Voting for the Board of Governors takes place from March 4th to March 7th. There are two faculty positions available. You can find more information about the board of Governors election here. The TFA has reached out to all candidates for the Board of Governors faculty positions, asking them to provide answers to three questions to help inform our members about their positions on key issues.
- Could you describe your motivation and/or vision for running for the Board of Governors position?
- If elected, will you commit to communicating with and reporting to your constituency (TFA members) by attending TFA meetings from time to time and providing reports and seeking feedback?
- Is there anything else you would like to share with the TFA members ahead of the BoG elections?
Below are the candidates’ answers:
Sameh Al Natour
1. Could you describe your motivation and/or vision for running for the Board of Governors position?
My motivation for running for TMU’s Board of Governors stems from a deep commitment to ensuring that our institution navigates the challenges ahead while upholding the quality of education, research, and student experience. In the coming years, critical decisions will shape our university’s future, particularly in the face of resource constraints, shifting governmental policies, and the evolving landscape of higher education. I want to be a strong advocate for faculty, as well as students, and staff— voices that are often underrepresented in decision-making at the board level (e.g., only one faculty member sits on the Finance and the Employee Relations committees).
As the Director of the School of Information Technology Management (TMU’s largest department by student enrollment) and a long-time member of various school/university committees, I have firsthand experience addressing academic and institutional challenges. My vision is to bring transparency, accountability, and data-driven decision-making to the board, ensuring that policies and investments align with the long-term interests of our community, and that fairness is at the heart of every decision TMU makes.
Additionally, my personal background gives me a strong connection to those who face systemic barriers in education. I believe that inclusive governance is essential to fostering an equitable university environment. By serving on the board, I aim to bridge the gap between administration and the broader university community, ensuring that decisions reflect the needs and aspirations of those we serve.
2. If elected, will you commit to communicating with and reporting to your constituency (TFA members) by attending TFA meetings from time to time and providing reports and seeking feedback?
Yes, absolutely. If elected, I am fully committed to maintaining open and transparent communication with faculty members, both through the TFA as well as other means. I believe that representation on the BoG is not just about occupying a seat—it’s about ensuring that the voices and concerns of faculty are heard, addressed, and reflected in decision-making.
I will make it a priority to attend TFA meetings whenever possible, provide regular reports on board discussions and decisions, and actively seek feedback from the TFA and all faculty members (possibly through open-forums and/or attending School council meetings). This will not only help keep faculty informed but also allow me to advocate more effectively for our interests at the board level.
Shared governance is essential to a thriving academic institution, and I strongly believe that faithful reflection of faculty concerns in the board strengthens the university as a whole. I welcome the opportunity to serve as a bridge between faculty and the administration, ensuring that key decisions are made with faculty input and in alignment with the academic mission of the university. While I have not served in the TMU BoG before, but given some of the recent decisions from the board, I cannot help but wonder if faculty, student, and staff concerns are being effectively voiced and adequately considered.
3. Is there anything else you would like to share with the TFA members ahead of the BoG elections?
I would like to express my deep appreciation for TMU faculty for the vital role we all play in shaping the future of our university. As we navigate future challenges, I believe it is more important than ever to have strong, informed faculty representation on the Board of Governors.
If elected, I will be a dedicated advocate for transparency, shared governance, and ensuring that faculty concerns are not only heard but meaningfully considered in decision-making processes. My experience in leadership roles within the university has given me insight into institutional policies, financial structures, and the impact of board decisions on both faculty and students. I will work to protect the integrity of our academic mission, safeguard the quality of education we provide, and push for responsible decision-making that aligns with our core values as an institution.
I welcome any questions, concerns, or discussions you may have in the lead-up to the election. Your voice matters, and I would be honored to represent you on the Board of Governors.
Bala Venkatesh
1. Could you describe your motivation and/or vision for running for the Board of Governors position?
I joined the Department of Electrical, Computer and Biomedical Engineering at TMU in 2008 and am full professor. It has been my pleasure and privilege to work at TMU with amazing students, colleagues, collaborators and sponsors.
I was appointed Academic Director for the Centre for Urban Energy (CUE) in 2010 where I have managed research worth $ 37 million with sponsors from Canada, USA and India. I led the NSERC Energy Storage Technology Network worth $8.5 million with 25 sponsors, 15 Canadian Universities, 27 Professors and 100+ students. I also lead the Clean Energy Zone that incubates about 22 companies. I had the opportunity to start and successfully operate a Professional Masters Diploma in Energy and Innovation.
