Lawyer John Ormston appointed chair of Laurier board of governors

WATERLOO – A lawyer with a degree in business administration from Wilfrid Laurier University has been appointed chair of the university’s board of governors.

John Ormston, who succeeds outgoing chair Beverly Harris, will chair his first board meeting on Sept. 16.

“I am delighted to welcome John as the incoming chair of the university board of governors,” said Laurier president and vice-chancellor, Dr. Max Blouw. “His leadership and expertise will help the university to contribute to the province’s pressing needs for university education and research as we transform our economy and as we move toward our centenary celebrations in 2011.”

Ormston is a founding partner at Toronto legal firm Ormston List Frawley LLP. He specializes in commercial litigation and has a wide range of trial experience in commercial issues.

Ormston, who graduated from Laurier with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in 1989, has served on Laurier’s board of governors since 2001. His roles have included vice chair, treasurer, chair of the finance and physical resources committee, as well as membership in a number of board committees. Ormston is also a past member of the Wilfrid Laurier University Alumni Association board of directors.

“I assume the role of chair at a time of unprecedented challenge for post-secondary institutions,” said Ormston. “My goal is to ensure that Laurier overcomes these challenges and emerges stronger and better able to compete in a very competitive environment."

Ormston was called to the Ontario Bar in 1995 after completing his LL.B. at the University of Western Ontario in 1993. He was a litigation partner at the Toronto office of Gowling Lafleur Henderson LLP before establishing Ormston List Frawley LLP in 2006. He is a member of the Canadian Bar Association and the Advocates’ Society.

Ormston and his wife Samantha Cohen have two children.

Outgoing chair Beverly Harris led the board of goverors through four successful terms beginning in October 2005. Harris will remain on the board as immediate past-chair.

“I wish to thank Bev for her outstanding leadership and dedication to Laurier, and I look forward to her continued contribution in her role as past-chair,” said Blouw.