President & CEO

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David J. Mitchell became President and CEO of the Public Policy Forum in January of 2009. The Forum is an independent non-governmental organization, dedicated to improving the quality of government in Canada through multisectoral dialogue and research on governance and public service.

Previously, Mr. Mitchell served as Vice-president at three Canadian universities: Queen's, the University of Ottawa and Simon Fraser University. Directing fundraising and external relations at each institution, he achieved notable successes in strategic positioning and fund development. At the University of Ottawa, for instance, he led an important branding initiative and completed a major fundraising campaign which exceeded its $200 million objective more than a year ahead of schedule.

David Mitchell's diverse career path has also included senior positions in both the public and private sectors. Serving as a Member of the British Columbia Legislature from 1991 to 1996, he was a watchdog on a broad range of issues including parliamentary reform, advanced education, resource management and labour relations. He had previously gained experience in parliamentary procedure and legislative processes as Deputy Clerk of the Saskatchewan Legislature.

Mr. Mitchell also has significant private sector business experience, having held executive positions within western Canadian resource industries, including vice-president of marketing and general manager of industrial relations.

David Mitchell holds a Master's degree in Canadian and American history from Simon Fraser University. An award-winning writer and former newspaper columnist, Mr. Mitchell contributes to several newspapers and magazines and serves as a frequent public affairs commentator on television and radio.

The father of two daughters, he is married to author and media critic, Shari Graydon. He is a board member of the Parliamentary Centre in Ottawa and the Centre for the Study of Democracy at Queen’s University.

Click here for a print version of David Mitchell's biography.