In a significant development, the University of Waterloo has named Eleanor McMahon, former MPP for Burlington and CEO of Trans Canada Trail, as the new Vice-President of University Relations. This strategic appointment reflects the university’s commitment to expanding outreach, enhancing public impact, and fostering proactive partnerships for the benefit of the university community.
Vivek Goel, President and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Waterloo, expressed his enthusiasm for McMahon’s appointment, stating, “Eleanor is a passionate advocate, skilled communicator, and consensus-builder who brings key experience as a Cabinet Minister to the University Relations portfolio. I’m pleased to welcome Eleanor to our senior leadership team and look forward to working with her to support our goals.”
McMahon joins the University of Waterloo from Trans Canada Trail, a national not-for-profit organization dedicated to stewarding Canada’s national trail. Serving as CEO since 2019, she led the organization through a transformative phase, developing a new long-term vision, securing $55 million in federal funding, revitalizing the trail’s brand and digital strategy, and spearheading Canada’s first national Trails Tourism strategy.
With a distinguished career that began on Parliament Hill, McMahon served as press secretary to the Rt. Honourable Jean Chrétien and held key roles at the Canadian Advisory Council on the Status of Women, the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, and United Way Ottawa. Her political career saw her elected as the MPP for Burlington from 2014 to 2018, where she served as Ontario’s Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport, President of the Treasury Board, and Minister Responsible for Digital Government.
Eleanor McMahon is not only an accomplished leader but also a dedicated advocate for the safety of cyclists. Following the tragic death of her husband, OPP Sergeant Greg Stobbart, during a training ride, she founded the Share the Road Cycling Coalition in 2007. Under her leadership, the organization united cycling groups across Ontario to promote bicycle-friendly communities and played a pivotal role in the legislative change known as Greg’s Law in 2009.
Expressing her excitement about the new role, McMahon said, “I am thrilled to be joining the University of Waterloo, and I look forward to working with an incredible team of talented individuals in support of a highly regarded brand that is recognized globally for its innovative approach to education and research.”
McMahon will officially assume her role as Vice-President, University Relations, on March 4, 2024, succeeding Sandra G. Banks, who left the position in July 2023. The university anticipates McMahon’s wealth of experience and leadership to contribute significantly to its continued success and global recognition.
