Toronto, Ontario – October 30, 2024: The William H. McGannon Foundation is pleased to announce the election of four new Directors to its Board, following the Annual General Meeting of the Foundation held in Vancouver, B.C. on October 6, 2024. This transition comes as Ann Hildreth retires and steps down from the Board, having provided years of dedicated service to the Foundation.
The four newly appointed Directors bring a wealth of experience and a shared passion for advancing the field of Risk Management through education, mentorship, and industry collaboration. The new Board members include:
Joe Alcaraz – Associate Vice President, Risk Engineering, Sovereign Insurance
Joe has a career spanning over three decades, Joe has expertise in all lines of Commercial Insurance coverage and specializes in Construction and advanced Fire Protection. Since joining Sovereign in 2015, he has led the strategic transformation of their Loss Control Services. Joe is a Professional Engineer, Chartered Insurance Professional (CIP), and Certified Fire Protection Specialist (CFPS), with a degree in Civil Engineering from Toronto Metropolitan University. He is excited to support the Foundation’s mission of education and mentorship, encouraging the next generation to explore careers in the Insurance sector.
David McKeen – Vice President, Underwriting, Engineering & Commercial Solutions, Sovereign Insurance
Dave has over two decades of experience in Commercial and Specialty Lines and is passionate about developing innovative solutions and empowering his team to make informed, strategic decisions. Dave’s appointment to the McGannon Foundation Board aligns with his commitment to advancing Risk Management through education and research. Outside of work, he enjoys an active lifestyle and spending time with his family in Calgary.
Craig Rowe – President & Founder, ClearRisk
Craig, is the Founder of ClearRisk, which is a leading Risk Management Information System provider and is a seasoned mentor and advisor to tech startups. Craig is a Past Chair of multiple organizations including YMCA Canada and techNL and has contributed to numerous charitable initiatives, including co-founding “The Big Raise”, a charity poker event that has raised nearly $500,000 over six events. With his extensive background in Risk Management and philanthropy, Craig is eager to contribute to the Foundation’s mission of supporting the next generation of professionals in the industry.
Will Vainqueur – Corporate Client Executive, Treaty Division, HSB
Will has served with HSB Canada since 2020. Previously, he was a Risk Manager at McGill University, where he managed the institution’s insurance portfolio and provided risk assessment guidance. Joining the McGannon Foundation Board in 2024, Will aims to inspire and attract new professionals to the field of Risk Management and Insurance. With a management degree and a Project Management diploma from McGill University, as well as a CRM designation, Will brings strong industry knowledge and a commitment to education and leadership development.
The Foundation is confident that the expertise and passion of these new Board members will further its mission of supporting education and innovation in the field of Risk Management.
“We are thrilled to have such an esteemed group of colleagues join our Board and contribute to the ongoing initiatives and exciting future ahead of us as we assist in charting the course for the next generation in our profession.” April Savchuk, Co-President
“We are very much looking forward to working with our new Board Members whose diverse expertise and commitment to our mission will be invaluable in making a lasting impact on the Risk Management community in Canada.” Frances Weeks, Co-President
About The William H. McGannon Foundation:
The William H. McGannon Foundation is a Canadian charitable organization dedicated to advancing the field of Risk Management through education, research, mentorship, and work experience programs. Established in 1999, the Foundation provides scholarships, research grants, and student involvement opportunities to support the development of future risk management professionals in Canada.