A message from CCAE Board Chair, Julie Davis
Mark Hazlett, CCAE’s President & CEO has confirmed his plans to step down from the association after 15+ years of service to the CCAE community and will complete his role as of December 2023.
Mark’s involvement with CCAE began at its inception in 1993, as a regional Board member, and after an illustrious career in advancement at Queen’s University, Laurentian University and the University of New Brunswick he became the first full-time Executive Director of the association in 2008. Most recently, in 2020 he was appointed President and CEO.
His contributions to the Canadian advancement sector have benefited member institutions and advancement professionals in many ways. Mark has grown the association from its modest beginnings to where it is now – playing an essential role within the Canadian advancement sector by building the capacity and impact of our members. It is through his leadership, in collaboration with the CCAE Board of Directors, that the association is so well positioned to continue its important work.
Mark will be truly missed by CCAE’s staff, volunteers, sponsors, National Partners and the many individual members he connected with over the years. Please join us in recognizing his outstanding work, and wishing him the very best in the next phase of his life.
The Executive Committee of the Board will undertake the process of finding Mark’s successor and will advise of future opportunities to celebrate and thank Mark for his contributions.
Julie Davis
Chair of the CCAE Board
Vice-President External Relations and Development, Trent University
After 30 years with CCAE – 15 as a volunteer and 15 as President/CEO – it is time for me to step down.
In my early days, CCAE helped me learn about the educational advancement profession through its many education programs and networking opportunities. More recently it has taught me how essential this sector is to education in Canada, and in a more meaningful way, how important CCAE is to the education and development of talent and leadership for Canadian education institutions.
I would not for a minute try to name all the people I have worked with over 30 years, because I would likely forget someone. To all these amazing, talented people – thank you. Specifically, to those in the past 15 years around the CCAE Board table, especially the Board Chairs; and to CCAE’s small, but mighty team – Tara Sandler and Kara Perz – I am forever grateful for the opportunity to work with such talented people.
CCAE is on very solid ground – a well-respected voice in the educational advancement sector, with a solid strategic plan, strong leadership, and a very experienced staff and administrative team. The future looks very bright.
Mark Hazlett
“They say there is no greater testament to one’s professional success than leaving the place in better shape than you found it. There is no doubt that Mark is leaving CCAE in excellent shape. He took over an organization that was still in search of its mission and purpose, and through hard work, tenacity and a far-reaching vision, he has built it into a powerhouse that has emerged as the most important voice in the Canadian advancement landscape. Our profession, and the institutions we represent, owe a tremendous debt of gratitude to Mark, and we wish him the very best in this next chapter of his journey.”
Derek Cassoff
Managing Director, Communications, McGill University
CCAE Board Member and immediate Past Chair
“One of the greatest joys in leading CASE is the opportunity to build community and partnership around the world. I have very much valued our relationship with CCAE under Mark’s long and dedicated leadership. He has been deeply committed to our work together to best serve the educational advancement community in Canada. It has been a joy to work with Mark and the CCAE Board and staff, to realise several valuable collaborations including our CASE Insights on Philanthropy (Canada) in partnership with CCAE.”
Sue Cunningham
President & CEO, Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE)