Government Relations Officers

GRO

The Government Relations Officers Community of Practice 2025-26

The Government Relations Officers Community of Practice convenes Government Relations Officers from universities to provide a forum for discussion and sharing of issues of common interest, serve as a consultative body on provincial advocacy and advise COU on discussions with public officials with respect to sector-wide government advocacy.

Key Contact

Yvonne Robertson

Manager, Government and Stakeholder Relations

416-979-2165
ext. | [email protected]

MemberTitleInstitution
Craig FowlerVice-President, Growth, Innovation & External RelationsAlgoma University
Daniel Grubb (Chair)Director, Government & Community RelationsBrock University
Alastair MullinDirector, Government RelationsCarleton University
Deanne Leifso (Vice-Chair)Director, Government Relations and Community EngagementUniversity of Guelph
Michael NicinExecutive Director, Government RelationsLakehead University
Nicholas DionAVP Strategic InitiativesLaurentian University
Nick SwitalskiActing Executive Director, Public AffairsMcMaster University
Maggie HorsfieldDirector, External RelationsNipissing University
Miriam KramerExecutive Director, Government and Community RelationsOCAD University
Matthew MackenzieDirector, Government RelationsOntario Tech University
VacantDirector of Government RelationsUniversity of Ottawa
Jenna DonelsonExecutive Director, Government & Institutional RelationsQueen's University
Nicholas Koehler-GrassauEngagement Management OfficerTrent University
Forrest ParleeChief of Government RelationsUniversity of Toronto
Matt BakerChief of Staff, Senior Director of GovernmentToronto Metropolitan University
Marilla McCargarDirector of Government RelationsUniversity of Waterloo
Alex IrvingExecutive Director, Government RelationsWestern University
Matt GrillsDirector, Government & Community RelationsWilfrid Laurier University
Judy BornaisAssociate Vice-President, ExternalUniversity of Windsor
Ijade Maxwell RodriguesChief of Government and Community RelationsYork University
GRO