TMU is at a pivotal point and has set its sights to be counted amongst the top 200 universities worldwide. To realize this shared dream and goal, I wish to bring my experience, expertise and insights and contribute at the Board of Governors. At the Board, I will work to foster sponsored research and graduate education, with emphasis on internationalization. I promise to strive to represent your interest at the Board in every opportunity. I look forward to your support for my candidature.
2. If elected, will you commit to communicating with and reporting to your constituency (TFA members) by attending TFA meetings from time to time and providing reports and seeking feedback?
I am happy to attend TFA meetings as possible.
Seth Dworkin
1. Could you describe your motivation and/or vision for running for the Board of Governors position?
I am motivated by a joy I take in service, and a desire to represent our faculty on the board. Having served on the board previously, I understand the importance of a strong voice to advocate for teaching and SRC. As TMU expands, I want to help ensure that teaching and learning are resourced and strengthened. At the same time, I want to help ensure our long term financial stability and success.
2. If elected, will you commit to communicating with and reporting to your constituency (TFA members) by attending TFA meetings from time to time and providing reports and seeking feedback?
Yes. I will keep the lines of communication with faculty wide open. I am always an active participant at TFA events and meetings. I always attend TFA Socials and AGMs, and for years I was an active member of Rep’s council. This engagement will continue. This activity helps me to build and maintain relationships across disciplines and keep abreast of what’s going on in our faculties. I am responsive to email and always have an open door/open Zoom policy. I want to hear from faculty members across the university as to what their needs and pain points are. That’s information I will bring to the board to make sure that the decision making process takes faculty needs into account.
3. Is there anything else you would like to share with the TFA members ahead of the BoG elections?
Yes. I am acutely aware of the challenges facing Ontario universities these days. On numerous fronts, EDI&A are being threatened. Our budget is being decimated. The recent announcement at York University that admissions for many programs are being suspended is an assault on knowledge. The stakes are high right now. My time on the BoG and its finance committee, during COVID and the name change, has provided me with the experience and insights I need to stand for our faculty, our ability to teach and conduct SRC effectively, and to continue to be keepers of knowledge.
Chris MacDonald
1. Could you describe your motivation and/or vision for running for the Board of Governors position?
My motivation is to play an effective role in the governance of TMU during what promises to be a critical few years in higher education in Ontario (and in Canada more generally). I have the experience, the expertise, and the temperament to be an effective voice at the BOG table.
2. If elected, will you commit to communicating with and reporting to your constituency (TFA members) by attending TFA meetings from time to time and providing reports and seeking feedback?
Yes, I absolutely will commit to attending TFA meetings to provide reports & seek feedback. This is an important step that ought to be formalized as a regular part of TFA meetings.
3. Is there anything else you would like to share with the TFA members ahead of the BoG elections?
Having served previously, I understand that membership on BOG is a somewhat delicate matter. It is generally not a forum for vocal advocacy, though there are definitely times to have one’s voice heard. Unlike Senate (on which I have also served) there is no such thing as “members’ business” at BOG — no opportunity for BOG members to put items on the agenda. This limits the range of topics that a BOG member can advocate for, and the person elected for this role needs to understand that. It is important that TFA members elect someone who understands the limited scope of the BOG. (BOG’s role is financial accountability, risk management, and strategic planning. Almost everything else is the responsibility of Senate.) However, this absolutely does not mean the person elected cannot have an impact. The essential skills (ones I have demonstrated in the past) are the ability to ask the right questions, occasionally to point out awkward truths, and to bring to the Board ‘insights’ from one’s own interactions with faculty, staff, and students — insights that the 11 external members of BOG otherwise might not have an appreciation of. Diplomacy is the key skill, and it’s a skill I believe I have.
Kateryna Metersky
1. Could you describe your motivation and/or vision for running for the Board of Governors position?
My motivation for running for the Board of Governors stems from my deep commitment to TMU and my passion for advancing the university’s mission. Having been part of the TMU community since 2007 in various roles (i.e., undergraduate and graduate student, CUPE instructor, graduate and research assistant and now a member of the TFA), I have developed a comprehensive understanding of both academic and non-academic policies, as well as the experiences of students, faculty, and staff. This perspective allows me to contribute meaningfully to decision-making processes that shape the university’s future.
