Calgary AB and Toronto ON – August 12, 2024 – The William H. McGannon Foundation is proud to announce the appointment of Frances Weeks and April Savchuk as the new Co-Presidents of the Foundation. This leadership change marks an exciting chapter in the Foundation’s ongoing commitment to fostering excellence in risk management through education, research, and professional development.
Frances Weeks, Managing Partner at Iridium Risk Services, brings over three decades of experience in risk management and insurance brokerage to her new role. Frances joined Iridium in 2006, where she has played a pivotal role in the company’s growth and success, particularly within the energy sector. Her career began at Husky Energy in 1990, followed by a significant tenure at Aon, where she provided outsourced risk management services to multinational clients. Frances is a past Board Member of the Southern Alberta chapter of RIMS (SARIMS) and has been actively involved in the community, including volunteer work with the Calgary Drop-in and Rehab Centre. She holds the Certified Risk Manager (CRM) designation. Frances has served on the McGannon Board since 2016.
April Savchuk brings an equally impressive background in risk management and insurance, also with over 30 years of experience spanning operational and enterprise risk management, claims management, and insurance program design. Her career began in the consulting division of Aon Toronto and has since included leadership roles at Hudson’s Bay Company, Catlin Canada, Yamana Gold, Crawford Canada and Centerra Gold. April’s contributions to the risk management field extend beyond her professional roles, with long-term involvement in the Risk and Insurance Management Society (RIMS), including serving as a two-term President of the Ontario Chapter of RIMS and Co-Chair of and leadership roles on multiple RIMS Canada Conferences. April holds both the Chartered Insurance Professional (CIP) and Certified Risk Management (CRM) designations. April’s tenure on the McGannon Board commenced in 2010 where she has served as Secretary for a number of years.
As the Foundation moves forward under the leadership of Frances Weeks and April Savchuk, it remains committed to its mission of enhancing risk management education and ensuring the continued growth and success of the profession in Canada, building on the strong foundation established by its late President, Joe Restoule.
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.
