Fred Headon understands that the work of McGill’s Board of Governors may seem opaque. But when the new Chair of the Board speaks about it, he is both enthusiastic and proud of his colleagues.
“We are a group of volunteers, but the Board members are remarkably committed to helping students, faculty and the larger community create an environment that fosters research and teaching excellence. I find it deeply satisfying to be working with them,” said Headon.
“We come to the table with a range of perspectives, including those of elected faculty, alumni, employee and student members. That makes for thoughtful debates and opportunity to see the impact of decisions with a wide range of perspectives in mind.”
‘Grateful to be part of this community’
At the beginning of July, Headon took over from Maryse Bertrand as Chair of the Board. During the previous six years, he was involved in several committees, so many that he has been teased about having an addiction to committee work.
“If so, it started when I was a McGill Law student, partially because I felt so grateful to be part of this community. I found myself in a first-year class with 150 of the most interesting people I’d ever met. And I’ve kept in touch with so many of them because they remain among the most interesting people that I know.”
Throughout his ongoing legal career, Headon has remained an active McGill community member, first on a young alumni committee and then later on a faculty advisory board and more recently as a course lecturer in the Faculty of Law.
“I loved teaching because it meant fascinating discussions with smart, talented students. Every time I had the chance to lead a course, different issues caught the students’ attention, which always helped me gain new perspectives.”
Would he teach again?
“Best you ask me another time. Right now, I have my work cut out of me with the Board – plus my day job!” said Headon, who is Air Canada’s Vice-President and General Counsel, Labour, Employment and Litigation.
Governance through collaboration
As Chair, much of his focus will be on supporting the realization of the Strategic Priorities President Saini has articulated. Within that work though he foresees a particular emphasis on the Unite pillar. For that reason, among his priorities as Chair of the Board is further reinforcing the working relationship with McGill’s Senate. Though each decision-making body includes representatives from the other, Headon believes that more interaction would improve understanding since areas of responsibility differ.
“Though the Senate is the body that deals directly with academic governance issues, at the Board, our role includes doing what we can on the issues we address to provide the necessary supports for our academic mission, from work on budgets and financing to policies and procedures. […] I’m hoping we can increase opportunities for the Board and Senate to interact because I believe the members of both bodies share a belief in McGill and its role in the future of our students, our city and the world.”
Headon keeps an eye on the University’s impact through mentions of its experts and McGill-led research.
“A little while ago, I set up an alert system on my phone so that I wouldn’t miss news about McGill. Over a seven-month period, on every day except only two the notification alerted me to media coverage of research conducted at McGill. I find it amazing and so inspiring that McGill is having that kind of impact!”
‘All of us chose McGill’
Headon grew up in Winnipeg, Manitoba, where he completed a B.A. in Economics. But when he got his acceptance letter from McGill Law, he said other options fell to the wayside.
“Whether you’re at McGill as a student, a professor or a staff member, you probably had options. All of us chose McGill. We’re really fortunate. I continue to feel gratitude because of all of the opportunities that I’ve had thanks to my education here.”
Headon doesn’t just love the community, he’s also attached to the University’s physical spaces.
“I’m still not tired of the walk up from Sherbrooke to meetings on campus. No matter the season, I find postcard moments. My phone has plenty of pictures of blue skies over beautiful buildings like the McCall MacBain Arts Building.”
As for his favourite part of campus:
“I think it’s still the common room in Old Chancellor Day Hall, because of all the social events – both casual and formal – and the great friendships that were forged there and the memories of quieter moments studying alongside other students.”
And favourite events?
“Board meetings, of course”, he says with a chuckle, “but I also love Convocation, especially the valedictorian speeches. I make a point of speaking with as many of them as I can after their time at the mic. It is also great to see so many proud families and graduates taking pictures on campus and chatting with favorite professors and friends. I never get tired of those moments.”