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VST announces Appointment of New Chancellor

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: JANUARY 26, 2018

Vancouver School of Theology is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Iain Black as its new Chancellor, as of January 1st, 2018. Mr. Black will be officially welcomed into the position at VST’s annual Convocation, taking place on Monday, May 7th, 2018.

Mr. Black brings to VST a blend of both public and private sector leadership over his 28-year career.  He currently serves as the President and CEO of the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade (GVBOT), a role he has held since October 2011. Under his leadership, the iconic 130-year-old organization has experienced a modern renaissance, with dramatic growth via a rediscovered relevancy for 21st century business, government & community thought leaders.

Mr. Black came to the GVBOT directly from the elected ranks of the B.C. Government, where he was elected twice into the provincial legislature as MLA, and served as cabinet minister in three different economic cabinet posts under former premier Gordon Campbell. Prior to his service in the Legislative Assembly, he spent over 15 years in the technology and new economy sectors leading increasingly complex and high-profile “turnaround” assignments across both publicly-traded and private companies.

In the community, Iain’s volunteer roles have included coaching or managing his children’s soccer and hockey teams in Coquitlam. He has also sat on a variety of charity, business and community boards, including the Chair’s Council at Science World British Columbia, and many years as a board director of Canuck Place Children’s Hospice.

Mr. Black is an Honours graduate from the University of Manitoba’s Asper School of Business, as well as the University of Toronto—ICD-Rotman Directors Education Program. He lives in Coquitlam with his wife and three children.

“VST is thrilled with the appointment of Mr. Iain Black as Chancellor of our school. His interest in the public good and outstanding leadership for our time are central values of our school.”

Richard Topping, Principal

The Vancouver School of Theology is called to educate and form thoughtful, engaged and generous Christian leaders for the church in the 21st century. Please visit www.vst.edu for more information about VST and its graduate degree programmes.