Thirteen Years of Inspiring Leadership: Louise Roy Concludes Her Term as Chair of the CIRANO Board of Directors

After thirteen years as Chair of the Board of Directors, Ms. Louise Roy concluded her term at CIRANO’s Annual General Meeting held on September 23, 2025. Her involvement with the organization dates back to 2003, when she first contributed as a Visiting Fellow. She notably chaired the Forum on Future Leadership, a space for dialogue bringing together businesses and universities around major issues of governance and strategic development.

Over the years, she has left a lasting mark on CIRANO through her visionary leadership, rigor, and determination to bring scientific research closer to decision-making circles, thereby contributing significantly to the organization’s credibility and reputation in Quebec, across Canada, and internationally. Ms. Louise Roy will continue to be associated with CIRANO as an Honorary Visiting Fellow, in recognition of her exceptional contribution.

“It has been a tremendous privilege and a great source of pride to witness CIRANO’s growth, to see it bring together committed researchers, and to gain the respect and legitimacy of both public and private institutions. Over the past 30 years, the complexity of our society’s challenges has only increased and, more than ever, decision-makers need the rigorous insights that academic research grounded in evidence can provide. I would like to thank the members of the Board of Directors for their trust and support, and warmly acknowledge its CEO, Nathalie de Marcellis-Warin, for her leadership, energy, and vision. It has been a great joy to work alongside her in recent years.”

— Louise Roy

At this Annual General Meeting, several tributes highlighted Ms. Louise Roy’s outstanding contribution to CIRANO, both in terms of governance and the personal inspiration she provided.

“Ms. Louise Roy’s reputation, built over a career spanning the public, private, and academic sectors, has been a source of respect and confidence for the members of the Board of Directors. For thirteen years, Ms. Roy has guided CIRANO’s Board with inspiring leadership, strengthening the organization’s foundations and securing its future through forward-looking strategic plans. Her vision, experience, and strong ties with the business community have allowed CIRANO to grow and expand its influence. The Board members wish to warmly thank her for her unwavering commitment.”

— Marie-Claude Soucy, Vice-Chair of the CIRANO Board of Directors and Chair of the Governance and Human Resources Committee

“For more than a decade, Louise Roy has chaired CIRANO’s Board with visionary leadership, combining rigor and excellence. A pioneer in the world of business and governance, she has inspired our researchers and partners by consistently emphasizing the importance of linking scientific research to informed decision-making. Her commitment, generosity, and constant support have profoundly shaped our organization and personally inspired me from my very first steps as CEO. Louise has been, and remains, an exceptional mentor.”

— Nathalie de Marcellis-Warin, President and CEO of CIRANO

On the occasion of CIRANO’s 30th anniversary, Ms. Louise Roy was honored for her more than ten years as Chair of the Board of Directors, alongside CIRANO’s founders and builders, Marcel Boyer and Robert Lacroix, as well as the President and CEO, Nathalie de Marcellis-Warin