Dean Silvestre on a short administrative leave, Dr. Suzanne Gagnon to serve as Acting Dean of the Asper School of Business
Gagnon’s Associate Dean (Research and Graduate Research Programs) portfolio to be led by Acting Associate Dean Dr. Chi Liao
Dean Bruno Silvestre will step away from the day-to-day operations of the Dean’s Office from March 1, 2025, to August 31, 2025 to focus on family, and will remain connected to a number of big-picture and future-focused initiatives at the Asper School of Business.
Dr. Suzanne Gagnon (Associate Dean of Research and Graduate Research Programs, Canada Life Chair and Director of the James W. Burns Leadership Institute) will serve the Asper School of Business as Acting Dean.
A proven leader and passionate administrator, Dr. Gagnon has formerly served as Associate Dean of Professional Graduate Programs and Executive Education, guiding the vision of the Asper MBA, MFin, and MSCM programs. Prior to her Acting Dean appointment, she served as Associate Dean of Research and Graduate Research Programs.
Dr. Gagnon is also the inaugural Director of the James W. Burns Leadership Institute, designing and supporting programming across disciplines including the flagship President’s Student Leadership Program.
Her research focuses on identity, inclusion, and leadership development; leadership and innovation; and gender equity, representation, and strategic change in private and public sector organizations. She has published work in leading management and organization journals.
“I am proud to serve in this role, working with colleagues and staff to continue to optimize the Asper School’s research, teaching and contributions to our communities and society,” said Dr. Gagnon.
Dr. Gagnon will serve as Acting Dean for a fixed term while Dr. Bruno Silvestre, current Dean of the Asper School of Business and CPA Manitoba Chair in Business Leadership, takes a temporary administrative leave.
Dr. Chi Liao to serve as Acting Associate Dean, Research and Graduate Research Programs
While Dr. Gagnon serves as Acting Dean, Dr. Chi Liao (Associate Professor and The Associates Fellow in Finance) will serve as Acting Associate Dean, Research and Graduate Research Programs.
In this role, Dr. Liao will advance research excellence, culture, exchange, and funding for and with Asper School of Business faculty, as well as leading the Master of Science and PhD programs in Management at the Stu Clark Graduate School.
Dr. Liao’s research in household finance and behavioural finance has been published in leading finance and entrepreneurship journals and featured in publications and media outlets including the Wall Street Journal, CNBC, the Winnipeg Free Press, Global News and CTV News.
“I’m looking forward to supporting our faculty in advancing their research and fostering a strong research culture at Asper. Building on the great work Suzanne has done, I’m excited to contribute to the MSc and PhD programs and help develop the next generation of business scholars,” said Dr. Liao.
As Dean Silvestre points out, “It is incredible to work in an environment with so many passionate and skilled leaders, and I am confident in the insight, consistency, and rigour that both Suzanne and Chi will bring to these appointments during this period.”