Lori Wanamaker appointed Royal Roads chancellor and board chair

Lori Wanamaker, former deputy minister to the premier, cabinet secretary and head of the BC Public Service has been appointed Royal Roads University’s next chancellor and chair of the Board of Governors effective August 1, 2025.  

Wanamaker previously served on the board as a Lieutenant Governor in Council appointee. She succeeds Nelson Chan, who completes his term as chancellor and board chair in July.  

Wanamaker is a chartered professional accountant who has more than 30 years of government experience, including numerous deputy minister and assistant deputy minister roles. She brings a diversity of experience in financial management, business and leadership to the Royal Roads board.    

“We are delighted to welcome Lori Wanamaker into the role of chancellor and chair,” says RRU President and Vice-Chancellor Philip Steenkamp. “Her broad public sector experience and background in business and accounting will serve us well, especially as we expand into new markets, including opening the doors to the RRU Langford l John Horgan Campus.”  

Elected by the Board of Governors for a three-year term, Wanamaker’s role will be twofold under the university’s unicameral – or single chamber – governance model. She will preside over convocation where she will confer academic credentials in the ceremonial role of chancellor, and chair the Board of Governors, which carries the responsibilities of a traditional university board and senate together. 

“I’m honoured to be stepping into this vital role for the university,” says Wanamaker. “As an alum of the Master of Business Administration in Executive Management, I have distinct memories from my RRU convocation of an unparalleled sense of community, connection and celebration. I keenly look forward to supporting our graduates.  

“I am proud to be asked to bring my knowledge and skills to the board to advance our strategic goals and vision. I’m grateful to my fellow board members for allowing me the privilege to represent them and look forward to the work we’ll do together. I also want to express my sincere appreciation to past chair and chancellor, Nelson Chan, our talented administrators, as well as faculty and staff for their dedication to the university.” 

Wanamaker holds an MBA from Royal Roads and has served on the boards of several Crown Corporations and agencies including BC Hydro, BC Transportation Infrastructure Corporation; BC Infrastructure Benefits Corporation; Forest Innovation Investments; the Justice Institute of BC; and Land and Water BC. 

She will be officially installed as chancellor at the university’s convocation ceremonies in November.