My vision is to strengthen TMU’s standing as a leading institution by focusing on key areas such as university rankings, branding, and image to ensure we remain the first-choice university for students and employees. I also aim to support the review and redevelopment of non-academic policies to keep pace with the evolving landscape of academia, government, and funding priorities. Additionally, I am committed to enhancing community safety, health, and well-being, fostering strong international and local partnerships, and ensuring that university funding is allocated effectively to support students and faculty.
Beyond these priorities, I believe it is critical to make strategic financial decisions that sustain innovation while using our resources wisely. TMU must continue to be a hub for forward-thinking research, teaching, and community engagement without compromising the ability to sustain current operations and explore new opportunities. I am also committed to advocating for the protection of faculty positions, especially in the face of increased workloads and institutional pressures. Our faculty and staff play an essential role in maintaining the university’s operations, and their well-being and job security must be a priority. Finally, I will advocate for investments in systemic equity at all levels, ensuring that TMU remains an inclusive and supportive institution for all members of our community.
Through my current experience as an Assistant Professor in Nursing, a member of the Research Ethics Board, and the Vice-Chair of the University Senate, I have seen firsthand the challenges and opportunities that exist within TMU. I want to leverage this experience to advocate for policies and initiatives that promote excellence, inclusivity, and sustainability at our university. Serving on the Board of Governors would be an opportunity to help shape TMU’s future, ensuring that it continues to thrive as an institution that supports its students, faculty, and broader community. To read more about my platform statement, you can visit: https://www.torontomu.ca/governors/elections/#!accordion-1739567942081-kateryna-metersky
2. If elected, will you commit to communicating with and reporting to your constituency (TFA members) by attending TFA meetings from time to time and providing reports and seeking feedback?
Yes, if elected, I am fully committed to maintaining open and transparent communication with TFA members. I recognize the importance of keeping faculty informed and engaged in decision-making processes that impact our university community. I will attend TFA meetings as needed, provide regular updates on relevant Board of Governors discussions, and actively seek feedback to ensure that faculty perspectives are heard and represented.
As someone who has been part of TMU since 2007 and has served in various leadership roles named above, I understand the value of collaboration and accountability. I see this role as an opportunity to advocate for faculty interests while ensuring that TMU remains a thriving, inclusive, and forward-thinking institution. Open dialogue with TFA members will be a key part of my approach, and I look forward to working together to strengthen our university.
3. Is there anything else you would like to share with the TFA members ahead of the BoG elections?
I would like to emphasize my deep commitment to serving TMU and its faculty with integrity, transparency, and a focus on meaningful impact. Having been part of this university for almost two decades, I have gained extensive experience in both academic and non-academic governance, allowing me to bring a well-rounded perspective to the Board of Governors. If elected, I will advocate for policies that strengthen TMU’s position as a leading institution, ensuring that we use our resources wisely. I will also work to enhance university rankings, improve branding and reputation, review non-academic policies to keep pace with evolving priorities, and support faculty, staff, and student well-being. Most importantly, I am committed to open communication and accountability. I will engage with TFA members by attending meetings, providing updates, and actively seeking feedback to ensure faculty voices are heard in decision-making processes. I look forward to the opportunity to represent and advocate for you on the Board of Governors. Thank you for your time, consideration, and engagement in this important election. I hope I can count on your vote between March 4th and 7th!
Charlie Wall-Andrews
1. Could you describe your motivation and/or vision for running for the Board of Governors position?
With a decade of board and governance experience (Canada Council For the Arts, Telus Community Foundation, WorkInCulture, ect), I am motivated to serve on the Board of Governors because I believe in advancing academic excellence, fostering inclusivity, and empowering faculty voices in institutional decision-making. My vision is to drive collaborative innovation, ensure equitable resource distribution, and champion transformative policies that enhance student learning and faculty success at TMU.
2. If elected, will you commit to communicating with and reporting to your constituency (TFA members) by attending TFA meetings from time to time and providing reports and seeking feedback?
If elected, I wholeheartedly commit to transparent communication with our TFA constituency, while exercising a fiduciary responsibility to TMU as a board member. I will regularly attend TFA meetings, provide timely reports, and actively solicit feedback to guide my decision-making. Ensuring that your voices shape policies is my priority, and I pledge to maintain an open, responsive dialogue at all times.
3. Is there anything else you would like to share with the TFA members ahead of the BoG elections?
I welcome any questions and commit to remain accessible and supportive to TFA and faculty peers. If granted the trust and opportunity to serve, I will ensure transparency, collaboration, and active engagement. Please feel free to contact me at charlie@torontomu.ca should you have any questions.