Governance
The IDRC Board of Governors provides leadership and expertise to guide our work around the world. Comprised of Canadians and international members, the Board offers strategic direction, reviews our activities, and approves our budgets.
The Government of Canada appoints governors based on their interest and expertise in science, management, and development issues. The chair of the Board of Governors presents an annual report to Parliament through the Minister of International Development.
IDRC’s president oversees our day-to-day operations. As the chief executive officer, the president also sits on the Board of Governors.
Within IDRC, the Centre Management Committee — composed of senior staff members — supports the president in setting objectives, overseeing programs, and directing staff.
IDRC’s Board of Governors guides our work by offering strategic direction, reviewing our activities, and approving budgets. Composed of up to 14 governors, Canada’s Governor in Council appoints members for terms of up to four years, with the possibility of renewal for a further term. The IDRC Act states that a majority of Board members must be Canadian citizens, including the chairperson and vice-chairperson. The balance of members may be appointed from other countries. The chairperson of the Board of Governors reports to Parliament through the Minister of International Development.
Board of Governors – key responsibilities
- Establish IDRC’s strategic direction
- Review and approve the budget and financial statements
- Assess and ensure that systems are in place to manage business risks
- Ensure internal control and management information systems are viable
- Track corporate performance against strategic and business plans
- Monitor the performance of the president and chief executive officer
- Ensure IDRC has an effective communications strategy
- Assess our own performance in fulfilling Board responsibilities
Meet the Board
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Margaret Biggs Chairperson Ottawa ON |
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Chandra Madramootoo Vice-Chairperson Montreal QC |
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Jean Lebel President |
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Akwasi Aidoo Governor Gastonia, NC |
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Alex Awiti Governor Nairobi |
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Mary Anne Chambers Governor Thornhill ON |
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Sophie D’Amours Governor Quebec QC |
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Purnima Mane Governor San Mateo, CA |
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John McArthur Governor Vancouver, BC, Canada | Washington, DC |
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Gilles Rivard Governor Ottawa ON |
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Stephen Toope Governor Cambridge |
Senior staff members comprise IDRC’s Centre Management Committee. Committee members include our five regional office directors and the directors from our main program focus areas.
The Committee works with the president to support research for development — providing advice and guidance on corporate objectives, policies, and programs. The Committee communicates our interests and values in Canada, and internationally.
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Jean Lebel President |
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Dominique Charron Vice-President, Programs and Partnerships |
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Geneviève Leguerrier Vice-President, Resources, and Chief Financial Officer |
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Julie Shouldice Vice-President, Strategy, Regions, and Policy |
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Caroline Ford Director, Democratic and Inclusive Governance |
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Erin Tansey Director, Sustainable Inclusive Economies |
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Santiago Alba-Corral Director, Climate-Resilient Food Systems |
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Ruth Onyancha Corporate Secretary |
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Richard Danis Director, Finance and Administration |
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Christel Binnie Director, Corporate Communications |
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Anindya Chatterjee Regional Director, Asia |
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Federico Burone Regional Director, Latin America and the Caribbean |
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Patricia Corrigan Chief of Staff and Director of Corporate Affairs |
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Naser Faruqui Director, Education and Science |
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Maggie Gorman Vélez Director, Policy and Evaluation |
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John Dusabe-Richards Director, Global Health |
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Jennifer Smith Director, Internal Audit |
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Nicole Leclerc Director, People and Corporate Culture |
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Katrina Millard Director, Grant Administration |
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Suzanne Palko General Counsel |
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Barbara Shenstone Regional Director, Middle East and North Africa |
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Julie Crowley Regional Director, Central and West Africa |
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Kathryn Toure Regional Director, Eastern and Southern Africa |
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Denis Trudeau Director, Digital Solutions and Information Governance |
A more sustainable and inclusive world
IDRC’s Strategy 2030 answers the call for research and innovation to address major global challenges. Learn more
Download a full version or read it at a glance: Full version | Overview