensuring that all stakeholders remain informed and engaged with the university's ongoing mission and community impact.

    Max Blouw - President

    Max Blouw, the President at Wilfrid Laurier University, manages high-level institutional partnerships and academic advancement initiatives. Overseeing the integration of research goals with community needs, the President ensures that the university remains a hub for innovation. This leadership role involves collaborating with industry leaders, managing donor relations, and guiding the strategic direction of academic departments. By fostering strong connections between the university and external organizations, Max Blouw directly impacts the institution's capacity for research and economic development. Ultimately, the President secures the long-term viability of academic programs by aligning them with evolving market demands. Through consistent engagement with faculty and administrative leadership, the role drives the university's commitment to personalized learning, ensuring that students receive the mentorship and resources necessary to succeed in a competitive global environment while contributing to the broader social fabric.

    Gina Pearlman - Co-Founder & Co-President

    Gina Pearlman, the Co-Founder & Co-President at Wilfrid Laurier University, directs the development of specialized student organizations focused on professional growth and networking. Overseeing the operational framework of these groups, the Co-Founder & Co-President ensures that members gain access to valuable industry connections and skill-building workshops. This leadership role involves recruiting new members, managing organizational partnerships with local employers, and coordinating career-focused events. By bridging the gap between academic theory and practical application, Gina Pearlman directly impacts the career readiness of the student body. Ultimately, the Co-Founder & Co-President secures the success of initiatives that promote professional development and community engagement. Through strategic planning and active mentorship, the leadership role fosters an environment where students can thrive, ensuring that the university's commitment to personalized learning extends beyond the classroom and into the professional lives of its graduates.

    Michael Ras - Board of Governors

    Michael Ras, the Board of Governors at Wilfrid Laurier University, provides high-level oversight regarding institutional policy and financial sustainability. Overseeing the alignment of university operations with long-term strategic goals, the Board of Governors ensures fiscal responsibility and effective governance. This leadership role involves reviewing academic program proposals, approving major capital expenditures, and monitoring the performance of senior administration. By evaluating the impact of university initiatives on the broader community, Michael Ras directly contributes to the stability and growth of the institution. Ultimately, the Board of Governors maintains the integrity of the university's mission while navigating complex regulatory and economic landscapes. Through diligent committee work and rigorous policy analysis, the leadership body supports the university's commitment to research excellence and student success, ensuring that all institutional activities remain focused on delivering high-quality educational outcomes for the diverse student population.

    Explore Leadership Teams in Colleges & Universities

    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Wilfrid Laurier University Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Wilfrid Laurier University?
    Wilfrid Laurier University is led by Marshall Allonby (President, Ball Hockey Club), along with executives such as Abenaya Shanmugavel (Co-President of Serenity Space) and Deborah MacLatchy (President & Vice Chancellor).
    Who is part of Wilfrid Laurier University’s executive team?
    The executive team of Wilfrid Laurier University includes leaders such as Marshall Allonby (President, Ball Hockey Club), Abenaya Shanmugavel (Co-President of Serenity Space), Deborah MacLatchy (President & Vice Chancellor) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Wilfrid Laurier University have?
    Wilfrid Laurier University has 8 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Wilfrid Laurier University’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Wilfrid Laurier University includes roles such as President, Ball Hockey Club, Co-President of Serenity Space, President & Vice Chancellor, President, Communications & Event Strategist & President, Office of.