Brent Johnston Becomes First Independent School Board Chair of CCAE

“As a professional organization, CCAE’s number one goal is to deliver value for its members and provide support on emerging issues,” says Brent. “It is incredibly humbling to be the first Independent School leader to take on such a significant leadership role at a critical time for CCAE. I am very excited to work with our new President and CEO Danielle Lamothe to implement our strategic plan and know that the organization provides so much value to all of our members as they share their ideas and develop new ways of thinking about how we increase our impact on the educational sector.”

 

The CCAE serves a wide range of member institutions from universities, colleges and institutes to independent schools. Advancement professionals within these organizations include those working in external relations, philanthropy, marketing and communications, advancement services, and alumni relations.

 

Brent brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to his role as CCAE board chair, having served in Advancement roles for more than 30 years, including 25 years in University and Independent School leadership positions. He is the first Independent School leader to take on the role of Chair and will serve a two-year term as the CCAE chair, after which he will serve two years as past chair and chair of the nominating committee.

 

Johnston has served on the CCAE board for the past four years, including as vice-chair of the finance and audit committee. “I feel it is fitting to volunteer myself, as our sector, especially at Independent Schools, rely on an extensive number of volunteers. I have always believed in the power of giving back to our sector with my time by volunteering as well,” shares Brent. “My involvement with CCAE is an opportunity to ensure that we are always engaging in best practices for the sector and that there is a steady exchange of ideas and innovation from colleagues across our country as we collectively tackle the challenges our institutions face. I welcome the opportunity to mentor young professionals as well as continually learn from such diverse and exceptional colleagues across the nation.”

 

A graduate of the University of Toronto, Brent has served on many volunteer Boards and has volunteered with ISAP Canada (Independent School Advancement Professionals Canada), CASE (Council for Advancement and Support of Education), CCAE (Canadian Council for the Advancement of Education) and the University of Toronto at Mississauga Alumni Association. He has received the University of Toronto’s Arbor Award for outstanding personal service to the University and the University of Toronto at Mississauga’s Paul W. Fox Award for distinguished voluntary service.